This zoo is clean overall, and the layout is pretty visitor-friendly. There are lots of different animals, and the atmosphere feels relaxed, so it never feels stressful or overly crowded.
A lot of the animals were active too, instead of just sleeping, which made it more fun to walk around.

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Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo
A zoo known for its behavioral exhibits, where animals move around energetically in ways true to their natural behavior.
Located at the foot of Nihondaira, one of Japan’s leading scenic spots overlooking Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, this zoo keeps around 560 animals from about 130 species. It is especially known for its behavioral exhibits, where animals live vibrantly in environments close to their natural habitats.
Animals are displayed in a variety of facilities designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each species, including the impressive “Predator House 299,” where you can observe powerful animals such as polar bears, lions, and Amur tigers up close, and the “Flying Mega Dome,” where birds fly freely inside one of the largest flying cages in Japan. The red pandas, a mascot-like presence at the zoo, are especially adorable as they move freely between two exhibition areas, indoors and outside. The contrast in the penguins’ behavior is also a must-see, as they relax quietly on land and swim swiftly underwater.
The all-weather, air-conditioned “Fureai House,” where visitors can interact with small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, is also popular, as are pony riding experiences held on weekends and holidays. The adjoining amusement area features a roller slide and rides.
Highlights
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A zoo located at the foot of Nihondaira.
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Home to around 560 animals from about 130 species, including red pandas.
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Features exhibits in facilities that showcase the characteristics of different animals, including fierce animals and birds.
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Interacting with small animals and pony rides are also popular.
Photos
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Red pandas are like the zoo’s mascots
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Seeing fierce animals up close is an impressive experience
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Observe penguins from different angles, on land and underwater
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At the flying cage, you can observe birds in an environment close to nature
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About 560 animals from around 130 species gather at the foot of the mountain
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
Yes.
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
No.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
Yes, in the entrance parking lot outside the zoo.
Q
Are there any tourist spots nearby?
Reviews
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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There are lots of animals, and the zoo feels really comfortable to walk around, so it’s not too tiring. The most famous ones are the polar bears and giant pandas, and they’re seriously adorable.
Overall, the place feels clean, and the animals look lively too. It’s the kind of zoo where you can just relax, stroll around slowly, and enjoy the chill vibe. You end up staying longer than you expect.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 静岡市立日本平動物園
- Postal Code
- 422-8005
- Address
- 1767-6 Ikeda, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
- Phone
- 054-262-3251
- Closed on
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday or substitute holiday),
- Hours
- 9:00am–4:30pm (Last admission at 4:00pm)
- Admission
- Adults (high school students and older): 620 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen
- Access
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1) Approx. 10 minutes by Shizutetsu Justline bus from Higashi-Shizuoka Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, get off at “Dobutsuen Iriguchi” bus stop, then walk 5 minutes
2) Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Tomei Expressway Nihondaira Kunozan Smart IC - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)