Shaboten Zoo

The "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" has become a winter tradition in Izu and is held annually from November to April. During this period, there is one bath per day on weekdays and two baths per day on weekends and holidays. Just watching the capybaras relaxing in the hot springs is soothing and heartwarming. Depending on the season, you can also see them soaking in yuzu baths with yuzu fruit. The "Capybara Open-Air Bath" was first held in 1982 when the caretakers were cleaning using hot water and noticed the capybaras relaxing in the hot spring puddles with their feet and buttocks. It has been held every year since then and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Many capybaras bathe with their families, and the sight of parents and children bathing together is heartwarming.

"Animal Boat Tours" is a rare tour in Japanese zoos where you can observe animals while boating around the pond that has nine small and large islands and coastlines in the center of the park. It's a valuable tour that makes you feel like you're exploring. You can see various kinds of monkeys such as squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys on each island, and flamingos and capybaras living on the coast. There are two courses for the Animal Boat Tours: the "One Round Course" where you can listen to the guide's explanation while circling the pond, and the "Monkey Island Landing Course" where you can land on one of the islands and feed the monkeys. Both courses are first-come, first-served, so early reservations are recommended for those who wish to participate.

At Izu Shaboten Park, around 1500 types of cacti and succulent plants from all over the world are cultivated. There are many rare types of cacti that are not often seen, making it a must-visit spot for cactus enthusiasts. A large Highland Dragon greets visitors at the entrance to the greenhouse, where cacti are displayed by area and theme, including the Mexico Pavilion, Madagascar Pavilion, Forest Cactus Pavilion, South America Pavilion, and Africa Pavilion. It's an impressive sight! At the "Cactus Hunting Workshop" located at the end of the five greenhouses, you can choose your favorite cactus or succulent plant and pot to create a lovely arrangement to take home.

In the park, approximately 140 species of animals live, including peacocks and squirrel monkeys that are allowed to roam freely, providing visitors with the opportunity to see them up close. Additionally, there are plenty of interactive programs, such as feeding experiences, available at each exhibit. Be sure to check out the "Animal Show," which is held once a day on weekdays and twice a day on weekends and holidays during peak seasons.

Starting in 2022, the zipline feeding experience allows you to manually feed the llamas on the hilltop by attaching snacks to clips on a rope suspended about 10 meters in the air, as it's not possible to feed them directly. Along the way up the rope, there are "panda goats" and sheep, so you can enjoy the excitement of trying not to drop the snacks or have them eaten by other animals before reaching the llamas. Come and challenge yourself to this unique feeding experience.

The "Forest Animal Restaurant ~GIBBONTEI~" at Izu Shaboten Park is a must-visit spot where you can enjoy meals with giant stuffed toys of capybaras and lesser pandas seated at each table. The menu includes cute and photogenic dishes such as the "Capybara Burger" and duck omurice. Definitely make it a part of your travel memories!

The official hotel of Izu Shaboten Park, "Izu Shaboten Village," located right next to the park, is an accommodation facility where you can enjoy glamping in a setting equipped with facilities like a hotel, including dome tents, bathrooms, toilets, and air conditioning in all rooms. For dinner, you can enjoy a barbecue of meat and seafood on a private deck, while the next morning, you can enjoy sandwiches, soup, yogurt, and more made with plenty of local vegetables while looking up at Mt. Oomuro. There is also an open-air bath available. After enjoying Izu Shaboten Park to the fullest, why not indulge in glamping and enjoy your trip to Izu?