Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
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 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
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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.
When is the best time to visit Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
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.
How to Maximize 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
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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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...
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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