Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife in Japan

From world-class aquariums to zoos, animal cafes, and wild encounters with snow monkeys and deer, Japan offers countless ways to get close to animals. Many spots blend conservation with unforgettable, uniquely Japanese experiences.

What are the best zoos and aquariums in Japan?

Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is the country's oldest and most famous zoo, and Japan is also known for some of the largest aquariums in the world. Regional parks and safari-style wildlife resorts round out the options.

Where can I see snow monkeys or wild deer in Japan?

Wild Japanese macaques bathe in hot springs at Jigokudani in Nagano, especially in winter, and free-roaming deer famously wander Nara Park. Both are among Japan's most iconic wildlife experiences.

Seasonal Nature

The Original Capybara Open-Air Bath

The Original Capybara Open-Air Bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo is an iconic winter event where visitors watch capybaras soak in hot baths, a tradition beginning in 1982.

22 Nov 2026 – 5 Apr 2027Shizuoka · Chubu

Interactive Experience

Tokyo German Village

A hillside park in Chiba – despite the name, neither in Tokyo nor especially German – where flower fields, small rides and pick-your-own crops fill the slopes.

Sodegaura · Chiba

Zoo & Wildlife

Hakone-en Aquarium

Hakone-en Aquarium, Motohakone, Hakone, Kanagawa, sits on the shore of Lake Ashi at 723 metres above sea level, Japan's highest-altitude aquarium, with a Seal Plaza and penguins.

From world-class aquariums to zoos, animal cafes, and wild encounters with snow monkeys and deer, Japan offers countless ways to get close to animals. Many spots blend conservation with unforgettable, uniquely Japanese experiences.

What are the best zoos and aquariums in Japan?

Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is the country's oldest and most famous zoo, and Japan is also known for some of the largest aquariums in the world. Regional parks and safari-style wildlife resorts round out the options.

Where can I see snow monkeys or wild deer in Japan?

Wild Japanese macaques bathe in hot springs at Jigokudani in Nagano, especially in winter, and free-roaming deer famously wander Nara Park. Both are among Japan's most iconic wildlife experiences.

Seasonal Nature

The Original Capybara Open-Air Bath

The Original Capybara Open-Air Bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo is an iconic winter event where visitors watch capybaras soak in hot baths, a tradition beginning in 1982.

22 Nov 2026 – 5 Apr 2027Shizuoka · Chubu

Interactive Experience

Tokyo German Village

A hillside park in Chiba – despite the name, neither in Tokyo nor especially German – where flower fields, small rides and pick-your-own crops fill the slopes.

Sodegaura · Chiba

Zoo & Wildlife

Hakone-en Aquarium

Hakone-en Aquarium, Motohakone, Hakone, Kanagawa, sits on the shore of Lake Ashi at 723 metres above sea level, Japan's highest-altitude aquarium, with a Seal Plaza and penguins.

Hakone · Kanagawa

Zoo & Wildlife

Mother Farm

A 250-hectare farm in the Boso Peninsula offering hands-on animal interactions, seasonal flower viewing, fruit picking, and an amusement park.

Futtsu · Chiba

Zoo & Wildlife

Kobe Animal Kingdom

This animal park features a climate-controlled greenhouse and outdoor spaces housing around 150 animal species and a thousand plant varieties.

Kobe · Hyogo

Zoo & Wildlife

Alpaca fureai land

Facility in Tokyo offering direct interaction with alpacas through sessions, guided walks, and activities like feeding and brushing the animals.

Tokyo

Zoo & Wildlife

Izu Shaboten Zoo

This Shizuoka zoo showcases 1,500 cacti species and 140 animals, famously hosting capybara hot baths, a winter-only attraction discovered in 1982.

Ito · Shizuoka

Zoo & Wildlife

Adventure World

A wildlife park in Shirahama featuring diverse animal experiences, though its longtime giant pandas departed in June 2025.

Shirahama · Wakayama

Zoo & Wildlife

Tokyo Sea Life Park

Tokyo Sea Life Park is an aquarium featuring over 400 marine species in themed sections, with a large ocean tank, walk-through tunnel, and naturalistic penguin habitat.

Tokyo

Zoo & Wildlife

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

Takasakiyama hosts wild Japanese monkeys in natural habitat, with over 1,000 individuals as of 2020, earning it recognition as the birthplace of monkey science in Japan.

Oita

Zoo & Wildlife

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Large combination zoo and botanical garden in Nagoya established in 1937 with 450 animal species and 7,000 plant species across nearly 60 hectares.

Nagoya · Aichi

Zoo & Wildlife

Ueno Zoo

Japan's oldest zoo, established in 1882 with over 3,000 animals of 400 species, featuring giant pandas and interactive wildlife areas for visitors.

Tokyo

Zoo & Wildlife

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Japan's largest aquarium by tank capacity and floor area, featuring a massive dolphin show tank and research programs for penguins and sea turtles.

Nagoya · Aichi

Zoo & Wildlife

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Specialized aquarium featuring approximately 180 penguins from nine species, with interactive exhibits including a natural sea swimming environment.

Nagasaki

Zoo & Wildlife

Zaō Fox Village

Zaō Fox Village is home to over 100 free-roaming foxes of six species in mountain forests, allowing visitors to observe and feed them in a natural habitat alongside other animals.

Shiroishi · Miyagi