Best Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens Spot List

Get up close and personal with a Japanese macaque

A zoo in Kanazawa Shizen Park, surrounded by nature, where rare species of Herbivores from around the world are kept. A perfect spot to relax.

Make memories in Kobe’s picturesque herb garden, the largest in Japan

Encounter the Man’yoshu and plants from time immemorial

One of the world's largest aquariums with a massive tank where a whale shark glides gracefully. The aquarium duplicates the natural environment surrounding the Pacific Ocean.

Now the oldest and most comprehensive botanical gardens in all of Japan

This aquarium features a unique lineup, including the ”Jellyfish Kaleidoscope” and ”Edo-rium,” which can only be seen at this aquarium.

Japan's northernmost zoo is a drawcard thanks to its unique enclosures where you can see the animals living naturally.

See rare plants from the south

Featuring fun shows and an Aqua Tunnel

Sea lions, seals, and many marine mammal shows

Animals play in the snow at this northern zoo

The Institute for Nature Study, or Shizen Kyoiku-en, is an urban forest and green space where you can feel the changing seasons and embrace the beauty of nature in the midst of Tokyo.

This was the first zoo to be established in Japan, with more than 100 years of history. There are about 400 different species of animals, such as the giant panda, kept in this zoo.

The seas of Japan, the bond with the rest of the world, entertainment. The aquarium is a symbol of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, contributing to the revitalization of local communities.

This is a large garden full of tropical atmosphere on Enoshima Island. It was loved by the British import-export merchant Samuel Cocking.

This aquarium has introduced Japan's first tunnel aquarium, which offers a 360-degree view of the seals swimming around. It is an aquarium that both kids and adults can enjoy.

The mountain landscape painter Naoyuki Sakamoto captured the wild flowers of this forest for Rokkatei Confectionary's wrapping paper