Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Quiet gardens, cherry-blossom tunnel, and Sky Tower views create a romantic date, and cafés for picnics, but weekend crowds can reduce privacy.
Positives:
- Scenic photo spots: Cherry Tunnel and Sky Tower offer memorable backdrops for couples
- Cultural charm: The greenhouse’s symmetrical architecture is a national important cultural property
Challenges:
- Language barriers: Some exhibit signs are only in Japanese; use a translation app
- Extensive walking: Grounds span over 60 ha; wear comfortable shoes and rest at benches
What is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
- A zoological and botanical complex in Nagoya’s Higashiyama Park, inaugurated in 1937.
- A zoo that houses approximately 550 animal species—including koalas, giraffes, and elephants—and features specialized venues such as a nocturnal animal museum and the World Killifish Museum.
- A botanical garden presenting over 7,100 plant species across Western and Japanese garden designs, historic greenhouse pavilions designated as national important cultural properties, and complementary attractions including an amusement park and observation tower.
What is so special about Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens for couple trip?
- Combine rare animal encounters with historic greenhouse architecture
- Stroll hand-in-hand through cherry blossoms and serene Japanese gardens
- Capture skyline views from the Sky Tower
- Experience summer evenings at the Night Zoo & Garden
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to see key animal exhibits and the historic greenhouse without rushing
Couple-Friendly Activities in Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Japanese Garden & Cherry Blossom Tunnel:
Walk through winding paths under 1,000 cherry trees in bloom
Tip: Visit mid-March to early April before noon for softer light and fewer crowds
Historic Greenhouse Tour:
Explore 10 greenhouse buildings designated as an important cultural property
Tip: Start here early to enjoy warm air and quiet halls for photos
Higashiyama Sky Tower:
Climb 100 m for 360° views of Nagoya’s skyline and surrounding hills
Tip: Buy the combo Zoo + Tower ticket at the entrance to save time
Night Zoo & Garden:
Experience illuminated animal enclosures and gardens during summer evenings
Tip: Check event dates and bring a light jacket for cooler night air
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Early arrival: Enter at opening time to enjoy quiet paths and active animals
- Combo tickets: Buy Zoo+Sky Tower tickets together to skip lines and save money
- Map download: Download the park map in advance to plan an efficient route
Reviews of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Ken Huang
Wonderful zoo worth spending about a half day. With amazing animals and well planned out enclosures. The ticket and souvenir prices were also really affordable. But I do find the ticket prices for the zoo monorail a bit of a scam.
Charley LEUNG
🌡️🥵🫠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 ...
TammÈ
It’s a really large place, and you'll have to do a lot of walking, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing for the best experience! There are many people on weekends, so you might not find a seat in the resting area or dining area. I suggest bringing a picnic mat to enjoy sitting outside, but only if the weather isn’t too hot! 😂
La Folia “Devlet” Rihavein
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 man...
Jermain Allen (J. Allen)
This is unbeatable during hanami season. After leaving Mexico City's free zoo and botanical gardens I figured I wouldn't be able to give out anymore 5 star reviews for paid experiences. I was wrong... This combo pack makes the San Diego Zoo feel like even more of a confusing experience for the price paid. Maybe it's an exchange rate thing, maybe it's about the number of animals, in the end I just...
When is the best time to visit Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Nagoya, Japan)?
Mid-March to early April offers peak cherry blossoms. In August, attend the Night Zoo & Garden event after regular hours. Early November brings vibrant autumn colors to the Japanese and Western gardens.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission fee (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Sky Tower tickets (2 adults) | JPY 1,280 |
| Snacks and drinks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,080 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Address: Japan, 〒464-0804 愛知県名古屋市千種区東山元町３丁目７０
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About Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 52-782-2111Explore Popular Things to Do
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