Discover the All-Day Charm of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Boasting around 450 species, it’s the largest in Japan!

The zoo area is not only a place to enjoy seeing popular animals like koalas, Asian elephants, western lowland gorillas, and red pandas, but also a facility rich in various educational exhibits and events where you can learn about animals and the environment. A key highlight of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the presence of many rare animals, including endangered species, with efforts focused on species conservation, such as breeding programs. For example, each enclosure is tailored to the animals’ ecosystems and environments, allowing visitors to learn about their history and ecology while observing them.

The zoo also offers animal lecture tours led by commentators and volunteer guides, providing detailed explanations about the animals based on various themes. Additionally, unique exhibits like the ‘World of Medaka Pavilion,’ where you can encounter natural monument fish, are a must-see and unlike anything else in the world!

Approximately 7,000 Plant Species Leveraging Natural Terrain: Enjoying the Emotions of the Four Seasons

The botanical garden area, featuring about 7,000 species of plants, takes full advantage of the natural forest’s undulating terrain. Here, you can enjoy the changing emotions of the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and camellias in winter. The ‘Greenhouse’ is particularly a must-see! Comprising the ‘Front House’ (zenkan), open since the garden’s inception, and the ‘Back House’ (koukan), gradually established since 1960, they showcase a variety of plants, including beautiful flowers and unusual leaves from tropical and subtropical climates. Notably, the ‘Front House,’ Japan’s oldest public greenhouse and designated as an Important Cultural Property, was fully restored and reopened in 2021. This space now presents a retro yet beautiful atmosphere, adorned with precious plants cultivated since the garden’s opening. Please enjoy the harmonious blend of the beautiful appearance, once hailed as ‘the best crystal palace in the East,’ and the diverse greenhouse plants

New Animal Enclosures Open in 2023! Observe Wildlife Up Close

In July 2023, new enclosures opened for endangered species from Southeast Asian tropical rainforests, including the ‘Sumatran Tiger,’ ‘Sumatran Orangutan,’ and ‘Malayan Tapir,’ followed in October by the ‘Jaguar,’ a top predator in the South American ecosystem. Each new facility features a spacious, three-dimensional exhibition space that encourages the animals’ natural behaviors and offers powerful viewing experiences. The buildings, inspired by the animals’ native habitats, are equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable environment for the animals.

In these new facilities, by recreating the environment of their natural habitats, animals can enjoy a comfortable stay. The spacious and three-dimensional exhibition spaces encourage the animals’ natural movements, providing powerful viewing experiences. Through the viewing tunnels, guests can enjoy observing the animals up close, separated only by glass.

Don’t Miss the Merchandise and Gourmet Offerings at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens!

The park features a wide array of unique merchandise available only here, including popular animal plush toys and original goods that adorably replicate animal features. Shops like ‘Welcome to Zoobo’s Forest’ and ‘Zoobo Gate’ are popular stops, offering goods of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ official mascot ‘Zoobo’ and other trending products. Moreover, ‘ZOOASIS’ in the zoo area is a food court full of surprises and delicious offerings! Across seven stores, divided into West and East sections, you can enjoy Nagoya specialties and animal-themed menus. Additionally, there are relaxing cafes and ‘Garden Terrace Higashiyama’ in the botanical garden area, where you can enjoy a special time surrounded by flowers from around the world.