Campbelltown Forest of Wild Birds

Description

You know how there’s some places that you find on a map, look a bit closer, and then they just keep surprising you? Campbelltown Forest of Wild Birds is pretty much like that. I’ve seen my fair share of zoos and bird parks, but this spot in Saitama really does have a distinct charm, partly because it strikes this fine balance between being accessible and feeling, well, a little wild. There’s this fresh-air buzz the minute you walk in—a feeling like you’ve stumbled into a world where the birds run the show and you’re just politely observing.

If you’re even a little bit into birds (and who isn’t at least a tiny bit, when you see a cockatoo wave or a rainbow parrot up close?), the place feels like a mini adventure. Families—especially those carting energetic kids—find the Forest of Wild Birds to be a happy playground. It isn’t all shrieking parrots and fluttering feathers though. There’s plenty of moments for a quiet wander along green paths, admiring particularly kawaii (yup, seriously cute) animals, and catching your breath under the trees.

Now, don’t expect a world-class mega-zoo with high-tech bells and whistles—this place feels small, local, and unpretentious. You’ll find a collection of bird species, some quite common in Japan, others more rare. The atmosphere is casual, warm, and, to use the local expression, iyashikei—a soothing, healing escape from the city bustle. But (and this is important if you’re hauling a pram or if anyone in your party uses a wheelchair), the folks here have clearly thought about accessibility at every turn, which always earns big points in my book.

Let’s be real—no place is perfect, and the Forest of Wild Birds isn’t either. Some enclosures show a bit of age, and on crowded days, you’ll need to wield some patience when waiting for turns in front of the more popular birds. But the staff? Super friendly and genuinely happy to chat about the animals. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes hanging out somewhere that local families frequent (instead of just the Instagram-famous icons), then this is your scene. It’s a spot you go to actually relax, watch, learn a thing or two, and leave with a lighter mood.

Key Features

• Home to a diverse variety of wild birds (from flashy parrots to serene doves) and several small mammals
• Quaint, human-scale layout—feeling almost like a giant backyard bird sanctuary
• Easy, stroller and wheelchair friendly paths with clear signage (English isn’t everywhere, but it’s not hard to get your bearings)
• Characteristically cute (kawaii!) animal residents—kids will adore the petting areas
• Interactive feeding times (bring a few coins and you’ll be everyone’s favorite guest, at least among the birds)
• Family-oriented atmosphere—staff encourage hands-on animal encounters, safely
• Shaded benches and picnic spots under tall trees—ideal for a break or homemade bento lunch
• Spotless restrooms and plenty of washbasins (parents, you’ll appreciate the handy handwashing stations near the animal areas)
• Parking area right by the entrance and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users
• Relatively low admission fee, making it an easy add-on to your Tokyo-area day trips

Something I always tell my friends: bring extra memory on your phone or camera. Between the gentle peacock parades, snowy owls fluffing their feathers, and kids’ cheeks flushed with excitement, you end up snapping way more photos than you expect.

Best Time to Visit

So, you’re probably wondering—when is it truly worth making the pilgrimage out here? I’ve done spring, summer, and autumn visits, and honestly? Each season puts its own stamp on the experience.

If you can swing it, go in spring—say March through early May—as the sakura start popping along walkways and the air gets lively. Birds seem chattier (I swear you can almost feel their happiness!), and there’s something invigorating about fresh foliage all around. Summer brings lush greenery, but—heads up—it can get Tokyo-level steamy by midday. Early mornings or late afternoons solve that problem, though, and you’ll find it’s quieter outside school holidays.

Autumn is a low-key favorite; the whole park is dappled with reds and yellows, and the air feels gentle, not biting like winter. Honestly, winter visits have their own charm too. Fewer crowds, crisp air, and the birds looking especially fluffy. I’d skip rainy days since the loveliest parts are outside, and, well, birds can only do so much in a drizzle.

Key tip: School holidays and weekends can get busier, so if you love lots of space (or you want the best selfie with that particularly proud cockatoo), aim for a weekday.

How to Get There

Let’s unpack this part, because even the most experienced traveler can get tripped up in suburban Japan. The Forest of Wild Birds is not exactly smack-dab in a downtown area, but that’s also why it’s such a hidden gem.

If you’re coming from Tokyo, take the train to Koshigaya Station (by the way, I still get a thrill every time I ride the local lines—so efficient!). From Koshigaya, taxis will get you to the entrance in under 15 minutes. Prefer to go all local? There’s a public bus running toward the park, but check schedules in advance—they can be a bit unpredictable.

Driving? Easy. There’s dedicated parking, even on busy days. And if your Japanese isn’t up to snuff, rest easy: people in this area are used to the odd lost foreign traveler, and hand gestures—and some dramatic bird impressions—go a long way.

Oh, and if you’re the cycling type (bless you), the ride out from central Koshigaya is pretty flat—a gentle adventure if you want to work up an appetite for those rice balls you packed.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan a couple of hours—It’s not massive, but there’s no sense in rushing. Sit, watch, and let the slower pace sink in.
• Bring water and snacks—There’s not a lot of food options on-site, especially for picky eaters or special diets. Picnicking is encouraged and fun!
• If you have kids, prepare them for the hands-on parts. Some animals like being touched, others, well, not so much. Little lessons in empathy everywhere you look.
• Wear comfy shoes—Paths are smooth but you’ll cover a good bit of ground while birdwatching or wrangling a toddler on the loose.
• Bring coins—Animal feed stations usually require change. It’s half the fun, but easy to forget until you see someone else doing it!
• Photography is a must, but also, don’t forget to pause to absorb the birdsong—nature’s concert, and it’s free.
• Respect the residents—Beneath all the “aww, so cute!” moments, these are living creatures. Follow the gentle reminders from staff, and you’ll be golden.
• Mind the weather—There’s some covered walkways but most is outdoors. Umbrella or one of those old-school raincoats if the forecast looks sketchy.
• If accessibility matters—Rest easy. Entrances and paths are well-planned, and you won’t face nasty surprises with stairs or high steps.
• Try to chat with staff—Language barriers aside, enthusiasm for birds needs no translation. Their eyes genuinely light up if you ask about their feathered friends.

I’ve always left Campbelltown Forest of Wild Birds a little happier than when I arrived. Maybe it’s those kawaii critters, maybe it’s the way the place feels genuinely welcoming to whoever wanders in. If you’re looking for a distinctly Japanese bird park that’s kept its homey vibe—even as word of mouth spreads—don’t skip this one. Go ahead, take the detour. You might find yourself smiling at a sunning turtle or giggling at a parrot’s antics, and remembering why a bit of wonder is so necessary these days.

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