About
Capybaras enjoying their outdoor bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Izu Shaboten Zoo (ไผ่ฑใทใฃใใใณๅ็ฉๅ ฌๅ) is a zoological park and botanical garden in Itล, Shizuoka, Japan, founded in 1959. The park is located beside Mount Omuro, a grass-covered volcanic cone near central Ito on the Izu Peninsula. ๐
The zoo is named for its location on the Izu Peninsula while "shaboten" (ใทใฃใใใณ) is a historical Japanese word that commonly referred to cacti up until the 1960s. The term derives from "shabon" (ใทใฃใใณ, from Portuguese sabรฃo), meaning soap, as prickly pear cactus juice was used as a soap substitute. ๐
The park houses approximately 1,500 species of cacti and succulents alongside 140 animal species, presented through a unique "activity zoo" concept (taiken-gata dลbutsuen ไฝ้จๅๅ็ฉๅ) that emphasizes close interaction (fureai) between visitors and animals. ๐
Cultural & Religious Significance
The Cactus Collection: A Cultural Exhibition
The Izu Shaboten Zoo opened in 1959 as one of the first institutions in Japan to feature a large-scale exhibition of cacti and succulents. The five greenhouses are designed to evoke the climates and cultures of the cacti's native lands, with particular focus on ancient Mexico. Replica pre-Columbian stone statues from sites like Monte Albรกn transform the greenhouses into narrative spaces, connecting the plants to their civilizational origins. This approach reflects the Japanese cultural tendency to appreciate items not just for their aesthetics, but for their history and story (monogatari).
Cactus cultivation in Japan has a 300-year history as part of the sophisticated horticultural tradition (engei bunka ๅ่ธๆๅ). Cacti were introduced during the Edo period (1603-1868) and became appreciated by enthusiasts much like bonsai and orchidsโvalued for their patience, precision, and the challenge of cultivation. The collection includes specimens like a 170-year-old "King Golden Ball" cactus, representing a modern manifestation of this deep-seated cultural appreciation for horticulture. ๐
The Capybara Onsen: Birthplace of a National Tradition
Izu Shaboten Zoo is the originator (ganso ๅ ็ฅ) of the now-famous Capybara Outdoor Bath tradition, which has become a beloved winter event (fuyu no fลซbutsushi ๅฌใฎ้ขจ็ฉ่ฉฉ). ๐
The tradition began in 1982 when an employee cleaning the capybara enclosure with hot water noticed the animals huddling together in a warm puddle. Recognizing their enjoyment of the warmth, staff began preparing warm baths for them, creating what has become an iconic Japanese zoo tradition. ๐
The phenomenon's immense popularity is deeply tied to Japan's own love for onsen (hot spring) culture. For the Japanese, onsen symbolize relaxation, health, and simple pleasure. Seeing capybaras with blissful expressions soaking in steaming baths resonates powerfullyโit's a charming, humorous, and heartwarming image combining two beloved elements: cute animals and the relaxing ritual of the onsen. Video clips of the capybaras have gained millions of views, and the zoo's capybaras have influenced the character "Kapibara-san" and associated merchandise. ๐
Visiting Information
Address: 1317-13 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 413-0231 Japan ๐
Operating Hours:
- March to October: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- November to February: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ๐
Admission:
- Adults: ยฅ2,700
- Discounts available for online advance booking (up to ยฅ400 per person)
- Discount tickets available at Izu Kogen train station information counter ๐
Additional Costs:
- Animal Boat Tour: ยฅ1,500 (Adults), ยฅ800 (Children) ๐
- Animal feeding treats: ยฅ200 per packet ๐
- Parking: ยฅ500 (capacity: 400 cars, 18 buses) ๐
Transportation:
From Ito Station:
- Bus in direction of Shaboten Koen to final stop
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Cost: ยฅ880 one way
- Frequency: 2 buses per hour ๐
From Izu Kogen Station:
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Cost: ยฅ430 one way
- Frequency: Every 1-2 hours ๐
By Car (from accommodation near Shuzenji):
- Large parking area with capacity for 400 cars
- Parking fee: ยฅ500
- Located directly across the road from Mount Omuro chairlift ๐
The Experience
Interactive "Activity Zoo" Concept
Izu Shaboten Zoo stands out as an "activity animal park" (taiken-gata dลbutsuen ไฝ้จๅๅ็ฉๅ), defined by its emphasis on minimizing barriers between animals and visitors. The core concept is fureai (ใตใใใ), meaning "contact" or "interaction." ๐
Free-Roaming Animals: Peacocks and squirrel monkeys roam freely within the zoo grounds. Squirrel monkeys are particularly keen on approaching or climbing on visitors who have food. ๐
Direct Interaction Opportunities:
- Enter areas where capybaras and kangaroos live
- Feed treats to multiple species including capybaras, kangaroos, llamas, goats, sheep, and red pandas (limited quantities)
- Walk into the large enclosed kangaroo area
- Experience squirrel monkeys climbing on visitors ๐
