Izu Shaboten Zoo near Ito combines a large cactus and succulent garden, with roughly 1,500 varieties displayed in themed greenhouse and outdoor sections, with a zoo of free-roaming animals that mingle with visitors along the walking paths rather than staying behind fences. Capybaras, in particular, wander freely and famously soak in an outdoor hot spring bath during winter months, drawing visitors specifically for that seasonal sight. The zoo's Monkey Island section lets visitors take a small boat ride past an island of Japanese macaques, offering a closer view than typical enclosure viewing. Because the site combines a botanical garden with a zoo across sprawling hillside grounds, a full visit takes 2 to 2.5 hours to see both the plant collections and the main animal areas without rushing. Weekday mornings are quietest and give the best chance to see capybaras and other free-roaming animals active before midday, and winter visits add the seasonal capybara hot spring bath as a bonus.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM (until 4:00PM November-February)
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, particularly for the Monkey Island boat ride
Location
1317-13 Futo, Ito-shi, Shizuoka 413-0231, Japan
34.9847, 139.0900 View on map
Highlights
- Free-roaming capybaras, including a winter hot spring bath
- Roughly 1,500 cactus and succulent varieties in themed gardens
- Monkey Island boat ride past Japanese macaques
- Animals that mingle directly with visitors along the paths
- Hillside grounds combining botanical garden and zoo sections
Tips for visiting
- Visit in winter to see the capybaras' famous outdoor hot spring bath
- Go on a weekday morning for the most active free-roaming animals
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds cover a large sloped hillside
- The Monkey Island boat ride may have a separate short queue during peak season
- Allow extra time if visiting both the cactus gardens and the animal areas thoroughly
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest, particularly for the Monkey Island boat ride, and winter adds the capybara hot spring bath.
Accessibility
The grounds are spread across a hillside with some sloped paths and steps between sections, which can be challenging for wheelchair users in parts of the site.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Izu Shaboten Zoo take?
Covering both the cactus gardens and the main animal areas typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the free-roaming animals and hands-on feel of walking among capybaras and other creatures make it a strong choice for families.
Is photography allowed throughout the zoo?
Photography is allowed throughout the gardens and animal areas, including of the capybaras in their hot spring bath.