Higashiyama Zoo

The Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture is famous for the handsome gorilla "Shabani," who has become a hot topic on TV and social media. Shabani is a male western lowland gorilla, and many people visit to see his beautiful appearance. Since arriving at the Higashiyama Zoo in 2007, he has grown to become the boss of the group, with two wives and two children. He is very popular and loved throughout Japan, appearing in H.I.S. tour promotions and on product packaging. Why not stop by and visit him when you visit the Higashiyama Zoo?

At Higashiyama Zoo, the "walk-in" method is used, which allows visitors to get closer to the birds without any fences. Birds such as peacocks and crested ibises can be observed up close. In addition, many types of birds are allowed to roam free, allowing visitors to see their natural behavior up close, with parrots and pheasants flying freely. There are also events and exhibits where visitors can learn about the habits and ecology of the birds. The birds at Higashiyama Zoo can be enjoyed with all five senses, from their chirping and flapping sounds to their colorful feathers, making them a must-see attraction for travelers!

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses red pandas. Although they are sometimes called "pandas" due to their cute appearance, they are not bears but rather animals belonging to the raccoon family. The red pandas at the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens have a gentle personality and live a relaxed life. Their main diet consists of bamboo, and they are given bamboo leaves at the zoo, allowing them to live a natural lifestyle. Due to their adorable appearance and gentle personality, the red pandas at the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are very popular among tourists. We recommend visiting the park to see these cute red pandas!

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a vast park with a lush greenery, and the botanical garden features the oldest existing public greenhouse in Japan, the "Zenkantei," where you can enjoy viewing a variety of greenhouse plants. In 2022, the Zenkantei will be restored to its original appearance when it opened in 1937, offering a beautiful sight to behold. The garden boasts a colorful array of flowers that bloom in different seasons, captivating visitors. In particular, the rose garden showcases around 200 varieties of roses, making for an impressive sight. Additionally, the garden is home to a wide variety of plants, allowing visitors to observe various plants while strolling through the park. Moreover, the garden has many exhibition facilities. At the Natural Animal Museum, you can see unique animals such as the Binturong and the Giant Anteater, while the World Medaka Pavilion is a display facility specializing in medaka, which is unparalleled in the world, attracting attention from aquarium enthusiasts. The garden provides a printable illustrated map of the park on its official website, allowing visitors to efficiently navigate through the park. Why not visit and see the beautiful flowers, rare plants, and animals throughout the seasons?

At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, various events are held throughout the seasons. In spring, there is the "Spring Festival," in summer, the "Night ZOO & GARDEN" (open at night), in autumn, the "Maple Leaf Viewing," and in winter, the "New Year's Event." These events feature special exhibits of animals, limited edition merchandise, and food booths. In particular, the night opening event allows you to enjoy a fantastic night zoo and is a popular event for both adults and children. For travelers, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an attractive spot where you can experience interaction with animals and feel the seasons away from your daily life.