Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A vast park featuring a diverse zoo, beautiful botanical gardens, and a fun amusement area, offering great value and unique animal encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast park featuring a diverse zoo, beautiful botanical gardens, and a fun amusement area, offering great value and unique animal encounters.
"Affordable entry, close animal views, and unique rides make this a must-visit for families and animal lovers."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The park is very hilly with lots of steps. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Affordable entry fee :moneybag:
Combined tickets for the zoo and Sky Tower offer great value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Gorillas
Gorilla Enclosure
Witness the impressive Western Lowland Gorillas, including Shabani and his family, in their well-maintained habitat. :gorilla:
Adorable Koalas
Koala Enclosure
See the charming koalas, including Wattle and Holly's baby, as they munch on eucalyptus and interact. :koala:
Polar Bear Splash
Polar Bear Enclosure
Watch the powerful polar bears cool off with impressive dives and playful splashes in their pool. :polar_bear:
Unique Slope Shooter
Amusement Park Area
Experience the thrill of the Slope Shooter, a one-of-a-kind attraction known for its unique design. :roller_coaster:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Consider a Picnic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The park is very hilly with lots of steps. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Affordable entry fee :moneybag:
Combined tickets for the zoo and Sky Tower offer great value.
Bring a picnic mat :sandwich:
Weekends can be crowded; a mat is great for outdoor dining.
See baby koalas! :koala:
Adorable koala joeys are often visible, making for a heartwarming visit. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The park is very hilly with lots of steps. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Affordable entry fee :moneybag:
Combined tickets for the zoo and Sky Tower offer great value.
Bring a picnic mat :sandwich:
Weekends can be crowded; a mat is great for outdoor dining.
See baby koalas! :koala:
Adorable koala joeys are often visible, making for a heartwarming visit.
Gorilla family viewing :gorilla:
Don't miss the chance to see the charismatic gorilla family, including Shabani.
Amusement park rides :roller_coaster:
Enjoy unique rides like the Slope Shooter; pay per ride for flexibility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens for its affordability, diverse animal collection, and unique attractions like the Slope Shooter. The close proximity to animals and the value of combined tickets are frequently mentioned positives. However, the park's hilly terrain and potential crowds on weekends are noted drawbacks.
"This is my 2nd visit to this Amusement park & Zoo.
The park was actually really busy, but today is a Sunday, so lots of families were out enjoying the Autumn sun.
The ride and attraction area is very well kept with reasonable prices. I paid per ride and it worked out better as I only wanted to ride 5 attractions.
There were plenty of vending machines, a gift shop and food.
Be aware, it's very hilly with a lot of steps!
I didn't go to the Zoo as I only visited for the Amusement park.
Slope Shooter was the standout attraction, which is very unique, being the only one in the world I know of."
Charlotte Branford
"I had a fantastic experience visiting Higashiyama Zoo! Compared to zoos around the Tokyo area, the entrance fee here is really affordable — only 640 yen for a combined ticket to the zoo and the Higashiyama Sky Tower. It’s a great deal for everything you get to see and do.
One thing that really impressed me was how close you can get to the animals. You get a much more personal view compared to many other zoos. It made the experience very memorable!
There’s also a nice food court area in the middle of the park with a good variety of restaurants, perfect for taking a break and enjoying a meal.
The park is spacious, full of greenery, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The view from the lake area with the swan boats and the Sky Tower in the background was beautiful too.
Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Aichi Prefecture — great for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals and nature!"
La Folia “Devlet” Rihavein
"🌡️🥵🫠On a scorching day of 33°C, I had the incredible chance to see a polar bear at the zoo! It was fascinating to watch as this majestic creature jumped into the pool, playing toys, and splashing around 🐻. Super cute!!💛
Hopefully, people and caretakers always remember how important it is to consider wildlife well-being in environments that don't reflect their natural habitats, and care more about them.
The staffs from the Zoo are nice."
Charley LEUNG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens from Nagoya Station by taking the Higashiyama Subway Line to Higashiyama Koen Station. The park is a short walk from the station.
