Cuddle a Kinkajou in Kawagoe: Inside Bamboo Palm, Saitama’s Secret Animal Encounter

If you’ve ever dreamed of cuddling a kinkajou, playing with a seal, or locking eyes with a curious tropical bird, there’s a place tucked away in Kawagoe, Saitama that might just steal your heart. Bamboo Palm isn’t your average zoo or animal cafe. It’s quirky, personal, and surprisingly healing.

I visited Bamboo Palm because of my love for seals. Sadly, the seal was unavailable that day due to treatment—a slight disappointment, but one that quickly faded thanks to the sheer charm of the other residents and the unusual, cozy atmosphere of the place.

What is Bamboo Palm?

Bamboo Palm is a reservation-only animal encounter facility in Saitama that lets you get up close and personal with over 30 species of rare and exotic animals. It blends the intimacy of a petting zoo with the unexpected charm of an animal-themed Airbnb. From wallabies and fennec foxes to owls and hawks, the lineup is as varied as it is surprising. But the real stars are the lesser-known creatures like kinkajous, bushbabies, and even a seal who (on most days) is known for giving gentle kisses.

What sets Bamboo Palm apart is how unpretentious and personal it feels. Guests move between rooms that feel like someone’s lived-in countryside home, complete with tatami mats, sliding doors, and the comforting messiness of everyday life. The main entrance has a few quirky, kitschy touches—like a skeleton on a bench—but the majority of the space is simple and homey rather than staged or artificial. And yet, that authenticity creates the perfect setting for relaxed, mutual interaction between humans and animals. You’re not just observing them—you’re bonding with them in a space where they seem genuinely happy to be with you.

The Story Behind Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm was founded in 2018 by Masuda Shingo with a simple but heartfelt mission: to create a healing space where people could connect with animals. Interestingly, the space was originally built as a stage for the owner’s mother to perform hula dancing. The wooden deck that once hosted performances gradually transformed into a fully operational animal encounter facility. It wasn’t born from a corporate plan but from a love of animals and the idea that animal interactions can bring joy, calm, and comfort.

Throughout its history, Bamboo Palm has remained focused on animal welfare. It isn’t just about giving guests a fun experience; it’s about creating an environment where animals feel safe, relaxed, and appreciated. The small-group reservation policy ensures animals aren’t stressed by crowds, and thoughtful measures like heated floors, scheduled rest periods, and sanitation practices all reflect a deep respect for the animals’ needs.

Why Bamboo Palm is Worth a Visit

1. Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere

Unlike large zoos, Bamboo Palm operates on a strict reservation-only and limited-capacity basis. This means no crowds, no lines, and no rushing. It felt like having a private appointment with the animals. Once your time is up, you can simply leave without checking out. It’s that casual.

2. Rare Animal Encounters

You’re not just looking at animals—you’re holding, feeding, and sometimes even getting nuzzled by them. During my visit, I got to meet Bamboo, a vibrant and curious toucan. It hopped across the floor, flew around the room, and observed us with comical intensity. It felt like we were guests in its living room.

3. Cuddling a Kinkajou

The absolute highlight of my visit was cuddling Ringo-chan, a golden-brown kinkajou who was incredibly soft and content to curl up in my arms. She was so relaxed it felt like holding a sleepy baby bear. In the same room was Momo-chan, an Alpine marmot, who was peacefully dozing off on the floor. The whole atmosphere was so calm that it rubbed off on us, too.

4. Great for Families and Animal Lovers

While it’s particularly magical for kids aged 7 and up, adults and couples will find plenty to love here. It’s perfect for people who appreciate animals in a more personal and respectful setting.

5. Instagrammable and Meaningful

Yes, it’s a great spot for photos. But it’s also an emotionally rich experience, one that encourages slow interaction and observation rather than just snapping and leaving.

My Experience at Bamboo Palm

My friends and I visited Bamboo Palm after a food crawl around Kawagoe. We hailed a taxi because the facility is located quite off-grid. As we neared the destination, the road narrowed significantly, bordered by wide-open fields. Our driver eventually had to stop at the closest point because a tractor was approaching from the opposite direction, causing a bit of a traffic standstill. The moment was unintentionally hilarious—as the driver circled back past us, we exchanged smiles and polite bows. It already felt like we were entering a different world.

