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Renovation Plan
for Higashiyama Zoo
and Botanical Gardens

Renovation Plan
  2020-2024 navigate_next   2015-2019 navigate_next
ロゴ

Overview of the projects to be carried out,
from 2020 to 2024

Main theme

The creation of a zoo and botanical gardens with many attractions,
that lure visitors to come again and again

On the basis of the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Renovation Plan established in 2010, the site has undergone refurbishment or new construction as needed, across various facilities within both the Zoo and Gardens. They include such exhibition facilities as those for the Asian Elephants and the Gorillas and the Chimpanzees, and toilets and rest areas. The operation of places to eat & drink and of gift shops have been transferred to private companies.
In the third-term project plan from 2020 to 2024, in addition to upgrading the exhibition facilities, we are also planning to improve visitors’ convenience and comfort and to enhance the visitors’ environmental education program. We hope, using this approach, to create a zoo and botanical gardens with many attractions that lure visitors to come back again and again.

Overall view of the Renovation Plan
for the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Overall view of the Renovation Plan

We want to show people how important close contact and appreciation of nature is.

character

Asia Zone Asian Tropical Rain Forest Area

Visitors will be able to see tigers and orangutans, which both inhabit tropical rain forests, moving about at close range.
Asia Zone

Africa Zone Savannah Area

Visitors will be able to see plant-eating animals such as giraffes and zebras and flesh-eating animals including lions. People can also learn about “trophic niche segregation” among herbivores, which is a way of talking about how different herbivores, for example, can co-exist because they have different diets.
Africa Zone

America Zone South-America Area

Visitors will be able to see jaguars (American leopards), the animal that stands at the top of the South American ecosystem, resting on a tree branch or swimming nimbly in the water.
America Zone

Garden Green Zone Flower Garden

It is planned to renovate the current flower garden, which is operated in cooperation of local residents and corporations, to make it more attractive for lots of people to gather throughout the year to relax and attend such events as plant fairs.
Garden Green Zone
Business schedule

The Front Greenhouse, a building designated as an important cultural property

The Front Greenhouse is "the oldest public greenhouse building that is extant in Japan". The building will be restored to its original appearance, as it was when it was built in 1936, in a refurbishment and conservation project. The Western-style garden will also be renovated. The Front Greenhouse will be preserved and utilized, while it also serves a symbolic role, representing the long history of botanical gardens.
The Front Greenhouse, a building designated as an important cultural property

Main Gateposts, Kocho Pond, and the fountain surrounded with Japanese zelkova trees

The Entrance Zone will be renovated for conservation and use. Renovation will include the posts of the main gate, which have been popular among local residents as the face of the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens since they first opened.
Main Gateposts, Kocho Pond, and the fountain surrounded with Japanese zelkova trees

Main Gate Entrance Zone

The Main Gate Entrance Zone will be renovated by improving access to the Main Gate from the nearest subway station and creating an open space that produces a feeling of expectation among visitors as they arrive at the zoo. The broad space will be available for the performance of various entertaining events, bringing liveliness and excitement to the entrance area.
Main Gate Entrance Zone

Transport system inside the Zoo and Gardens

A new transport system will be provided to connect the gates with the major facilities scattered across the huge site with its hilly terrain, so that visitors can move smoothly to the facility they want to see.
Transport system inside the Zoo and Gardens

Information services based on IT

New information services using a public wireless LAN (WiFi) will be provided to improve the convenience of smartphones. Information will be provided in a number of languages using QR codes, and cash-free payments will be facilitated.

Preserving thickly forested areas by preventing the encroachment of bamboo.

This ongoing project will promote various activities to preserve the forests in Higashiyama, in cooperation with forest preservation groups, in order to preserve the splendor and impact of nature so it can be experienced by future generations. The project's activities will include the preservation and restoration of thickly wooded areas and swamps, and environmental education where people can learn through hands-on experience.
Preserving thickly forested areas by preventing the encroachment of bamboo.

Environmental Education

Various environmental education programs will be offered to promote visitors' awareness of the importance of life and the natural environment through the plants and animals they see. They will be encouraged to take steps to protect the environment.

We will make forthright statements about ecology and the situations affecting endangered species in our times. We will also provide opportunities to learn the nature of various habitats and the culture of countries and regions where they live, by providing background information about the plants and animals we display.

New educational programs will be created to keep up with the varied interests of our visitors, while giving due consideration to the welfare of the animals.

