Can I bring food and drinks outside to Nihondaira Zoo?

Yes, visitors can bring their food and drinks into the zoo. Plenty of picnic areas are available for a fun outdoor dining experience.

Are there any special events or shows at the zoo?

Yes, Nihondaira Zoo hosts various events throughout the year, such as animal feeding demonstrations, educational talks, and seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing. The zoo's website has more information on upcoming events.

Is there wheelchair access at the zoo?

Nihondaira Zoo is wheelchair accessible, with designated parking spaces and ramps throughout the park. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance free of charge.

Can I touch or feed any of the animals?

Some animals, such as the goats in the petting zoo, can be touched and fed with supervision from staff members. However, most zoo animals should not be touched or fed to ensure their safety and well-being.

How do I get to Nihondaira Zoo?

The easiest way to get to Nihondaira Zoo is by taking a bus from Shizuoka Station. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around 500 yen one way. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or drive to the zoo. Parking is available for 500 yen per day.

A red panda with reddish-brown fur, a bushy striped tail, and white markings on its face sits on a tree branch, surrounded by green foliage.

Large black sign reading "Nihondaira Zoo" in English and Japanese stands at the entrance, with banners featuring animal illustrations nearby. Trees and a building are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

A lioness stands on a rock in front of stone and greenery, looking directly at the camera with her mouth slightly open. Sunlight highlights her tan fur.

Shizuoka

Nihondaira Zoo

4.3 (4588)ZooTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Are you looking for a day filled with wonder and wildlife? Nihondaira Zoo in Shizuoka offers a captivating experience that appeals to animal lovers and families alike.

Home to about 700 animals across 180 species, the zoo features many creatures, including majestic big cats, playful red pandas, and exotic reptiles. The zoo's beautifully designed habitats, such as the Wild Animal House 299 and the Flying Megadome, allow visitors to see these animals in environments that mimic their natural surroundings.

Not just a place to see animals, Nihondaira Zoo is also involved in substantial conservation efforts, particularly in breeding programs for red pandas and giant anteaters. With interactive exhibits like the petting zoo and engaging play areas for children, it's an ideal destination for a memorable family outing.

Plan your visit and immerse yourself in this unique animal world—every visit promises something new and exciting. Whether exploring with children or enjoying a peaceful day out, Nihondaira Zoo is a must-see in Shizuoka.

Hours

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Closed

Every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, the zoo opens but closes the following day)

December 29th to January 1st

Available

All year (except Mondays and December 29th to January 1st)

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome.

Admission Fee

610 yen (General: High school students and above)

150 yen (Elementary and Junior high school students)

Free (preschool children)

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 54-262-3251

Website

www.nhdzoo.jp

Overview

Address

1767-6 Ikeda, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8005, Japan

Places & attractions near Nihondaira Zoo

A cable car with large windows travels above a lush, green forested area, suspended by a cable. The cable car is decorated with traditional symbols and has metal frames on the roof.

Nihondaira Observation Deck & Ropeway

A red bridge spans a turquoise river surrounded by forested mountains with autumn foliage, under a clear blue sky. The scene is peaceful and vibrant with fall colors.

Okuoikojo Station

A large crowd watches as two acrobats perform; one hangs upside down on a tall pole while the other is captured mid-air in a dramatic leap above them, set outdoors with trees in the background.

Daidogei World Cup

A pathway lined with vibrant cherry blossom trees in full bloom, creating a pink canopy. People walk beneath the blossoms, enjoying the scenic and peaceful springtime atmosphere.

Kawazu

Places & attractions near Nihondaira Zoo

Nihondaira Observation Deck & Ropeway

Okuoikojo Station

Daidogei World Cup

Kawazu

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 54-262-3251

Website

www.nhdzoo.jp

Traveler reviews

Don't miss the famous red pandas and polar bears. The up-close viewing is incredible! It is a highly recommended, budget-friendly spot for families traveling in Shizuoka

Jexxica C

Jun 6, 2026

Went here on a whim with my son and 81 year old mother. Very different from USA zoos but enjoyed ourselves greatly. The polar bears were especially impressive. Admission is about 5x less than zoos in the US

When you are in Shizuoka City I would definitely recommend this place to be visited. Not a Large zoo and not too small either. All the Animals here are active. From big cats to primates to lesser panda’s and capybaras.petting zoo is also available except at the time we went there it is closed. There’s also an observation tower where you need to ride a slow lift to reach the tower and go down but you can also use the long slide to go down which is much more fun even for an adult 😅 They have 3 parking areas in the area.parking fee is around ¥620. Small kids amusement park and souvenir shop.

A nice and clean quaint zoo that started in the 60s. Most of the animals seemed content and well cared for. I enjoyed my time here. Watch out for school trips as the zoo can become quite busy.

I visited Nihondaira Zoo to see and pet the capybara, but unfortunately, I arrived too late. Visitors should come earlier because petting the capybara is only allowed before 12 PM. The polar bear was adorable, swimming happily in its ice pool, bringing joy to everyone watching. The red panda was incredibly cute, and the zoo has a wide variety of monkeys to see. Visiting on a Sunday and taking the bus is not recommended as the place gets quite crowded. A delightful experience overall!