When we got off, my first thought was: “Whoa, we’re really in the countryside.” You couldn’t even tell an animal facility was nearby. It looked just like a regular residential area surrounded by farmland.

The exterior gave no clues, but once inside, we were greeted with the sight of eccentric, kitschy decor—including a human skeleton seated on a bench. One of my friends nervously asked, “Why is there a skeleton there?” It made me think the people running this place must be delightfully quirky.

Because it’s a family-run business, there was no staff at the entrance. We entered through a narrow side door into an outdoor area where a few animals were kept in fenced spaces. After a few minutes, a staff member greeted us warmly and walked us through the process.

We were given a form to choose which animal experiences we wanted to try. After putting our things in the lockers, we started with our paid encounters.

Our first stop was inside a typical countryside home. Inside a tatami room, we were introduced to Bamboo the toucan. After a short briefing, Bamboo was let out of its cage and immediately began hopping around from person to person. It especially liked one of my friends and would hop onto him uninvited. Its habit of staring intently at people made us laugh more than once.

Next came Ringo-chan the kinkajou. She was curled up in a pouch inside an open cage. The staff handed her over to one of my friends, who cradled her like a baby. We each took turns holding her and giving her treats. She was so quiet and cuddly, it made me wonder if you could keep one as a pet. You could tell she liked being cuddled.

There was also a spirited bird in the room, some hamsters, and Momo-chan the Alpine marmot, who was let out to play but just stayed lying on the floor in a nap-like trance. We pet her gently, but she barely responded—which only made her more lovable.

After our paid sessions, we were free to roam. We saw owls, a pig, a sheep, ferrets, ducks, and even two turtles in a rather questionable mating attempt. The male turtle was very determined, but the female was interested in us humans instead.

By the time we left, I felt refreshed. There’s something therapeutic about being around animals in a space that feels like someone’s slightly weird but very cozy home. I genuinely want to return—not just to see the seal when it’s back, but to relive the easy warmth of the whole experience.

Animal Welfare at Bamboo Palm

If you’re concerned about how the animals are treated, rest assured. Bamboo Palm takes their well-being seriously:

• Small-group policy means the animals aren’t overwhelmed.
• Rest periods ensure no animal is overworked. If they need time off, they’re off-duty.
• Heated flooring keeps them comfortable, especially in winter.
• Sanitization and safety protocols (like masks and hand disinfection) protect both visitors and animals.

I was happy to see that all the animals looked relaxed, healthy, and very much at ease in their surroundings.

If you’re interested in donating money or supplies, check this page.

Practical Information

Hours

• Mon, Tue, Fri: 13:00–18:00
• Sat, Sun, Holidays: 11:00–18:00
• Closed: Wednesday & Thursday (except holidays)

Pricing

• Entry: ¥1,300 per adult per hour
• Animal tickets: ¥220–1,200 per animal (for approx. 5-minute interaction)

Payment

• Cash and credit card both accepted

Facilities

• Lockers available for belongings
• Restrooms and handwashing stations provided
• Trampoline (Paid option)

*Information is subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

How to Get There

By Car:

• 10 minutes from Kawagoe IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
• Free parking available, but the access road is narrow and can be challenging for larger vehicles

By Public Transport:

• Free shuttle available from Minami-Otsuka or Nishi-Kawagoe Stations (for groups of 2+ with a reservation)
• On our visit, we arrived by taxi and walked 30 minutes back to the station. The return walk was surprisingly pleasant, with open fields and blooming nanohana (rape blossoms) lining the route in spring.

Tips for Visitors

• Reserve in advance: Walk-ins are not allowed.
• Dress comfortably: Clothes might get animal hair or drool. Protective jackets are provided for some interactions.
• Be flexible: Not all animals are available at all times.
• Enjoy the weird decor: From skeletons to tropical vibes, it adds to the eccentric charm.

FAQ

A Place That Surprises and Warms the Heart

Bamboo Palm isn’t polished or conventional. But that’s part of what makes it feel special. It’s messy in a charming way, deeply personal, and quietly therapeutic. You don’t just see animals here—you share space with them. And in today’s world of fast-paced, checklist-style tourism, that kind of connection is rare.

So even if you’re like me and came for the seal but didn’t get to see it, don’t worry. You might just end up meeting Ringo-chan or Bamboo the toucan instead. And that, I promise, will stay with you long after you leave.