Yes, there is parking available at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends.
The Higashiyama Subway Line is the most convenient, with Higashiyama Koen Station being the closest stop to the zoo and gardens.
While the subway is the primary public transport, local bus routes may also serve the area. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The park is quite hilly with many steps, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Consider planning your route carefully and utilizing any available accessible paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is 500 yen. Junior high school students and younger children are free. Combined tickets with the Higashiyama Sky Tower are also available and offer great value.
Junior high school students and younger visitors get free admission. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any specific senior or student discounts that may be available.
The park is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:50 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official website before your visit.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, purchasing tickets at the entrance is common. For busy periods, checking for online booking options on their official website is recommended.
You can purchase tickets at the entrance. A combined ticket for the zoo and Higashiyama Sky Tower is a popular and affordable option.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the gorillas, koalas, and polar bears. The zoo houses over 125 species, offering a diverse range of animals to observe. +1
Yes, the amusement park area features the unique Slope Shooter, a ride that's one of a kind.
Given the park's size and hilly terrain, wearing comfortable shoes is essential. Consider planning your route to cover the areas you're most interested in.
Yes, the zoo often features adorable baby animals, including koala joeys and young gorillas, which are a highlight for many visitors.
Capture moments with the animals, scenic garden views, and the iconic Higashiyama Sky Tower. The lake area with swan boats also offers beautiful backdrops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a food court area with a variety of restaurants, offering options for different tastes. Vending machines are also available.
Yes, bringing your own food is a good idea, especially on busy weekends. A picnic mat is recommended for comfortable outdoor dining.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but food courts typically offer a range of choices. It's advisable to check menus upon arrival or inquire with staff.
The central food court is a popular spot. For a more relaxed experience, consider finding a scenic spot in the gardens to enjoy a picnic.
While there are dining options within the park, you may find additional restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Higashiyama Koen area.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. However, capturing animals in action, like the polar bear swimming, can happen at any time.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
Visitors love capturing close-ups of animals, especially the gorillas and koalas, as well as scenic shots of the botanical gardens and the Sky Tower.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoos and botanical gardens to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors.
Be patient and observe their behavior. Early morning or late afternoon might offer more active moments. Ensure you maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The amusement park offers rides suitable for younger visitors, and the botanical gardens provide space for them to run around. To make the most of your family visit, consider bringing a picnic mat for easy outdoor dining, as food courts can get crowded on weekends.
💰 Budget Travelers
The combined ticket for the zoo and the Higashiyama Sky Tower offers exceptional value for money. To save further on food costs, packing a picnic is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits when dining areas can be busy.
💑 Couples
+1The Higashiyama Sky Tower provides a wonderful opportunity for couples to enjoy panoramic city views together, especially during sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Zoo's Diverse Inhabitants
+1 The polar bears are another crowd-pleaser, known for their energetic splashes in the water. Beyond these popular residents, the zoo offers a wide variety of other animals, from Asian elephants to lions and giraffes. The enclosures are generally well-maintained, allowing for relatively close viewing opportunities, which many visitors appreciate compared to other zoos.
When planning your visit, consider checking the zoo's feeding times or any special keeper talks, as these can offer unique insights and more active viewing opportunities. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is quite extensive and spread across hilly terrain.
The Charm of the Botanical Gardens and Amusement Park
Visitors often note that the amusement park rides are reasonably priced, with options to pay per ride, which is ideal for those who want to experience a few attractions without committing to a full day pass.
Combining a visit to the zoo with the gardens and amusement park makes for a full day of exploration. The scenic views, especially from areas like the lake with swan boats, add to the overall appeal of the destination.
Higashiyama Sky Tower: Views and Value
From the observation deck, you can get a bird's-eye perspective of the vast park, spotting the different zones of the zoo, the botanical gardens, and the amusement park. On clear days, the views can extend quite far, providing a great orientation to the area.
Visiting the Sky Tower can be a perfect way to cap off your day at Higashiyama, offering a different perspective on the expansive grounds you've explored. It's a recommended addition for those looking to maximize their experience and enjoy the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit