Overview
Opened in 1937 across some 60 hectares, this zoo-garden complex keeps about 500 species — among Japan's most. Its megastar is Shabani, the western lowland gorilla whose good looks broke the internet, alongside gibbons famous for oddly human calls, koalas and Asian elephants. The botanical garden's greenhouse is an Important Cultural Property and a fine autumn-foliage spot, and the on-site Higashiyama Sky Tower (separate fee) overlooks the whole city. At JPY 500 a ticket, it's a full day for pocket change.
💰 Tickets
Adults JPY 500, junior-high age and under free (combo with Sky Tower JPY 640).
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
9:00-16:50 (last entry 16:30; closed Mondays)
🚇 Getting there
3 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama subway line.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 3-4 hours.
🌅 Best time to visit
Mornings when the animals are active, in spring or autumn; the botanical garden's November foliage is superb.
Travel Tips
The grounds are huge — walk one direction from the main gate without backtracking. Shabani is livelier in the morning.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nagoya, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nagoya on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nagoya with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nagoya 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
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Things to Do in Nagoya
Me~guru Sightseeing Bus Tour
A loop bus linking only the hits — Nagoya Castle, the Toyota museum, Tokugawaen — with a day pass that maps your whole day and adds admission discounts.
Ghibli Park Day Trip
Ride the Linimo maglev out to Nagakute and spend the day walking Ghibli's worlds, from the Grand Warehouse to Howl's castle. Advance reservations essential.
Tokoname Pottery Path Walk
A half day on the Pottery Path of Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns — brick chimneys, clay-pipe walls, the maneki-neko lane and hands-on pottery studios. Right by Centrair, perfect for departure day.