Visiting Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: A Cautionary Tale

If you're planning a trip to Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, here's a tip: don't get off at Hoshigaoka Station, the stop after Higashiyama Koen Station on the subway. Today, I visited the zoo and botanical gardens, and the entrance fee is quite reasonable at 500 yen per adult. We got off at Hoshigaoka Station, exited through Exit 6, and saw a sign indicating that the gardens were over 700 meters away. We dragged our luggage uphill, which was more exhausting than climbing a mountain. Upon arrival, we found out from the staff that luggage storage is only available at the main entrance and the north gate, and they kindly marked it on the map for us. Entering through the Hoshigaoka gate leads you to the botanical gardens, and the zoo is quite a distance away, separated by a public road. After exiting the botanical gardens, the staff at the entrance will give you a ticket to enter the zoo across the street. Once inside the zoo, it started pouring rain, leaving us speechless. While taking shelter, we tried a gorilla hot dog, which was less appealing than the picture, much like our experience. We eventually exited through the main gate, checked the locker prices, and saved 500 yen. Walking through the rain with luggage was quite the ordeal. After leaving the main gate, it's just a short walk to Higashiyama Koen Station. If you visit the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you'll regret not getting off at Higashiyama Koen Station. #HigashiyamaZoo #NagoyaTravel #JapanTravel