The Original Capybara Open-Air Bath

Izu Shaboten Zoo will once again host its annual winter tradition, the Original Capybara Open-Air Bath. This beloved seasonal event offers visitors a relaxing and charming experience as capybaras soak in open-air hot baths. The capybaras’ relaxed behaviour has captivated visitors for decades. The zoo first began keeping capybaras in 1966, and in the winter of 1982, staff discovered that the capybaras enjoyed soaking in warm water while their enclosures were being cleaned. Since then, the open-air bath has become an iconic winter attraction in Izu, earning its title as the “Original Capybara Open-Air Bath”.

During the event period, the baths will be open once daily on weekdays at 13:30, and twice daily on weekends, holidays, and school holiday periods at 10:30 and 13:30. On the opening day, the capybaras will perform a ‘grass-cutting’ ceremony in place of a traditional ribbon-cutting, marking the start of this season’s event.

Schedule of the Capybara Open-Air Bath

Oni-Yuzu Bath – Nov 22 (Sat) to 24 (Mon/Holiday) at 10:30 & 13:30
Persimmon Bath – Nov 29 (Sat) & 30 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Pineapple Bath – Dec 6 (Sat) & 7 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Autumn Leaves Bath – Dec 13 (Sat) & 14 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Yuzu Bath – Dec 20 (Sat) to Jan 6 (Tue) & Jan 8 (Thu) to 12 (Mon/Holiday) at 10:30 & 13:30
Seven Herbs Bath – Jan 7 (Wed) at 10:30 & 13:30
Orchid Bath – Jan 17 (Sat) & 18 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Dai-Kan Hinoki Egg Bath – Jan 20 (Tue) at 13:30
Mikan (Mandarin Orange) Bath – Jan 24 (Sat) & 25 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Milk Bath – Jan 31 (Sat) & Feb 1 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Bamboo Bath – Feb 7 (Sat) & 8 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Cauliflower & Broccoli Bath – Feb 11 (Wed/Holiday) at 10:30 & 13:30
Capybara Valentine’s Day – Rose Bath – Feb 14 (Sat) & 15 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Apple Bath – Feb 21 (Sat) to 23 (Mon/Holiday) at 10:30 & 13:30
Daidai (Bitter Orange) Bath – Feb 28 (Sat) & Mar 1 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Paprika Bath – Mar 7 (Sat) & 8 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Capybara White Day – Rose Bath – Mar 14 (Sat) & 15 (Sun) at 13:00 & 13:30
Various Citrus Bath – Mar 20 (Fri/Holiday) to 22 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Fruits & Vegetables Bath – Mar 23 (Mon) to 27 (Fri), Mar 30 (Mon) to Apr 3 (Fri)
Spring Vegetables Bath – Mar 28 (Sat) & 29 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30
Cherry Blossom Bath – Apr 4 (Sat) & 5 (Sun) at 10:30 & 13:30

Another long-standing tradition is the “Capybara Yuzu Bath”, held during the winter solstice since 1996, which combines Japanese seasonal customs with the animals’ natural charm and has grown popular with international visitors.

In addition to the outdoor baths, the zoo offers Anitouch and Anitouch Park, indoor interactive spaces where visitors can learn about and engage with a variety of animals. During this period, the capybara baths in Anitouch are transformed into themed ‘Clawfoot Bathtubs’, providing a unique urban twist on the experience.

Izu Shaboten Zoo also participates in the 5-Zoo Collaboration Capybara Long Bath Competition, along with Nasu Animal Kingdom, Saitama Children’s Zoo, Ishikawa Zoo, and Nagasaki Bio Park. 

Note: The schedule may be changed or canceled due to the animals’ condition or weather.