Tochigi Residents Only! A Special Week to Celebrate Residents' Day (Tochigi Residents Discount)

Gunma Safari Park, operated by Gunma Safari World Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, Representative Director: Shoichi Kikuchi), a facility offering authentic safari experiences, will host the "Tochigi Residents Appreciation Week (Residents Discount)" for one week from Saturday, June 13, 2026, to Sunday, June 21, 2026 (closed on June 16th and 17th), as a special token of gratitude to the residents of Tochigi Prefecture.

[Event Overview]

Monday, June 15th, during the Tochigi Residents Appreciation Week, is Tochigi Residents' Day. This day commemorates the merger of the former Tochigi Prefecture and Utsunomiya Prefecture on this day in 1873 (Meiji 6), forming the prefecture in its approximate current form, and was established in 1985 (Showa 60). In Tochigi Prefecture, it is defined as "a day for residents to deepen their understanding and interest in their homeland, foster a sense of unity and self-governance as residents, and build a richer homeland," and is a cherished anniversary for the residents.

Gunma Safari Park is naming this one-week period, including this special day, as "Tochigi Residents Appreciation Week" and will welcome residents of Tochigi Prefecture with heartfelt special discounts.

[Deep Connection Between Tochigi and Gunma]

Tochigi Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture share a deep historical connection. During the Edo period, the "Nikko Reishi Kaido" (Nikko Imperial Envoy Road), which connected Kuragaoka in Gunma to Nikko in Tochigi, was a historic route used by imperial envoys to offer silk fabrics to the Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. This road traversed both prefectures, and through the movement of travelers and goods, it has bound Gunma and Tochigi for many years.

In particular, the raw silk and silk fabrics of Gunma, including those from Tomioka City where our park is located, were distributed through silk markets along the Reishi Kaido. They formed the foundation of industries that supported Japan's modernization, transported from Tochigi to all parts of the country. Tomioka Silk Mill (Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture) was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2014 as part of the "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites," conveying the historical ties between the two prefectures connected by the road to this day. We invite you to enjoy an authentic safari experience while feeling this connection.

[Tochigi Residents Discount Prices and Purchase Method]

During the period, by presenting identification that confirms residency in Tochigi Prefecture, admission fees will be offered at a special price: free for children (elementary school age and below) and a 1,000 yen discount for adults. This discount applies only to the "admission fee" when entering by private car; options such as the park's tour bus, guided tours, and various experience fees are not eligible. Tickets can be purchased at the counter on the day of your visit, but advance purchase through the official website is recommended to alleviate congestion.

In the lush green safari zone of early summer, experience a thrilling time with powerful wild animals such as lions, giraffes, Sumatran elephants (the only ones of their kind in Japan at our park), and white tigers (the largest population in Japan) at Gunma Safari Park, where they live vibrant lives. We sincerely look forward to welcoming the residents of Tochigi Prefecture.

Details of Tochigi Residents Appreciation Week

Event Period

Saturday, June 13, 2026 - Sunday, June 21, 2026 (excluding closed days on June 16th and 17th)

Location

Gunma Safari Park (1 Okamoto, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture)

Usage Conditions

Please present identification proving residency in Tochigi Prefecture (e.g., driver's license, My Number card).

* Presenting ID for one representative will apply to the entire group.

Discount Target

Admission fee only

Options such as park tour bus and various experience fees are not eligible for the discount.

Purchase Method

Official website (advance purchase recommended) or purchase at the counter on the day.

For details on the Tochigi Residents Discount and ticket purchases, please check the official Gunma Safari Park website.

Gunma Safari Park (Official) https://safari.co.jp/

Purchase tickets here:

Discounted Admission Fees (Tax Included)

Category

Regular Price

Discounted Price

Remarks

Adult (Junior high school age and above)

3,200 yen

2,200 yen

1,000 yen off

Child (Elementary school age and below)

1,600 yen

0 yen

Full discount

Senior (65 years and above)

2,800 yen

2,200 yen

Adult price applied

About Tochigi Residents' Day

Tochigi Residents' Day (June 15th) is an anniversary established to commemorate the formation of the current Tochigi Prefecture through the merger of the former Tochigi Prefecture and Utsunomiya Prefecture in 1873 (Meiji 6). It was officially established in 1985 (Showa 60) and is defined as "a day for residents to deepen their understanding and interest in their homeland, foster a sense of unity and self-governance as residents, and build a richer homeland." Ceremonies and events are held at the prefectural office, making it a widely cherished anniversary for the residents of Tochigi Prefecture.

We hope that this Appreciation Week will provide an opportunity to reconnect with the historical ties fostered between Gunma and Tochigi through the Nikko Reishi Kaido.

About Gunma Safari Park

Gunma Safari Park is an authentic free-range zoo where approximately 100 species and 1,000 animals live. It offers opportunities to interact with a wide variety of animals and experience a safari. With attractions like the park's tour bus, walking safari, and interaction park, it is an ideal destination for families.

In recent years, the park has been actively involved in tourism experiences utilizing digital technology and regional collaboration projects.

White Tigers: 11 individuals, the largest population in Japan

Sumatran Elephants: The only ones kept in Japan at our park