Highlights of Ostrich Kingdom
- The farm is home to many large birds, including ostriches and emus, as well as a variety of other animals.
- Visitors can feed the animals and, where permitted, enter designated enclosures to interact with them at close range.
- Food and products made using ostrich eggs and meat are also available as part of the unique experience.
Discover the Fascinating Ostrich
The World’s Largest Bird
The ostrich is the world’s largest living bird and is instantly recognizable by its long neck, powerful legs, and impressive size. An adult ostrich can reach approximately 2.5 meters in height and weigh up to around 150 kilograms.
Despite being unable to fly, ostriches are exceptionally fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to approximately 70 kilometers per hour and are capable of maintaining a fast pace over considerable distances.
Ostrich Eggs and Breeding
Ostrich eggs are remarkably large, weighing around 1.3 kilograms each. Ostriches can lay approximately 40 eggs per year, and during the laying season from spring through autumn, visitors may sometimes have the opportunity to observe an ostrich laying an egg.
Animals Other Than Ostriches
Ostrich Kingdom is home to much more than its namesake birds. Visitors can encounter a diverse collection of animals, making the farm an enjoyable destination for families and animal lovers.
Mammals
- Alpacas
- Capybaras
- Sheep
- Goats
- Donkeys
- Ponies
Birds and Reptiles
- Emus
- Ducks
- Peafowl
- Chickens
- Owls
- Macaws
- Snakes
- Lizards
Depending on the animal, visitors can enjoy activities such as feeding, taking photographs, and riding ponies. Some experiences or animal enclosures may require an additional fee, but they offer an opportunity to interact with the animals from an especially close distance.
A Relaxing Escape into Nature
The spacious farm provides a refreshing break from everyday life. Under open skies and surrounded by fresh air, visitors can enjoy an unusual outdoor experience while watching the animals behave naturally.
The curious ostriches and other friendly animals create an atmosphere that is particularly enjoyable for families with children, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing experience surrounded by nature.
Mobile Zoo Activities
Ostrich Kingdom also operates a mobile zoo, bringing animals to events and communities outside the farm.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, the organization also participated in volunteer activities in disaster-affected communities, including Natori and Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture and Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture. Through these activities, it has continued to contribute to local communities while bringing opportunities to interact with animals to people in different areas.
The mobile zoo also participates in various events, particularly throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
The Former Sodegaura Farm
The former Sodegaura Farm in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, closed on November 30, 2020. The closure followed the effects of a major typhoon the previous year as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility was subsequently taken over by a new owner and reopened under the name Sodegaura Fureai Dobutsu-en, giving the site a new beginning as an animal interaction facility.
Visitor Information
Location and Access
Ostrich Kingdom Ishioka Farm
Address: 14052 Hannoki, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 0299-23-2245
Opening Hours
- 10:00–16:30
- October–February: Closes at 16:00
- Closed: The second Wednesday of each month, except during August and when the day falls on a public holiday
Admission
- Junior high school students and older: ¥1,200
- Children aged 3 and older: ¥700
Experience the World of Ostriches
Ostrich Kingdom offers a memorable combination of animal encounters, outdoor recreation, and learning. Its large ostrich population is the main attraction, but the variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles means that there is plenty to discover throughout the farm.
From feeding animals and taking photographs to observing the remarkable size and speed of ostriches, visitors can enjoy experiences that are difficult to find at a conventional zoo. The farm’s mobile zoo and community activities also extend its connection with people beyond its own grounds.
For travelers exploring Ibaraki Prefecture, Ostrich Kingdom is an unusual and family-friendly destination where you can step away from the ordinary sightseeing route and enjoy close encounters with some of Japan’s most distinctive animals.