4 Spots to Feed, Pet, and Play With Capybaras in Japan
4 Best Places to See and Feed Capybaras in Japan – Pet, Snap Photos, and Watch Them Bathe
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Looking to unwind with Japan’s cutest residents? Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, have become beloved icons of calm across the country. From mountaintop resorts to city-center aquariums, Japan offers unique places where visitors can feed, pet, and even bathe alongside these gentle creatures. Here are four of the best spots to meet them up close.
Capybaras in Japan
Capybaras, native to South America, first arrived in Japan in the 1960s for research—but quickly won hearts with their laid-back charm. Now beloved symbols of relaxation, these gentle giants are found at over 100 zoos and aquariums across the country. Whether it’s on TV or as adorable merch, their popularity continues to grow. Today, visitors can not only observe them but also feed, pet, and even watch them soak in traditional Japanese baths—making capybaras one of Japan’s most unexpected but cherished animal stars.
1. Izu Shaboten Zoo
Izu Shaboten Zoo, nestled in the hot spring-rich Izu Peninsula, was one of Japan’s first places to welcome capybaras in the 1960s. Today, they’re the zoo’s most beloved residents—second only to the peacocks in freedom—and visitors can feed them leafy treats right at the enclosure. In winter, capybaras bathe in a steaming outdoor tub infused with yuzu or rose petals, echoing Japan’s love for hot springs. For a fun touch, you can even try a capybara-shaped burger at the on-site café.
Izu Shaboten Zoo (伊豆シャボテン動物公園)
Address: 1317-13 Futo, Ito, Shizuoka
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (hours may vary season to season)
Admission:
weekdays: adults 2,700 yen | elementary school students 1,300 yen | children 4+ 700 yen
weekdays: adults 2,800 yen | elementary school students 1,400 yen | children 4+ 700 yen
2. Kawasui Kawasaki Aquarium
Just steps from Kawasaki Station, Kawasui Aquarium is one of the most convenient places near Tokyo to meet capybaras up close. Though the space is compact, the animals are friendly and curious, often approaching visitors in the Agua Terra zone. For just additional 300 yen, you can offer them a treat—guaranteed to win their affection.
Kawasui Kawasaki Aquarium (カワスイ 川崎水族館)
Address: 10F Kawasaki Le Front, 1-11 Nisshincho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (last admission 19:00)
Admission: adults 2,200 yen | high schoolers 1,700 yen | elementary & middle schoolers 1,400 yen | children 4+ 800 yen
3. Nasu Animal Kingdom
In the scenic mountains of Tochigi, Nasu Animal Kingdom offers the Capybara Forest where guests can enter the enclosure and hand-feed the friendly animals for just extra 100 yen. The park’s alpine setting makes winter visits extra special—capybaras soak in steamy hot spring baths surrounded by snow, creating a uniquely Japanese and heartwarming scene.
Nasu Animal Kingdom (那須どうぶつ王国)
Address: 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi
Hours: weekdays 10:00 – 16:30 | weekends/holidays 9:00 – 17:00 | winter hours (late Dec to late Feb) 10:00 – 16:00 | closed Wednesdays
Admission: adults 2,600 yen | children 1,200 yen | adults (winter) 2,000 yen | children (winter) 1,000 yen
4. Kobe Animal Kingdom
Located in western Japan near Osaka and Kyoto, Kobe Animal Kingdom offers a Pantanal-inspired habitat where capybaras roam marshy grounds and relax in shallow pools. For 100 yen, guests can feed them leafy snacks and enjoy rare up-close moments. With its hands-on atmosphere and range of animals to meet, it’s one of the most interactive zoo experiences in Japan.
Kobe Animal Kingdom (神戸どうぶつ王国)
Address: 7-1-9 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (hours vary, please check before departing)
Admission: adults 2,200 yen | elementary school students 1,200 yen | children 4-5 y.o. 500 yen | seniors 65+ 1,600 yen
This content has been edited and republished from JAPANKURU with permission. The original article was published on October 31, 2024. ©JAPANKURU of Global Daily Co., Ltd All rights reserved.
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