Nasu Animal Kingdom — Interactive Highland Zoo

**Must-see shows:** The Bird Performance Show (eagles, hawks, owls flying over the audience, landing on trainers' arms) is the highlight — runs daily 11:00 & 14:00, 20 min. The Sheepdog Show (border collies herding sheep) is charming and demonstrates real working-dog skills (13:00 daily). The Sea Lion & Penguin Show (diving, ball tricks) is family-oriented but well-executed (12:00 daily). **Interactive experiences:** Pay extra (¥500–1,000) for hands-on encounters: hold an owl (weight on your arm, photo op), feed alpacas (they are gentle and slightly sassy), pet capybaras (they are surprisingly chill), or ride a horse around the pasture (15 min, ¥1,500). These are managed carefully — animals are rotated to avoid stress. **Capybara onsen (winter only):** From December to March, the park hosts capybara onsen — capybaras soaking in hot spring water, looking blissful. It is absurdly cute and popular with photographers. Best viewing 11:00–14:00 when the water is warmest. **Walking route:** Start in the Town area (indoor exhibits, penguins, cats), then take the free tractor-bus to the Farm area (10-min ride through pastures). Watch the Bird Performance Show, then explore the alpaca and kangaroo fields. Return via tractor-bus or walk (15 min downhill). **Food:** The park's BBQ restaurant (Barbecue Forest) serves grilled Tochigi beef and sausages (¥2,000–3,000 per person, advance reservation recommended). Otherwise, the café near the entrance has curry, sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream. **Combine with:** After the zoo, visit Nasu Onsen (20 min by car) for a hot spring soak. Or explore Nasu Kogen's dairy farms and cheese shops (nearby).