Visit Japan Web Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a popular tourist destination in Nagoya. It attracts one of the largest numbers of visitors among all zoos in Japan. Despite its location in the city, it offers rich natural surroundings.
Established in 1937, it is one of the largest attractions in Asia, featuring a botanical garden and an amusement park. The zoo houses more than 450 species, the largest number in Japan. The botanical gardens showcase wild flora, a greenhouse, insect hall, and a Japanese garden. The Higashiyama Sky Tower provides visitors with a panoramic view of Nagoya, along with a restaurant located 100 meters above ground.
The zoo gained international attention due to its resident gorilla Shabani, known for his perceived attractiveness. While Shabani is a must-see, the zoo and gardens offer much more for visitors to explore.
Explore the zoo and encounter popular koalas, elephants, and the rare giant anteater, as well as around 30 varieties of medaka Japanese killifish. Stroll through the grounds to spot lions, giraffes, red pandas, raccoons, and more.
Venture into the expansive botanical gardens, one of the largest in Asia, and admire the thoughtful integration of the surrounding forest. Visit Japan’s oldest public greenhouse and a traditional thatched Gassho-zukuri house from Shirakawa-go. In spring, savor one of Nagoya’s top cherry blossom locations.
The gardens are vast, so consider a visit to the Higashiyama Sky Tower for a panoramic view of the zoo, gardens, and the surrounding area from atop Mt. Higashiyama.
