Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
What makes it 86% Baby-Friendly: Many nursing rooms, hot-water formula sites and 300-yen stroller hire aid caregivers, though the vast, sometimes hilly layout can fatigue parents pushing or carrying very young babies.
Positives:
- Infant-Friendly Facilities: Free nursing rooms and changing areas at multiple locations make care easy.
- Flat, Paved Paths: Wide, smooth walkways work well with strollers throughout the park.
- Infant Admission: Children under 3 enter free, saving on costs.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade in Zoo Areas: Open enclosures have few covered benches; bring a sunshade for the stroller.
- Large Grounds: The site spans over 60 ha; plan shorter circuits to avoid tiring your baby.
- Ride Age Restrictions: Amusement park rides require minimum age or height—check each ride on site.
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 with baby?
- Baby under 3 enters free, parents pay 500 yen each.
- Petting Plaza offers easy animal interactions with your baby.
- Multiple nursing and changing stations across the park.
- Stroller rental and smooth paths ensure comfortable movement.
- Greenhouse and monorail rides offer shade and rest opportunities.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for key zoo and garden highlights with breaks for your baby without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Petting Plaza at Children’s Zoo:
Hold your baby and gently pet goats, sheep, and rabbits.
Tip: Buy a 100 yen feed bag at the plaza and supervise your baby closely.
Historic Greenhouse Walk:
Stroll through the 10-building greenhouse complex with tropical and subtropical plants.
Tip: Use the shaded pathways and leave your stroller in free storage at the Sky Tower entrance before exploring.
Zoo Monorail Ride:
Ride the sky train between the zoo and botanical gardens to cover distance easily.
Tip: Fold or store your stroller at the station’s free storage before boarding.
Nursing and Changing Stations Tour:
Make stops at nursing rooms at Main Gate, North Gate, and Children’s Zoo.
Tip: Mark these spots on your map to plan feeds and diaper changes before your baby gets restless.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Rent Stroller Early: Get your stroller at the Main Gate before starting your tour to keep little legs happy.
- Start at Petting Plaza: Visit the Children’s Zoo first when animals are most active and crowds are smaller.
- Use Coin Lockers: Store bulky items to keep your stroller light and easy to push.
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)?
Spring: cherry blossoms in Japanese Garden (late Mar–Apr). Summer: join Night Zoo events (evenings in Aug) to avoid heat. Avoid midday sun in July and Aug; aim for early morning visits.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (500 yen x2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Stroller rental | JPY 300 |
| Animal feed bag | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,400 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Nagoya)?
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
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!