Nonhoi Park, Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park

Nonhoi Park, officially known as Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park, stands as one of Japan's largest and most comprehensive zoological facilities, located in Toyohashi City in eastern Aichi Prefecture. The park opened in 1954 as a modest municipal zoo and has expanded significantly over the decades to encompass approximately 40 hectares of land. The name "Nonhoi" derives from the local Mikawa dialect, meaning "spacious and natural," which aptly describes the park's philosophy of creating environments where animals can exhibit natural behaviors in generous habitats.

The facility distinguishes itself through its integrated approach to conservation, education, and recreation, housing over 130 species and roughly 1,000 animals. The zoo sections are divided into themed zones representing different global ecosystems, including African savanna, Asian tropical rainforest, and Australian outback areas. Notable residents include polar bears, African elephants, Sumatran tigers, and a diverse collection of primates. The park also features a natural history museum with exhibits on paleontology and regional biodiversity, plus a botanical garden showcasing approximately 2,900 plant species arranged in geographical and ecological groupings.

Visitors typically spend between 3 to 5 hours exploring the expansive grounds. The zoo's layout encourages leisurely walks through carefully landscaped pathways that connect animal exhibits with botanical displays. Highlight experiences include viewing the impressive Skeleton Gallery in the natural history museum, which displays complete fossil reconstructions, and the park's spacious outdoor enclosures that allow for up-close animal observation. The botanical garden sections include tropical greenhouse environments, Japanese native plant collections, and seasonal flower displays that vary throughout the year.

Nonhoi Park is accessible from Toyohashi Station, the city's main railway hub served by JR Tokaido Shinkansen and Meitetsu lines. From Toyohashi Station, visitors can take the Toyohashi City Bus Route 5 bound for Nonhoi Park, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes. The park is located about 6 kilometers from the station. The facility provides parking for approximately 1,650 vehicles at 200 yen per day, making it accessible for those traveling by car from nearby cities like Nagoya, which is roughly 70 kilometers west.