A country known for its bathing culture, Japan is showing the world that hot springs aren't just for people! At Izu Shaboten Zoo Park, several cuddly capybara - the world's largest (and cutest?) rodent - have become quite famous for taking extended dips in hot baths. And now you, too, can snap photos of these adorable animals up close!
Izu Shaboten Zoo Park first began breeding capybara in 1966, when the animals were a very rare sight in Japan. Visitors soon fell in love with the adorable mammals.
Winters can be quite cold in Japan, and as capybara are native to jungle habitats in South America, this discovery led zoo staff to imagine that creating hot springs for the capybara might help them better get through the cold season.
Turns out they were right, and for 36 years the zoo has been holding its annual "Capybara Open-Air Bath" event - now one of the area's most popular tourist draws!
From now until April 17, 2019, you can drop by Izu Shaboten Zoo Park and watch these adorable characters as they soak in the warm water from 1:30PM weekdays and from 10:30AM and 1:30PM on weekends and holidays.
Other events and photo opportunities are available as well, making so much fun for the whole family!
-
Izu Shaboten Zoo伊豆シャボテン動物公園
-
Address
1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0231
View Map -
Nearest Station
From JR Atami Station, take the JR Ito Line to Ito Station. From there, it is approximately 35 min by Tokai Bus.
(If getting off at Izukogen Station on the Izu Kyuko Line, it takes around 20 min by Tokai Bus or 15 min by taxi.)
- Phone Number 0557-51-1111
Hours: Open daily. March - October: 9:00AM-5:00PM / November - February: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Entrance fees:
Junior High Age and Older: 2,300 yen
Elementary School Children: 1,100 yen
Toddlers (4 Years Old+): 400 yen
Senior Discount Price (70+): 1,900 yen -
Address
1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0231
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activities
Recommended places for you
-
Tried a Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Bus Tour From Tokyo — Here's What It Was Really Like
-
Explore Tokyo and Kanagawa to the Fullest! A Seamless Journey with the Odakyu Digital 1-Day All-Line Pass
by: Guest Contributor
-
Coffee, Curry, and Titanium Gear: We Check Out Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO
-
(2026) 18 Stories You Can Carry Home: Immersive Cultural Experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
-
Tokyo Family Travel Just Got Easier Thanks to These Adorable Train Strollers
by: Guest Contributor
-
Eat Like Goro! "Taya" in Jujo, Tokyo (Solitary Gourmet Season 2, Epsode 10)
by: Shingo Teraoka
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
9 Family-Friendly Hotels with Comfortable Family Rooms in Asakusa
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
Ad
Discover the "Miraculous Forest" in the Heart of Tokyo: The Institute for Nature Study (9 Minutes from JR Meguro Station)
-
8 Must-Visit Zoos, Aquariums, and Botanical Gardens in Tokyo
-
Not Just Pandas! 5 Unique Animal Goods from the Ueno Zoo Gift Shop!
-
Ultimate Guide to Ueno Zoo: Access, Popular Attractions and Services
-
Shibuya Crossing: Getting the Best View from the Deck at Magnet by Shibuya109!
-
(Video) Walking Tour along Narita Omotesando - Quaint Historical Village near Narita Airport!
by: Victor Gonzalez
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks