Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The zoo is home to around 500 species of diverse animals, featuring popular residents like koalas, which have been loved since their first arrival in Japan, and Shabani, the "handsome" western lowland gorilla. Notably, the exhibits in the "African Forest" showcasing gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as one of Japan's largest Asian elephant enclosures, allow visitors to observe the animals' natural behaviors.
In the botanical garden, approximately 7,000 species of plants are displayed in seasonal landscapes. The large greenhouse, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is a highlight. Additionally, the "Sakura Corridor," featuring 100 varieties of 1,000 cherry blossom trees, and a beautiful Japanese garden with 60 varieties of 200 maple trees offer seasonal enjoyment.
The amusement park features 16 large attractions, each available for under 300 yen. The adjacent Higashiyama Sky Tower is also famous as an observation deck, providing panoramic views of Nagoya and even Mount Ontake from its 134-meter height.
With its diverse flora and fauna, beautiful seasonal scenery, fun amusement park, and stunning views, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a multifaceted appeal for people of all ages. Currently, a regeneration plan themed "Connecting Life – A Sustainable Global Environment for Future Generations" is in progress, further enhancing its charm.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Location
- 〒464-0804 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- Take the subway Higashiyama Line to "Higashiyama Park" Station and walk 3 minutes from Exit 3.
Take the subway Higashiyama Line to "Hoshigaoka" Station and walk 7 minutes from Exit 6.
*The botanical garden is more conveniently accessed from Hoshigaoka Station.* - Parking
- Regular cars: 800 yen (1,600 vehicles)
Buses: 2,000 yen (70 vehicles) - Business Hours
- 9:00 AM to 4:50 PM (Entry until 4:30 PM)
- Regular Holiday
- Every Monday (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday) and during the year-end and New Year period (December 29 to January 1).
- Fees
- Admission fee for the zoo and botanical garden:
Adults (high school students and older) 500 yen, free for middle school students and younger.
Residents of Nagoya City aged 65 and older: 100 yen. - Contact Information
- Phone Number：052-782-2111
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located in Nagoya City, is one of Japan’s largest comprehensive zoological and botanical gardens, boasting an expansive site of about 60 hectares. With a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park, and the Higashiyama Sky Tower, it is a popular destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy a full day of activities. It has the largest number of animal species in Japan, and one of the largest collections of plant exhibits in the country, allowing visitors to experience nature and animal life up close through the changing seasons.
1. The Appeal of the Zoo (Over 450 species, the largest number in Japan)
At Higashiyama Zoo, around 450 species of animals live here, making it the zoo with the largest number of species in Japan. From tiny medaka fish to impressive Asian elephants, visitors can observe a wide variety of living creatures.
◆ Popular Animals
• Shabani (Western lowland gorilla)
A nationally famous “handsome gorilla” who attracted widespread attention in Japan, captivating many visitors with his calm expression and dignified presence.
• Koala
A perennially popular animal since its first arrival in Japan in 1984, and visitors can observe its adorable appearance up close through the glass.
• Kieji, the siamang
Known for its clear, resonant calls and lively movements.
• Other highlights include giraffes, elephants, red pandas, snow leopards, otters, and Japanese wolves.
◆ Rare Animals
• Honey badger
• Mexican rabbit
• Somali wild ass
• Blue-and-yellow macaw
• Cayman rock iguana
• Tiume medaka
These are species that are very rarely exhibited in Japan, making them a must-see for animal lovers.
2. Notable Exhibits
◆ Asian Tropical Rainforest Area (developed and opened in 2023)
A themed exhibit area based on the tropical rainforests of Asia, developed and opened in 2023. It recreates a rainforest environment where visitors can learn about rich ecosystems and diverse animals.
◆ Forest of Africa (New Gorilla and Chimpanzee House)
• An exhibit that recreates a natural environment close to that of gorillas and chimpanzees
• Popular for the dynamic behavior seen from the “Gorilla Tower,” the tallest of its kind in Japan
• A well-developed exhibit where visitors can learn about ecology and habitats through the animals’ lively behavior
◆ ZOOsium, one of Japan’s largest Asian elephant habitats
In a spacious environment, visitors can observe the natural behavior and social nature of Asian elephants up close.
◆ Red Panda House (opened in 2021)
Visitors can enjoy seeing active and adorable red pandas up close, including when they eat apples.
◆ World Medaka Museum
This exhibit features a variety of medaka, freshwater fish, and fish designated as natural monuments, offering insight into the fascinating world of small creatures.
◆ Interaction Plaza / Bird and Squirrel Forest
Visitors can interact with goats and guinea pigs, and observe free-roaming birds and squirrels in a natural setting.
3. The Appeal of the Botanical Garden (Approximately 7,000 plant species on display)
This vast botanical garden makes use of the natural forests of the hilly terrain, allowing visitors to enjoy around 7,000 species of plants along with scenic seasonal landscapes.
◆ Great Greenhouse (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
• The oldest existing greenhouse in Japan
• A landmark architectural structure symbolizing Higashiyama Botanical Garden, housing many tropical plants
◆ Cherry Blossom Corridor
• A famous spot where about 100 varieties and 1,000 cherry trees color the spring landscape
• Visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for an extended period, from early-blooming to late-blooming varieties
◆ Autumn Foliage Spots (Okuike and the Japanese Garden)
In autumn, many trees around Okuike and the Japanese Garden turn brilliant colors, making this one of the city’s premier spots for autumn leaves.
◆ Other Highlights
• Plum grove
• Camellia garden
• Rose garden
• Seasonal flower fields
• A gassho-zukuri house relocated from the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go (interior open to the public)
The chance to enjoy nature and culture at the same time is another major attraction of Higashiyama Botanical Garden.
4. Amusement Park Area (16 large rides)
The amusement park adjacent to the zoo and botanical garden features 16 large rides that children can enjoy.
Most rides cost 300 yen or less, making it easy for families to use.
5. Higashiyama Sky Tower (134 m tall)
From the 134-meter-tall Higashiyama Sky Tower, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Nagoya City, and on clear days, even Mt. Ontake can be seen in the distance. It is also a popular night-view spot.
6. A Full Calendar of Events
A wide variety of events are held throughout the year at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
• New Year events
• Halloween
• Valentine’s Day
• Christmas
• Spring Festival / Autumn Festival
• Autumn leaf viewing
◆ Night ZOO (summer event)
In summer, the nighttime opening event “Night ZOO” is held, allowing visitors to enjoy the animals’ nighttime behavior, which differs from what can be seen during the day. The fantastical atmosphere created by animal art illumination and light-up displays is also part of the appeal.
7. Zubo, the Higashiyama Fairy
Introduced in 2013, Zubo is a fairy said to live in the forests of Higashiyama. Appearing mainly on weekends and holidays, Zubo is beloved by children and visitors alike.
8. Summary of the Appeal of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• An overwhelming scale with over 450 animal species and around 7,000 plant species
• High-quality exhibits such as one of Japan’s largest Asian elephant habitats and the Forest of Africa
• Opportunities to encounter rare animals seldom exhibited in Japan
• Beautiful seasonal nature, including cherry blossoms and autumn leaves
• An amusement park and sky tower on site, making it too extensive to explore in just one day
• Ongoing development under the theme “Connecting Life — Passing a Sustainable Global Environment to the Next Generation”
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens continues to be loved by people of all ages as one of Nagoya’s signature sightseeing destinations, as well as a place for learning and relaxation.
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