Latest in 2024! Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, Shizuoka: Capybara baths will recharge your batteries!

  • Shizuoka
  • Experience Gifu
Cute cactus and capibara yuzu bath
If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the cold winter weather and have a heartwarming experience, Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is the place to go. Located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is a zoo and botanical garden that focuses on cacti and animals. Visitors can enjoy interacting with the animals living in the park and strolling through the beautiful scenery of the park. It is a perfect spot to spend a relaxing moment. In this issue, we will tell you all about the charms of Izu Shaboten Zoological Park♪ Why don't you take a break from your daily life and refresh yourself in the nature-rich Izu area?

The "Original Capybara Open-air Bath" is a winter tradition in Izu!

If you visit Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in winter, you must see the "original capybara open-air bath. Nowadays, the combination of capybaras and baths can be said to be a standard combination, but in fact, Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is the birthplace of the "capybara open-air bath"! They happened to discover the capybaras relaxing in the hot water. During the cold winter season, the capybaras relaxing in the open-air baths are so adorable that even those of us who watch them are sure to be healed.
Capibara open-air bath
The "changing baths" held on weekends, national holidays, and during winter and spring vacations allow visitors to enjoy seasonal scents and colors, such as yuzu (citrus) and rose (rose) baths. Check out the official website to see what baths are available today. The variety of baths is more than you can imagine.

Capibara Open-air Baths" Schedule for 2024-2025

Dates]
November 1 (Fri.) - November 4 (Mon., holiday), November 9 (Sat.), November 10 (Sun.), November 16 (Sat.) - April 6 (Sun.), 2025
*[Yuzuyu Period] December 21 (Sat.), 2024 - January 5 (Sun.), 2025
[Hours]
■On weekdays, once a day
① From 13:30 Until 14:30
■Twice a day on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, November 1, 2024 (Fri.), winter vacation period: December 21 (Sat.) - January 5, 2025 (Sun.), spring vacation period: March 20 (Thu., holiday) - April 6 (Sun.)
①From 10:30 to 11:30
②From 13:30 to 14:30
Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Official HP "Capibara's Open-air Bath"

Special encounters with animals on boat tours

Located in the center of Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, the large pond is a paradise for animals. One of the park's symbolic exhibition methods is the "Animal Boat Tours," which takes visitors on a boat ride around this pond.
Animal Boat Tours
Squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, and other unique monkeys live on the nine islands of various sizes in the large pond. The boat ride on each island is like a jungle expedition as you watch the monkeys jumping up and down on the trees and playing with their friends. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful pink of the flamingos and the relaxed appearance of the capybaras on the banks of the pond. Please take the time to savor the sounds of the animals as well. A unique winter treat is the sight of the animals gathered in dumplings to keep warm. On cold days, "wow dumplings" of ring-tailed lemurs can often be seen.
There are two courses: the "Round-the-World Course" and the "Monkey Island Landing Course. Please check the official website for information on the animals you can see on each course.
Landing course on the island of the ring-tailed lemur.

Animal Boat Tours" Course Guide

(Fee required) Recommended for those who want to take their time to enjoy the explanations and the scenery.
Time required: approx. 15 min.
No petting experience
Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,200 yen
Children (3 years old to elementary school students): 600 yen

● Monkey Island Landing Course (fee-based) Recommended for those who want to enjoy interacting with the animals.
Time required: approx. 20 min.
Petting session available
(squirrel monkey or ring-tailed lemur)
Adults (junior high school students and older) 1,500 yen
Children (3 years old to elementary school students) 800 yen
Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Official HP "Animal Boat Tours"

A collection of cacti and succulents from around the world! A leisurely stroll in the greenhouse

The cactus greenhouses at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park are a magical place where visitors feel as if they have wandered into a different world, with over 1,500 varieties of cacti and succulents on display in five greenhouses and throughout the park. The cacti come from all over the world, including Mexico and South America, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you will never get tired of looking at them.
Map of the garden

Make your own original plants at the "Shaboten Hunting Workshop"!

If you enjoy looking at so many cacti, don't you want to grow cacti? For those who do, "cactus hunting" is recommended. At the "Shaboten Hunt Workshop," you can choose your favorite cacti and succulents and create a one-of-a-kind original plant. After you have also chosen a pot of your favorite design, the workshop staff will fill it with soil. They will also teach you how to grow them! Why not try your hand at growing cacti? Prices vary depending on the type of cactus and pot, so please check the details at the workshop.
Shaboten Hunt Workshop

A must-see photo opportunity! Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI

If you get hungry, head to "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI" where you can share a table with a cute stuffed capybara! As you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted by pink walls, a large window overlooking the lush greenery of the park, and most importantly, the stuffed capybaras sitting on the seats, which will bring a smile to your face. The ceiling is decorated with flamingo dolls, making you feel as if you are eating with the animals.
Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI
One of the most popular items on the menu at GIBBONTEI is the "Kapiburger," a burger featuring capybaras. The handmade capybara buns made by a local bakery are the most photogenic part of the burger, and the chocolate eyes and mouth are just irresistibly cute. The hamburger patty is a hearty dish with a teriyaki-style seasoning. The "Duck Omelette Hayashi," a duck-shaped omelette with hashed meat sauce, is also shockingly cute and exciting.
Kapiburger
Duck Omelette Hayashi

Purchase tickets online at VELTRA!

Tickets to Izu Shaboten Zoological Park can be purchased online in advance. If you buy tickets in advance, you can smoothly enter the park on the day of your visit. For more information, please click the link below.
Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is a place where you can relax to your heart's content surrounded by animals and nature. Interacting with cute animals, admiring rare cacti and succulents, and enjoying the magnificent nature, you will surely have unforgettable memories. You will surely have unforgettable memories. Please visit Izu Shaboten Zoological Park with your loved ones!
[Izu Shaboten Zoological Park] Purchase WEB tickets here!

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

Train + Accommodation "Izu Area" reservations with [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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