Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the largest zoological and botanical complex in central Japan, covering 68 hectares of forested hillside in the Higashiyama area of Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi. The combined zoo and botanical garden has operated on this site since 1937 and today hosts approximately 450 animal species alongside a botanical collection of over 7,500 plant varieties. The zoo's most celebrated residents are its koalas — Higashiyama is one of the few zoological facilities outside Australia with a successful koala breeding programme, and the dedicated koala house with elevated viewing platforms draws consistent crowds. Large mammals including elephants, gorillas, and Amur leopards occupy naturalistic enclosures positioned across the hillside, connected by a network of paved paths and a miniature steam train that loops through the central zoo area. The adjacent Botanical Gardens provide a quieter, more contemplative experience: a formal rose garden, a cactus house, a tropical greenhouse, and extensive seasonal planting occupy the western portion of the complex. The Higashiyama Sky Tower — a 134-metre observation tower rising above the treetops at the heart of the complex — is included in the zoo entrance fee and delivers panoramic views over the Higashiyama forest canopy toward central Nagoya. The zoo connects directly to Higashiyama Park's wider forested walking trails, extending the outdoor experience beyond the ticketed areas. The complex is a 3-minute walk from Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama subway line. Most families spend 2 to 4 hours; a thorough visit covering the zoo, botanical gardens, and Sky Tower warrants a full half-day.