Kebun Binatang Higashiyama
Aichi· Higashiyama Zoo
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located at 3-70 Higashiyama-Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, opened in 1937 (Showa 12) and covers about 60 hectares — drawing roughly 2.4 million visitors a year, among Japan's top-tier zoos. The zoo houses over 17,000 individuals across about 500 species, with the male western lowland gorilla «Shabani» becoming a global sensation in 2015 as «the world's most handsome gorilla,» credited with the surge in visitor numbers. With dedicated environments like the Koala House, Asian Elephant Zone, and Natural Zoo, it is ideal for wildlife photography; the adjoining Botanical Gardens cultivates about 5,000 plant species — among Japan's largest collections.
Highlights
- Western lowland gorilla «Shabani» — became globally famous in 2015 as «the world's most handsome gorilla»; shoot through the glass
- Koala House — eight koalas, eucalyptus feed, with the most active hours in the late afternoon
- Asian Elephant Zone and Natural Zoo — open enclosures showing herd behavior; weekday mornings are most active
- Higashiyama Botanical Garden — about 5,000 cultivated species, one of Japan's largest, with cherry blossoms, dogwood, and hydrangeas across the seasons
- Higashiyama Sky Tower (134 m) — overlooks the Nagoya cityscape and the gardens; renowned for sunset and night views
Quick Answers
What is Higashiyama Zoo?
Nagoya's combined zoo and botanical garden, opened in 1937, covering about 60 hectares with roughly 2.4 million annual visitors. Home to about 500 animal species (17,000+ individuals) and 5,000 plant species, it features the globally famous gorilla «Shabani» — one of Japan's top-tier zoological gardens.
How to see Shabani?
Most active in the mornings on weekdays at the Gorilla & Chimp enclosure. Press the lens against glass to cut reflections; a fast prime (50mm f/1.8) blurs the background. Weekends are very crowded — go early on a weekday morning.
Access and time required?
3 minutes on foot from Higashiyama-koen Station (Higashiyama Subway Line), Exit 3. Admission ¥500, annual pass ¥2,000 (pays for itself in two visits). Half a day to a full day for zoo + gardens + Sky Tower. Closes 16:30 (17:00 in summer).
Recommended camera gear?
①Fast prime (50mm f/1.8) for background bokeh and dim interiors ②Telephoto zoom (70–300mm) for distant animals and koalas ③Standard zoom (24–105mm) for wide views and the botanical garden. Glass-tank shooting is common — bring a lens hood. Flash is harmful to animals and forbidden; ISO 1600–3200 freezes motion.
Higashiyama Sky Tower at night?
At 134 m tall (100 m observation deck), the tower commands a panorama of Nagoya and the zoo grounds — sunset and blue hour are spectacular. Admission ¥500 (¥700 zoo combo), open 9:00–21:30. Weekday evenings are best for avoiding crowds. Tripods OK; bring dark clothes or a hood to cut glass reflection.
Recommended seasons?
Cherry blossoms late March–April, fresh greenery in May, roses in late May, hydrangeas in June, autumn colors in November, winter snow January–February — each season offers something. Koalas are most active 9:30–11:30 AM. Mogu-mogu (feeding) time brings out keeper talks and active subjects. The ¥2,000 annual pass enables seasonal repeat visits.