The display in the Front Greenhouse (an Important Cultural Property) will be updated, and it will allow visitors to compare the morphologies of tropical plants through enjoyable up-close observation. The Western-style garden will be renovated to include a display that shows the ecological characteristics of aquatic life. It will be used as a source of teaching material for the environmental education program.

The audio guide will be further improved so that visitors can hear about the plants and animals being displayed, while they take a tour enhanced with spoken explanations.

Investigation and Research

In cooperation with other zoos, botanical gardens and educational institutions, we will be collecting basic information about plants and animals, improving the handling, feeding and cultivating techniques appropriate for our plants and animals, and studying how to preserve a variety of living species.

We will continue to investigate the diaries of Keisuke Ito, Japan's first doctor of science, who came from Nagoya, and disseminate information about his achievements in Japan in the field of botany, taking advantage of the various materials we have in our possession.

Tiu medaka (Oryzias soerotoi)

Tiu medaka (Oryzias soerotoi)

The Preservation of Diverse Species

In cooperation with zoos in Japan and abroad and with the Ministry of the Environment, we will continue to study how to improve the techniques of handling, feeding and breeding animals and will work hard to obtain and breed rare animals.

We will come to grips with issues related to the preservation of the clouded salamander (Hynobius nebulosus) and the Japanese eight-barbel loach (Lefua echigonia) which inhabit the forests of Higashiyama.

We will continue to make efforts to promote the preservation of plants indigenous to the Tokai region, the ex-situ conservation of indigenous species in Japan and abroad, and the preservation and display of Japan's rare wild plants, such as the Amami holly fern (Polystichum obai), Nagami lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus acuminatus) and orchid foundation stocks.

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne)

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne)

Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

The renovation of the following facilities has been completed in the 2nd-term period (2015 - 2019) of the Renovation Plan:

character

Gorilla and Chimpanzee House

The Gorilla and Chimpanzee House has been renovated by recreating the atmosphere of Africa's forests, where Gorillas and Chimpanzees live. It is among the most extensive such facilities in Japan. Please come and see these great primates relax in their spacious living quarters and climb on trees that incorporate supporting towers.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee House

Restrooms

Restrooms have been provided across the Park. They are equipped with a diaper changing station, children's toilettes, and ostomy toilets.
Restrooms

Central Rest Station

The Central Rest Station is an open space that can seat about 240 people, which imitates the atmosphere of a green forest. It is located between two food courts (ZOOASIS East and West). Visitors, in addition to using it as a rest area, can use this space as additional seating while eating food from the food courts or enjoying their own lunch boxes.
Central Rest Station

Dinosaur images

Concrete dinosaur figures had been built in 1938, when the Park celebrated the first anniversary of its opening, and these have been popular with the citizenry for generations. We repaired and reinforced them, seeing them as historically important assets. At the same time, the surrounding plaza was improved and refurbished.
Dinosaur images

ZOOBO GATE

ZOOBO GATE is a gift shop named after the official mascot of the Park, "ZOOBO". It is located near the Main Gate and displays many souvenirs, including original Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens items that can only be found here. Visitors can also use this shop as a cafe.
ZOOBO GATE

ZOOASIS East and West (food courts)

The word, ZOOASIS, is a compound of ZOO and OASIS. The ZOOASIS exists as two buildings: East and West. ZOOASIS East and West are located on either side of the Central Rest Station. The ZOOASIS food court contains a total of seven restaurants.
ZOOASIS

Overview of the projects to be carried out,
from 2015 to 2019

Main theme

Utilizing Higashiyama's assets,
we will draw out intellectual curiosity and inquisitiveness.

At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as the first phase of the project based on the new basic plan for the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden Revitalization Plan formulated in fiscal 2010, we have been developing exhibition facilities, service facilities, and Higashiyama Forest, including the Asian Elephant House.
At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as the first phase of the project based on the new basic plan for the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden Revitalization Plan formulated in fiscal 2010, we have been developing exhibition facilities, service facilities, and Higashiyama Forest, including the Asian Elephant House.

