Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children’s Zoo, low-cost rides, feeding sessions, and wide lawns delight ages 3-12, and stroller hire plus baby-beds help parents, though long walking distances can tire small legs.
Positives:
- Free for kids: Junior high and younger enter at no cost, so both children are free.
- On-site facilities: Stroller rental, nursing rooms, and lockers make managing little ones easier.
Challenges:
- Hilly terrain: The garden slopes can be steep; use the Sky View Train or bring a sturdy stroller.
- Separate ride fees: Amusement park rides require extra tokens that must be bought at the booth.
- Summer heat: Many enclosures are open-air; pack hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.
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 kids?
- Kids can feed goats and sheep at Fureai Hiroba.
- Mini roller coaster and merry-go-round keep children entertained.
- Historic greenhouse showcases tropical plants and orchids.
- Free admission for children makes it budget-friendly for families.
- Multiple rest and picnic areas help manage breaks throughout the visit.
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to visit the zoo, greenhouse, amusement park rides, and enjoy a picnic without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Feed farm animals at Fureai Hiroba:
Pet and feed goats, sheep, and rabbits in a safe, fenced area.
Tip: Buy 100 JPY feed bags at the plaza entrance and let kids take turns feeding.
Children’s Amusement Park rides:
Enjoy merry-go-round, mini roller coaster, monorail, and Ferris wheel.
Tip: Purchase ride tokens at the ticket booth; check height rules at each ride.
Koala House and Elephant Plaza:
See koalas, giraffes, and elephants up close.
Tip: Visit right at opening to catch animals active in the morning.
Botanical Garden under the Historic Greenhouse:
Explore 7,100 plant species in Japanese, Western, and greenhouse displays.
Tip: Stop by the Tropical House for colorful orchids and succulents kids will love.
Sky View Train or Higashiyama Sky Tower:
Ride the monorail train between zoo and gardens or take the elevator up the tower for city views.
Tip: Buy the combo Zoo+Sky Tower ticket for adults at a discount.
Picnic and Playground:
Relax on lawns or let kids run on playground equipment.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and pre-packed bentos from nearby convenience stores.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and see popular animals active at morning feeding time.
- Use combo tickets: Buy the Zoo+Sky Tower ticket together to save on elevator fare.
- Plan snack stops: Use shaded seating near playgrounds for snack breaks and rest periods.
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 brings cherry blossoms along garden paths. Summer Night Zoo events run in August. Fall offers colorful maple leaves around the Japanese Garden.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults + 2 kids) | JPY 1,000 |
| Animal feed (100 JPY x2) | JPY 200 |
| Stroller rental (1 day) | JPY 300 |
| Amusement park ride tokens | JPY 800 |
| Lunch and snacks | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,800 |
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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