Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can explore 550 animal species, large greenhouses and free keeper talks for just 500 yen, but the 60-hectare grounds require much walking and get crowded on weekends.
Positives:
- Free Wi-Fi and Digital Maps: Use park Wi-Fi to download the map PDF and plan your route on the go
- Solo-Friendly Guided Tours: Join small-group animal talks and director walks to meet fellow travelers
Challenges:
- Hilly Terrain: The botanical gardens cover slopes; wear comfortable shoes
- Limited English Signage: Some exhibit panels are only in Japanese; use the app or ask staff
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 solo trip?
- Join live animal talks led by keepers
- Explore a national historic greenhouse at quiet hours
- Spot koalas, red pandas, and giraffes in morning light
- Ride the zoo monorail for aerial garden views
- Enjoy seasonal cherry blossoms and summer night zoo events
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to see key exhibits and join an animal talk without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Attend Animal Explanation Sessions:
Listen to keepers share insights on koalas, elephants, and red pandas
Tip: Check the weekend schedule at the information desk and arrive 10 minutes early for a good spot
Explore the Historic Greenhouse:
Walk through the nationally designated cultural property greenhouse
Tip: Enter early to enjoy quiet time and study the symmetrical architecture up close
Morning Photo Walk:
Capture active animals in soft light
Tip: Head to the koala and red panda enclosures right after opening when they are most alert
Ride the Zoo Monorail:
Take a short loop between the zoo and botanical gardens
Tip: Buy your ticket at the main gate and sit on the left for best garden views
Join a Guided Spring Walk:
Follow the zoo director on a seasonal cherry blossom tour
Tip: Reserve your spot on select Sundays in March–April at the main entrance
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Arrive at Opening: Beat the crowds and catch the first animal explanation session at 9:00 AM
- Use QR Codes: Scan exhibit QR codes to access English descriptions on your phone
- Descend by Monorail: Start at the hilltop greenhouse and ride the zoo monorail back down to save energy
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)?
In spring (mid-March to mid-April), stroll the Japanese Garden under cherry blossoms. In summer (Aug 10–18), attend Night Zoo hours until 8:30 PM to see nocturnal animals.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission fee | JPY 500 |
| Cafe snack | JPY 300 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 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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