What is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden?
History
The first zoological garden in Nagoya was opened in 1918 under the name of “the Nagoya City Tsuruma Park and Zoo”, which was changed to “the Nagoya City Zoological Garden” in 1929.
The Nagoya City Zoological Garden had outgrown its space and its facilities had become outdated, so, on March 24, 1937, it was moved to its current location and renamed to the “Higashiyama Zoo”. The first botanical garden in Nagoya, funded by specified contributions from the private sector, was opened on March 3, 1937 under the name of “Higashiyama Botanical Garden” at its current location, a little earlier than the opening of the above zoological garden. Thereafter, these two gardens had been managed individually, and in August 1968, they were integrated into the “Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens” as park facilities open to paying visitors.
Present state
Now, the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens boasts an area of 60 ha, with the zoological garden, botanical gardens, amusement park, and the Higashiyama Sky Tower, and it is full of so many charms that visitors would not be able to see and enjoy all of them in a single day. Visitors can see around 500 species of animals in the zoological garden and 7,000 species of plants in the botanical gardens. Also, it is the zoo with the highest number of animals inside Japan. A reconstruction plan is now being undertaken at the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Many of the facilities, including the animal houses, are being renewed, which will provide users with a more comfortable and enjoyable time. The park provides learning and fun to visitors of all ages. For example, they might encounter ZOOBO, the forest fairy of Higashiyama, somewhere in the gardens. Various annual events are held by the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Playback plan currently in progress
We aim to create a splendid future with a wide range of citizens by learning about and feeling a sustainable earth through the zoological and botanical gardens as a means to do so. Learn the importance of life in an enjoyable and profound manner, surrounded by an abundance of nature which remains in the city. Forest where you can encounter the life on earth. These are the roles of the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in the future.
Future of the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The roles of zoological and botanical gardens have changed in recent years. There are new demands for the roles of environment education and preservation of species in addition to recreation facilities.
The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which has been loved and used by citizens as a place for relaxation and refreshment, is undergoing major changes towards becoming a place that is closer with citizens, and where they can interact with nature in a much more enjoyable way. Approaching our 100th anniversary in the near future, we are now advancing a project for the regeneration and maintenance of the gardens with the aim of fulfilling the role as “a bridge between humans and nature”.
Zoo
It is one of the biggest Asian elephant houses in Japan, which recreates the scene of Sri Lanka, the home country of Asian elephants.
It is a big room shielded by glass, where you can see koalas spend most of their time in the trees.
It is a walk-in hall where there is no separation of visitors and birds. You can see the birds up close.
You can enjoy direct contact with goats and guinea pigs. You can also see that we are all familiar with, such as cattle and rabbits.
This house is home to free-ranged small birds and squirrels. The chirping of small birds will provide you with a relaxing time.
You can see western gorillas and chimpanzees living in groups, against the background of a rich green forest, which is the pride of our park.
This house is home to a variety of rare wildlife, such as nocturnal animals, reptiles, and amphibians.
This is an exhibition facility, unlike any other in the world, which specializes in medaka. You can see rare types of freshwater fish.
The animals that live in the Americas are exhibited under the theme of recovery from the endangered species.
Botanical Gardens
In the Corridor of Cherry Trees gathered from all over Japan, 1,000 cherry trees of 100 species bloom in profusion one after another. Each species of cherry blossoms has its own charms. Also, as they have different blooming seasons, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long time.
Seasonal flowers are planted in the Field of Flowers. You can enjoy them in a superb summer view. You don’t want to miss the beautiful contrast between the sunflowers blooming extravagantly and the blue sky.
The leaves of around 200 trees (60 species) turn red mainly around Okuike Pond and in the Japanese Garden. It is the most popular spot in the city of Nagoya for enjoying the colors of autumn. In the Wetland Area, you can see the flowers of shiratamahoshikusa, which look like white konpeito (small colored sugar candy covered with tiny bulges) and are designated as an endangered species.
On snowy days, a Gassho style house that has been moved from Shirakawa-go, a registered world heritage site, conveys the atmosphere of its home village. The season of winter is not really associated with the image of flowers, but you can enjoy the flowers of camellia japonica and others blooming in a dignified way.
Food and Drink
9:00～16:45
Our food courts are full of delicious dishes. In our two food courts, the West Food Court and the East Food court, there are seven restaurants that serve a wide variety of dishes.
11:30～22:00
We have restaurants in the botanic gardens. There, you can have an extraordinary dining experience.
※Both the zoological garden and the botanical gardens are not accessible at dinner time.
9:00～16:45
A café beside Kamiike Pond with boats floating on the water. You can enjoy a drink, breakfast special, ice cream, or other items.
10:00～16:30
It is located close to the North Park Gate. It is available as a free rest spot. We recommend enjoying a filling lunch or the like here.
Shops
9:00～16:45
It is located next to “Maison de VERRE” beside Kamiike Pond. It is a popular shop which sells a variety of souvenirs including the merchandise featuring ZOOBO, the official mascot．
9:00～16:45
It is a souvenir shop located close to the Main Gate, which was named after the official mascot, ZOOBO. You can enjoy shopping by looking at and picking out ZOOBO merchandise and other official merchandise of the Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
10:00～16:45
It is a shop located across the street from the American bison house in the North Park. It sells a wide variety of merchandise, including stuffed animals and other original merchandise which cutely recreate the features of animals.
Other facilities
You can enjoy boating on Kamiike Pond, while riding on paddle boats of various characters.
It provides a variety of enjoyable playground equipment, which visitors of all ages, from small children to school students and adults, can thoroughly and consistently enjoy.
Admission fees: 300 yen (Garden and Sky Tower Ticket: 640 yen)
※Free for middle school students and younger. Open 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (The entrance gate closes at 9:00 p.m.)
It is a 134-meter high observatory tower located in the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It houses shops and restaurants in addition to an observation deck.
Information
◆ Address
〒464-0804 3-70, Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
◆ Opening: hours
9:00 ～ 16:50 (Entrance gate closes at 4:30 p.m.)
◆ Closed
Every Monday * Closed for the period from December 29 to January 1.
| Adult | 500 yen per person（100 yen） |
| Groups of over 30 people | 450 yen per person（ 90 yen） |
| Groups of over 100 people | 400 yen per person（ 80 yen） |
| Yearly passport （1 year） | 2,000 yen per person（600 yen） |
| Garden and Sky Tower Ticket | 640 yen per person（160 yen） |
Transportation information
- ◆ Access by train
- ・3-minute walk from Exit No. 3 at Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line
- ・7-minute walk from Exit No. 6 at Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line (Hoshigaoka Station is convenient for accessing the botanical gardens)
- ◆ Access by car
- ・About 15 minutes west on Prefectural Route 60 from the Tomei Expressway Nagoya Interchange
- ・About 10 minutes west on Prefectural Route 60 from the Meinikan (Higashi-Meihan) Kamiyashiro Interchange
- ・About 10 minutes east on the local roads from the Nagoya Expressway Yotsuya exit
Environmental Education Program
This program is implemented by the zoo and the botanical gardens for groups such as nursery schools, kindergartens, and elementary and middle schools. It can be used for comprehensive learning programs and excursions. Various programs, with a focus on the issues concerning ecosystems, are provided for them with living animals and plants as learning materials in order to foster an interest in animals and plants.
