Experience the Magic of Autumn at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens 🍁
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens transforms into a breathtaking autumn wonderland with 500 vibrant broadleaf trees, including Japanese maples and dove trees. This year, experience the magic with special evening illuminations, casting a spellbinding glow on the foliage and creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. Don’t miss the mesmerizing "inverted autumn leaves" mirrored in the tranquil Oku-ike Pond, a sight that draws visitors back year after year.
Autumn Leaves Illumination ✨
Dates: November 16th-17th, 22nd-24th, 30th, and December 1st, 2024
Time: 9:00 – 16:50 (Last entry at 16:30) Extended evening hours within a designated area of the botanical garden.
Peak Autumn Foliage Viewing Guide 🍂
Plan your visit to coincide with the peak colors of your favorite trees:
- Early to Mid-November: Admire the fiery hues of the Chinese Pistache tree in the Western-style Garden as it kickstarts the autumn spectacle.
- Mid to Late November: Witness the breathtaking display of maples surrounding Oku-ike Pond. On calm days, their vibrant colors are perfectly reflected in the water, creating a truly stunning scene. Simultaneously, the Goshiki-momiji (five-colored maple trees) in Yuuyuen Garden come alive, their changing hues complementing the elegant Sousetsu-an teahouse.
- Mid-November to Early December: The Japanese Garden offers extended autumn beauty. Experience the captivating contrast between the vibrant leaves and the serene green moss.
Explore Beyond the Leaves! 🦍
Higashiyama offers more than just stunning foliage. Discover the brand-new Asian Tropical Rainforest area (opened in 2023) and the recently renovated jaguar enclosure. From tiny killifish to majestic Asian elephants, the zoo boasts the highest number of species in Japan, providing a diverse and exciting experience for animal lovers.
Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures in specialized exhibits like the Gorilla and Chimpanzee House (home to the internet-famous Shabani!), the Zojium (Asian Elephant House), and the Koala House. These immersive exhibits offer a unique opportunity to learn about animal ecology and habitats through engaging educational displays.
Beyond the zoo, explore the botanical garden’s impressive collection of 7,000 plant species housed in a vast greenhouse and spread across the naturally forested hills. In spring, the Cherry Blossom Corridor bursts into color with 1,000 cherry trees of 100 different varieties. The Camellia Garden, Rose Garden, and Flower Fields offer a continuous display of seasonal beauty throughout the year.
Visitor Information
- Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the zoo is closed the following day).
- Hours: 9:00 – 16:50 (Last entry at 16:30)
- Location: Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Fee: Adults: 500 yen, Junior high school students and younger: Free
- Contact: Nagoya City Higashiyama General Park Management Section – 052-782-2111 (Japanese only)
- Website: http://www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp/
- Access:
- 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.
- 7-minute walk from Exit 6 of Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line (Recommended access for autumn leaf viewing).
What is Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a renowned destination located in Nagoya, Japan, celebrated for its blend of wildlife and lush plant life. Established in 1937, it is one of the largest and most diverse attractions of its kind in Asia, offering both a zoo and botanical gardens across its expansive 244-acre grounds. Visitors can explore a vast array of animal species from around the world, including elephants, koalas, and gorillas, housed in environment-conscious enclosures that aim to mimic their natural habitats.
In addition to its zoological features, Higashiyama is equally famous for its botanical gardens, which boast a diverse collection of plant species, carefully curated to represent different ecosystems. The gardens offer picturesque walking trails that meander through landscapes ranging from serene Japanese gardens to vibrant tropical setups.
The locale also boasts the Higashiyama Sky Tower, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Nagoya and the surrounding areas, enhancing the visitor experience. Throughout the year, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens host a variety of seasonal events, drawing locals and tourists alike to enjoy its natural beauty, educational exhibits, and family-friendly atmosphere. The autumn leaves illumination, in particular, transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland, offering an enchanting way to experience the splendor of fall foliage.