Animal Boat Tours: Japan's Only Zoo Boat Experience
The Animal Boat Tour is the first and only attraction of its kind in Japan, offering two courses: "Round the Zoo Course" and "Monkey Island Landing Course." Visitors take a boat tour around nine islands of various sizes floating in a central pond, where ring-tailed lemurs and squirrel monkeys live in more natural, open habitats. ๐
The "Monkey Island Landing Course" allows visitors to physically interact with lemurs and feed them while they climb harmlessly on visitorsโthe only place in Japan offering this type of lemur interaction. ๐
"Cactus Hunting" Workshop
This unique activity allows visitors to create their own personalized potted cactus arrangements. Visitors select their favorite cacti from approximately 100 varieties of cacti and succulents available at any one time, choose a pot, and staff add soil to complete the original creation that visitors can take home. ๐
Note: For detailed booking information, contact the Group Reservation Center at TEL: 0557-51-5553. ๐
November Visit: Seasonal Considerations
Capybara Onsen Season Begins: November marks the beginning of the famous capybara outdoor bath season (November-April), making it an ideal time to witness this beloved tradition in its first month. Bath times: 1:30 PM on weekdays, and 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM on weekends and public holidays. Capybaras may stay in the bath for up to an hour. ๐
Cactus Garden Blooms: The zoo's cactus garden comes alive with vibrant blooms during November. The sight of colorful flowers against the backdrop of surrounding mountains is particularly breathtaking. ๐
Weather & Conditions: November in Ito offers mildly cool and breezy weather with temperatures ranging from 13-18ยฐC (55-64ยฐF). The surrounding mountains and forests are ablaze with autumn colors, creating stunning fall foliage throughout the Ito area. ๐
Reduced Hours: From November through February, the zoo closes at 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM, so arriving early is recommended to maximize time. ๐
Crowd Levels: November is a great time to visit as crowds are generally smaller than peak seasons. Weekdays are particularly less busy than holidays. ๐
Practical Visiting Tips
Time Management
Arrival Recommendation: Arrive early to fully enjoy all attractions, especially important in November when the zoo closes at 4:00 PM. ๐
Duration Planning:
- Full experience (with lunch): 4-5 hours
- Quick visit: 1-2 hours possible but rushed
- Recommendation: Plan for 4+ hours to avoid rushing and enjoy boat tour, animal interactions, and capybara bath viewing ๐
Animal Feeding Strategy
Food Purchase: Animal feeding treats sold throughout the park for ยฅ200 per packet. Consider purchasing strategically to have treats for different animals instead of giving all treats at the first stop. ๐
Important Rule: Do not give any food or drink you bring to the animalsโonly official treats purchased at the zoo should be used for feeding. ๐
Red Panda Feeding: Treat feeding opportunities with red pandas have limited quantities available, so visit early if interested. ๐
Accessibility & Facilities
Wheelchair Access: The zoo is wheelchair-accessible with free wheelchair rental, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. However, some areas may be difficult to navigate due to hilly terrain, cobblestones, and gravel. ๐
Stroller Rental: Available for ยฅ500 on a first-come, first-served basis with limited numbers. ๐
English Support: English pamphlets are available with hours, address, website, and feeding guides, making navigation easier for international visitors. ๐
Dining & Shopping
Five Restaurants & Cafes: The zoo features five dining establishments including Gibbontei (main restaurant) serving unique themed dishes like capybara-shaped hamburger and cactus-shaped curry made from actual cactus. ๐
Unique Food Items:
- Cactus Udon (noodles containing cactus leaves - only available here)
- Cactus Burger and Cactus Green Curry
- Cactus Red Berry Soft Serve Ice Cream ๐
Bringing Your Own Food: Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. Use designated benches when eating, and either dispose of garbage in designated areas or take it home. ๐
Gift Shop: Animal Mart offers a wide selection including original miscellaneous goods, Kapibara-san character merchandise, stuffed animals, and Izu souvenirs. ๐
Visitor Etiquette
- Maintain respectful distance from other visitors
- Avoid making loud noises
- Follow staff instructions for animal interactions
- Be patient when free-roaming animals approach ๐
Connections with Nearby Locations
- Mount Omuro: Chairlift to the top located directly across the road from the zoo. Combined visit offers excellent day itinerary. ๐
- Ito Town: Central Ito is approximately 25 minutes by taxi, offering hot spring facilities and seaside atmosphere
- Jogasaki Coast: Scenic coastal area with November being an ideal time for exploration due to cooler weather and smaller crowds ๐
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/izu-shaboten-zoo.md