Overall view of the Renovation Plan
for the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Overall view of the Renovation Plan

We want to show people how important close contact and appreciation of nature is.

character

Africa Zone African forest area

Against the backdrop of the rich forests that Higashiyama is proud of, you can observe the original appearance and dynamics of animals such as western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees living in African forests.
Africa Zone

Asia Zone Asian Tropical Rain Forest Area

You can observe Sumatran tigers and orangutans that live in the rainforest where various animals and plants coexist and co-prosper in the same area.
Asia Zone

America Zone South-America Area

Due to the influence of human activities, you can see various animals such as jaguars that live in South America, where the environment is still deteriorating.
America Zone

World Plants and Culture Zone Western-style garden

In a Western-style garden that incorporates elements of traditional European gardens, you can learn about the relationships with plants and people around the world while harmonizing with the greenhouse.
World Plants and Culture Zone

New business facility

We will introduce food courts, cafes, and product sales facilities that utilize the know-how of the private sector to the zoo main garden.
New business facility
事業スケジュール

The Front Greenhouse, a building designated as an important cultural property

We will complete the conservation and repair work that we started in 2014, and use it as a central facility for environmental education and species conservation in the botanical garden.
The Front Greenhouse, a building designated as an important cultural property

Dinosaur statue

The dinosaur statue, which was created to commemorate the first anniversary of the opening of the park and is familiar to many citizens, will be preserved and utilized as a monument in the plaza space in collaboration with industry, academia and government.
Dinosaur statue

Gassho-style House

We will preserve and utilize the gassho-zukuri house that was relocated from Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, as a facility that conveys Japanese culture to the present day through life experience events.
Gassho-style House

Higashiyama Monorail

The suspended monorail will be preserved as an industrial heritage site, and will be used as a monument in the plaza as well as a facility where you can learn about its history.
Higashiyama Monorail

Main gate fountain surrounded by zelkova

We will preserve the scenery of the main gate fountain, which has been popular since the opening of the park, and utilize it as a plaza space integrated with new business facilities.
Main gate fountain surrounded by zelkova

Preserving thickly forested areas by preventing the encroachment of bamboo.

This ongoing project will promote various activities to preserve the forests in Higashiyama, in cooperation with forest preservation groups, in order to preserve the splendor and impact of nature so it can be experienced by future generations,. The project’s activities will include the preservation and restoration of thickly wooded areas and swamps, and environmental education where people can learn through hands-on experience.
Preserving thickly forested areas by preventing the encroachment of bamboo.

Environmental Education

In addition to continuing to implement various programs, we will consider holding more advanced courses.

The exhibition at the Animal Hall will be renovated and used as a base facility for environmental education.

After the completion of preservation and repair, the exhibition of plant morphology and adaptation to the environment will be enhanced at the Important Cultural Property Greenhouse Front Building, and it will also be used as a place for environmental education.

Environmental Education

Investigation and Research

We will continue to promote joint research with collaborating universities and expand the target species of research.

We will conduct a physiological survey aiming at the breeding of the second offspring of Asian elephants.

Keisuke Ito's diary decoding research will be further promoted to enhance the exhibition contents of the Botanical Hall.

Tiu medaka (Oryzias soerotoi)

Tiu medaka (Oryzias soerotoi)

The Preservation of Diverse Species

We will work on breeding gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as rare Japanese species such as Tsushima leopard cat and deepbody bitterling, along with the maintenance of forests in Africa.

While continuing to work on the conservation of endemic plant species in the Tokai region, we will focus on ex situ conservation of endemic species in other regions of Japan and conservation of the original species.

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne)

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne)

Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

Introducing the main facilities constructed in the first phase.

character

Asian elephant house (Zo-dium)

With the forest of Higashiyama in the background, you can experience the hometown of Asian elephants, "Sri Lanka". There are many attractions where you can learn about elephants. Please see the near wild Asian elephants living in a herd.
Asian elephant house (Zo-dium)

Tsushima leopard cat building

You can see while learning about the ecology of Tsushima leopard cat, which is designated as a national natural monument, and the environment of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, which is the habitat. It has a role as a breeding facility based on the Ministry of the Environment's protection and breeding business plan.
Tsushima leopard cat building

Eastern Wolf House

You can see the near-wild wolves running around in a herd in a large playground covered with trees. Feel the wolf's breathing up close.
Eastern Wolf House

Bald eagle house

This facility is inspired by the scenery of North America where bald eagles are flying over the river where American beavers live. You can see the bald eagle flying leisurely with its wings spread. In the beaver's corner, watch the burrows that protect you from natural enemies.
Bald eagle house

Higashiyama Palette Kamiike

You can enjoy lunch and cafe while feeling the breeze of the forest in a fashionable space on the banks of the Kamiike. In addition to various souvenirs, you can also buy animal goods and goods of the official character "ZOOBO".
Higashiyama Palette Kamiike

Garden Terrace Higashiyama

You can enjoy a relaxing meal in a calm atmosphere in the forest. It is also suitable for group guests and weddings.
Garden Terrace Higashiyama
Official site
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