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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a large-scale comprehensive facility located within Higashiyama Park in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, and combines a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park, and Higashiyama Sky Tower. It opened as a zoo in 1937 (Showa 12) and has since expanded into its current form, which also includes a botanical garden. Over the years, it has been popular not only with Nagoya residents but also with visitors from Japan and abroad.
The zoo's unique feature is that it offers a wide variety of animal exhibits and seasonal flower and tree highlights all on the same site. It is equipped with animal ecology exhibits, petting facilities, a large greenhouse, easy-to-understand plant classifications, and a sky tower with a panoramic view of the city, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families and couples to those just strolling alone.
Highlights
- Large animal exhibit:Exhibits include the standard large mammals such as elephants, lions, tigers, and giraffes. In the spacious exhibition space, you can often see them in a relatively natural state.
- Primates and apes area:This exhibit makes it easy to observe the behavior of gorillas, chimpanzees, etc. There is also a facility where animals move between indoors and outdoors, so you can see them being active at the appropriate time.
- Children's Zoo (Interaction Area):This is a corner where you can interact with small animals. There are sometimes feeding experiences and explanatory events for children (please check the times and dates).
- Botanical garden/greenhouse:There are greenhouses for tropical and subtropical plants, gardens and orchards where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons, and plenty of seasonal attractions such as cherry blossoms, roses, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves.
- Insect museum and bird exhibit:You can see insect specimens, ecological exhibits, and a variety of birds up close (exhibits are subject to change).
- Higashiyama Sky Tower:The observation tower in the park offers a panoramic view of Nagoya city and the seasonal scenery. It is also a popular photo spot.
- Event and commentary program:With regular zookeeper talks, seasonal events and special exhibits, you'll have both educational and entertaining fun.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- subway:It is accessible on foot from Higashiyama Koen Station or Ikeshita Station on the Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya Municipal Subway. The park entrance is relatively close from Higashiyama Koen Station, and you can also walk or take a bus from Ikeshita Station.
- City bus:There are bus routes from Nagoya Station and Sakae to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Please check the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau for route and timetable information.
- car:There is a paid parking lot within the park, but it tends to fill up on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend arriving early. The surrounding roads are also often congested.
- By bicycle or on foot:It has been developed as a walking route from the surrounding area, and many local residents visit by bicycle or on foot.
- *Please check the official website in advance for the latest access information (travel time from the station, bus routes, parking lot opening hours, etc.).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- A leisurely tour of the main animal exhibits and botanical garden highlights: 3-4 hours (half day)
- If you want to take your time to look at the exhibits and events, and take breaks in the park: Half a day to a full day (4 to 7 hours)
- If you are traveling with small children and would like to spend more time interacting with them, having lunch, and taking breaks: A full-day plan is recommended.
Nearby spots
- Higashiyama Sky Tower (inside or adjacent to the park) — View, cafe, and photo spot
- Walking trails around Higashiyama Park - A walking course where you can enjoy nature and scenery
- Hoshigaoka Terrace (Hoshigaoka area) - Shopping and dining area (within walking and bus distance)
- A convenient base for accessing other tourist spots in Nagoya City - easy travel to Sakae and Nagoya Station
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion:The park is extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, during the cherry blossom season in spring, Golden Week, summer vacation, and during the autumn foliage season. During these busy times, parking lots may fill up, and you may have to wait in line to enter the park and to view the exhibits.
- Manners:Feeding or touching the animals is prohibited in many places. Please follow the instructions and notices from staff, refrain from flash photography, and refrain from shouting, and observe quietly.
- Weather and clothing:The garden is hilly and there is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. In summer, take measures against the strong sunlight and heat (a hat and plenty of fluids), and in winter, wear warm clothing. It can get humid inside the greenhouse.
- Strollers and wheelchairs:There are barrier-free paths and facilities, but there are also slopes and steps in some areas, so it's a good idea to check the route in advance. If there are any rental facilities within the park, please check the official website.
- Opening information:Some exhibits may not be open due to temporary closures, the suspension of some exhibits, or events being held. Please check the official website for information on admission times, closing days, and event schedules for the day.
- Garbage and smoking:There are rules within the park, such as separating trash and smoking in designated areas. Please be considerate of others by putting trash in the designated area and taking any trash from your seat with you.
- Changes in animal condition:For the health of the animals, exhibits may be suddenly closed or moved indoors. Checking the latest information before visiting will increase your chances of seeing the animals you want to see.
(Note) Opening hours, admission fees, event information, etc. may be subject to change. Please check the official Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens website or the Nagoya City information page for the latest information before visiting.
