Izu Shaboten Zoo

Located near the base of Mount Omuro in Shizuoka Prefecture, Izu Shaboten Zoo is home to over 1,500 species of cacti and succulents from around the world and more than 140 species of animals. The zoo is known for its unique blend of botanical and animal exhibits, where visitors can enjoy close encounters with freely roaming animals such as squirrel monkeys, peacocks, capybaras, and kangaroos.

The zoo is also famous for discovering that capybaras enjoy hot baths. In the winter of 1982, a zookeeper noticed a recurring behavior: while cleaning the exhibit with hot water, the capybaras were soaking their limbs and bottoms in the water and appeared to be enjoying it.

Animal Interactions

The zoo offers a range of interactive experiences. Here are some of them: Animal Boat Tours – Cruise around the zoo’s pond, home to pelicans, swans, and island-dwelling animals. Two routes are available: the Round the Zoo Course and the Monkey Island Landing Course. Llama Zipline – Feed llamas living on the hills while protecting treats from goats and sheep along the way. Capybara Open-Air Bath – First introduced in 1982, this winter-only attraction is one of Japan’s most famous. Visitors can also meet capybaras year-round at the Capybara Rainbow Plaza. Red Panda Feeding Experience – A limited opportunity to feed and observe red pandas up close. Touch de ZOO – Encounter small animals such as naked mole rats and other rare species. Bird Paradise – Observe a wide variety of birds living in a near-natural environment.

Cactus Greenhouses

The park’s iconic Plateau Dragon marks the entrance to its vast cactus greenhouses, featuring species from South America, Africa, Madagascar, Mexico, and more. Visitors can admire over 1,500 varieties, including 5-meter columnar cacti and the 170-year-old Echinocactus grusonii, known as the “King of Cacti”. Izu Shaboten Zoo is the only place in Japan where visitors can enjoy a cactus-picking experience — choosing from around 100 varieties to create a unique, personalised potted cactus.

Other Highlights

The zoo is well known for its collaboration with four other zoos — Nasu Animal Kingdom, Saitama Children’s Zoo, Ishikawa Zoo, and Nagasaki Bio Park — in delightful seasonal events, including the Capybara Long Bath Competition held in winter and the Watermelon-Eating Competition in summer. These charming contests have become beloved traditions that showcase the playful nature of the animals.

The zoo also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. At the Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI, visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal surrounded by greenery, sharing their table with adorable stuffed capybaras and red pandas. The Japanese Restaurant Hanamusubi serves the zoo’s original Cactus Udon, made with cactus leaf meat, while Chinese Restaurant Chao offers a selection of classic Chinese dishes. For lighter treats, Café Sherry is popular for its unique cactus fruit soft serve, and Bell Station features the one-of-a-kind Cactus Burger. Before leaving, guests can stop by the Gift Shop Animal Mart, which offers an extensive selection of original souvenirs, plush toys, and keychains inspired by the zoo’s beloved animals.