Izu Shaboten Zoo

Izu Shaboten Zoo has become well known as a winter tradition for the cute capybaras that contentedly soak in the outdoor baths. It has welcomed many visitors ever since it opened in 1959 as Izu Shaboten Park. In 2016, the name was changed to Izu Shaboten Zoo to reflect the various animals that call it home, such as kangaroos, wild birds, and capybaras.

The cactuses here can be found in five greenhouses such as the South America Hall, the Africa Hall, the Madagascar Hall, the Mexico Hall, and the Forest Cacti Hall. In 1970, former Emperor Hirohito came for a tour. Not only can you view the cacti, but you can also eat them at the restaurant inside the zoo. The zoo is also home to other types of animals such as chimpanzees, capybaras, lesser pandas, lar gibbons, ring-tailed lemurs, and kangaroos. There is also a spot where visitors can pet and feed the animals. Capybaras can be seen relaxing in outdoor baths from the end of November to early April.

There are also many sculptures from ancient Mexican cultures at Izu Shaboten Zoo, creating a unique atmosphere. Various Japanese superhero TV shows have also been shot here thanks to the zoo’s look, such as Ultraman and Kamen Rider. You may even find some scenes from one of these shows while strolling through the zoo.