Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens: A Year-Round Family Adventure
As a foreigner who has visited the zoo over 10 times in 5 years, I can finally say that after three visits in 2020 with my child, I am no longer confused. I've seen its beauty in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The zoo has been continuously improving, building new exhibits, and expanding new areas, making it more impressive.
🌟 Tickets: The entrance fee is 500 yen, and a combo ticket for the observation tower is 600 yen. Discount methods include a 100 yen discount with a one-day train pass and 410 yen through the welfare club. There are various discount tickets available, and an annual pass costs 2000 yen.
🌟 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Animals start returning to their enclosures around 4 PM, so it's best to visit early, especially for families with children).
🌟 Parking: There are many parking lots available for 800 yen per day. However, there are free parking areas like Uedasan and Ryokyo South Parking, which only charge during spring and autumn festivals or large events on weekends and holidays. These are a bit farther away. Another option is roadside parking, though I'm not sure if it's officially allowed, but many cars park this way near the Kamiike Gate area.
Spring 🌸: Visiting the zoo in spring to see cherry blossoms might seem odd, but it's the most beautiful season. The paths are crowded with people picnicking, and rare cherry blossom varieties in the botanical garden are in full bloom. I first visited with classmates five years ago, and I hope the cherry blossoms will bloom as usual next year, with the pandemic subsiding.
Summer 🍃: With 90% of the zoo outdoors, apply thick sunscreen. If you don't visit later in the afternoon, most animals are lethargic. I've visited the zoo three times in summer, and the hydrangeas are stunning.
Autumn 🍂: The weather is pleasant, and the maple leaves are beautiful. Animals are active, with kangaroos hopping around and gorillas playing outside. However, it's crowded.
Winter ❄️: The zoo is less crowded in winter, and there are fewer animals. It's not as busy, but the wind is strong, and animals tend to stay in their enclosures. Many interactive and close-up viewing experiences are suspended due to the pandemic. However, with fewer people, you can spend more time observing animals. We spent a long time in the lion area, watching them urinate, defecate, roar, and even act cute.
❤️ Baby Meals: The children's meals in the park are reasonably priced and creatively presented.
1⃣️ The children's set at the café is 560 yen + tax. The café environment is nicer, so secure a seat before lining up.
2⃣️ Gorilla Ramen 🍜 is not recommended.
3⃣️ Koala Ice Cream 🍦 is surprisingly good.
4⃣️ Bear Pizza 🍕 is disappointing.
5⃣️ Giraffe Hot Dog 🌭 is average.
6⃣️ Cotton Candy is highly recommended, with two colors for 600 yen (sold from a small truck on the path to the botanical garden). There are many animal-shaped snacks to discover.
I genuinely believe the zoo is an economical place for family outings. Children under elementary school age enter for free, making it a welfare facility. Buy discount tickets, park in free parking areas, and crafty moms can bring bento and picnic mats. Remember to sanitize frequently during the pandemic. ❤️