Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo
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 known for its behavioral exhibits, where animals living energetically in environments close to their natural habitats are a major attraction. Animals are displayed in a variety of facilities that make it easy to understand the characteristics of each species, including the powerful “Predator House 299,” where you can observe fierce 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.
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.
