Nihondaira Zoo Shizuoka
A compact zoo in Shizuoka featuring red pandas, polar bears, and capybaras, with a fun park and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Nihondaira Zoo Shizuoka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact zoo in Shizuoka featuring red pandas, polar bears, and capybaras, with a fun park and scenic views.
"Awesome place to visit with your kids. All the Animals here are active."
🎯 Arrive Early for Capybaras
Petting the capybaras is only allowed before 12 PM. Don't miss out! :paw_prints:
🚗 Parking Availability
There are 3 parking areas. Parking fee is around ¥620. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Capybara Encounters
Capybara Exhibit
See these gentle giants relax, especially in their onsen during winter. Petting sessions are a must-do!
Polar Bear's Icy Playground
Polar Bear Exhibit
Watch the adorable polar bear swim and play in its cool, refreshing pool.
Red Panda Charm
Red Panda Exhibit
Marvel at the incredibly cute red pandas, a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Observation Tower & Slide
Observation Tower
Ride the lift up for panoramic views, or opt for the fun slide down!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Capybara Encounters
Beat the Crowds & Enjoy the Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Capybaras
Petting the capybaras is only allowed before 12 PM. Don't miss out! :paw_prints:
🚗 Parking Availability
There are 3 parking areas. Parking fee is around ¥620. :car:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While not a huge zoo, you'll still do a fair bit of walking. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Avoid Buses on Weekends
Visiting on a Sunday by bus is not recommended due to crowds. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Capybaras
Petting the capybaras is only allowed before 12 PM. Don't miss out! :paw_prints:
🚗 Parking Availability
There are 3 parking areas. Parking fee is around ¥620. :car:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While not a huge zoo, you'll still do a fair bit of walking. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Avoid Buses on Weekends
Visiting on a Sunday by bus is not recommended due to crowds. :bus:
📸 Capture Cute Moments
Red pandas and polar bears are very photogenic! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nihondaira Zoo is a highly recommended destination, especially for families, offering a delightful mix of animal encounters and fun activities. Visitors praise the active animals, the unique capybara petting sessions, and the scenic observation tower. While some note the enclosures could be larger for certain animals, the zoo's manageable size and helpful staff contribute to a positive and memorable experience.
"Awesome place to visit with your kids. We enjoyed our visit with our one year old baby who was very amazed to see various different animals for the first time."
Shahriar Mohammad Nowshad
"When you are in Shizuoka City I would definitely recommend this place to be visited.
Not a Large zoo and not too small either.
All the Animals here are active. From big cats to primates to lesser panda’s and capybaras.petting zoo is also available except at the time we went there it is closed.
There’s also an observation tower where you need to ride a slow lift to reach the tower and go down but you can also use the long slide to go down which is much more fun even for an adult 😅
They have 3 parking areas in the area.parking fee is around ¥620.
Small kids amusement park and souvenir shop."
Gerald Sasota
"I visited Nihondaira Zoo to see and pet the capybara, but unfortunately, I arrived too late. Visitors should come earlier because petting the capybara is only allowed before 12 PM. The polar bear was adorable, swimming happily in its ice pool, bringing joy to everyone watching. The red panda was incredibly cute, and the zoo has a wide variety of monkeys to see. Visiting on a Sunday and taking the bus is not recommended as the place gets quite crowded. A delightful experience overall!"
Shania Els
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira Zoo. The journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes. Be aware that buses can get crowded on weekends, so weekday travel is recommended.
Yes, Nihondaira Zoo has three parking areas. The parking fee is around ¥620.
Nihondaira Zoo is located in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City. While it's accessible by public transport, walking from the city center might be a considerable distance depending on your starting point. It's best to use the bus or drive.
The zoo is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday hours.
The zoo is generally accessible, with paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The observation tower has a lift for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are approximately ¥620 for adults and ¥150 for children. Preschool-aged children are usually free.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. It's advisable to check the official website for any updates on ticketing procedures.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, group rates or special event pricing might be available. It's best to inquire directly with the zoo or check their official announcements.
The last entry to Nihondaira Zoo is usually at 4:00 PM, with the zoo closing at 4:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time.
The petting zoo is usually included with general admission, but it may be closed at certain times or for specific events. It's best to confirm on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the capybaras (especially during their onsen time!), the polar bear, and the incredibly cute red pandas. The zoo also has a variety of monkeys and other animals. 
Yes, Nihondaira Zoo offers opportunities for animal interaction, most notably with the capybaras during their designated petting times, usually before noon.
Besides seeing the animals, there's a small amusement park for children and the fun observation tower with a slide.
Absolutely! The animals like red pandas, polar bears, and seals offer great photo opportunities. The observation tower also provides scenic views.
The zoo offers views of the Southern Alps, making it a pleasant and scenic location. The observation tower provides panoramic vistas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria within the zoo that serves food. One reviewer specifically praised the curry.
The cafeteria offers typical zoo fare, with one notable mention of delicious curry. It's a convenient option for a meal during your visit.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's common for Japanese zoo cafeterias to offer a few choices. It's best to inquire on-site.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks is allowed at most Japanese zoos, but it's always good to check the zoo's specific policy.
While not explicitly mentioned, many zoos have designated areas for picnics. It's worth looking for suitable spots upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The red pandas, polar bears, seals, and capybaras are highly photogenic. Their unique behaviors and cute appearances make for great shots.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Mornings are often best as animals tend to be more active, and the light is softer. Late afternoon can also be good before closing.
Yes, telephoto lenses are useful for capturing close-ups of animals from a distance, especially for species like big cats or primates.
The observation tower offers panoramic views, and the enclosures themselves are designed to provide good viewing angles for visitors and photographers alike.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With its manageable size, it's less overwhelming than larger zoos, making it ideal for younger children. The zoo is generally accessible, and the staff are known to be helpful, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience without extra cost. The zoo's compact size also means you can see a lot without expending too much energy or time, making it an efficient and budget-friendly choice for exploring Shizuoka's attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+3 Consider bringing a telephoto lens to get close-ups of the animals from a distance. Aim for morning visits when animals are often most active and the light is softer. The observation tower also provides a chance for scenic landscape shots of the Southern Alps.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Nihondaira Zoo's Animal Collection
The polar bear exhibit is another popular spot, where the animal can be seen swimming happily in its pool. Beyond these stars, the zoo houses a variety of other animals, including monkeys, big cats, and seals.
While some reviews mention that animals might appear a bit stressed due to the zoo's size, the enclosures are generally designed to be engaging for the animals and provide good viewing opportunities for guests. The zoo's compact nature means less walking compared to larger zoos, making it accessible for many visitors. For those interested in unique experiences, the capybara exhibit is a must-see. Visitors can even participate in petting sessions, though it's crucial to arrive early as these are typically held before noon.
Family Fun and Activities at Nihondaira Zoo
A unique attraction for all ages is the observation tower. Visitors can ascend via a slow lift to reach the tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Southern Alps.
With its manageable size and variety of attractions, Nihondaira Zoo is an excellent choice for a day trip with kids. The zoo's amenities are generally clean and well-maintained, and the staff are often noted for being helpful, contributing to a positive family experience.
Understanding the Zoo's Environment and Animal Welfare
However, it's also important to consider the context of Japanese zoos and their operational differences compared to Western standards. The zoo's compact size is often cited as a positive for visitors who prefer less walking.
Ultimately, visitors' perceptions of animal welfare can vary. While some may find certain enclosures restrictive, others appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to see a variety of animals up close. The presence of interactive elements like the capybara petting sessions and the overall positive visitor experience suggest that the zoo strives to balance conservation, education, and visitor enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit