Japan has a uniquely endearing relationship with capybaras. The country invented the now-famous tradition of these large South American rodents soaking in heated outdoor baths — often filled with yuzu citrus on the winter solstice — and the images have become some of the most shared wildlife moments on social media worldwide. Beyond the famous onsen scenes, many Japanese zoos and animal parks offer hands-on capybara interactions year-round. Here is your complete guide to where and how to experience capybaras in Japan.
Best Places to See Capybaras in Japan
♨️ Izu Shaboten Zoo
Ito, Izu PeninsulaAdmission: ¥2,800 adults / ¥1,400 children · Access: ~2 hr from Tokyo (Odoriko express)
Birthplace of Japanese capybara onsen culture; yuzu bath events every winter
🏔️ Nasu Animal Kingdom
Nasu, TochigiAdmission: ¥2,200 adults / ¥1,100 children · Access: ~2 hr from Tokyo (Shinkansen + shuttle)
Free-roaming capybaras in large outdoor paddocks; popular with families
🦛 Yagiyama Zoological Park
Sendai, MiyagiAdmission: ¥720 adults / ¥360 children · Access: 1.5 hr from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Budget-friendly city zoo with a well-maintained capybara family exhibit
🌿 Nagasaki Bio Park
NagasakiAdmission: ¥1,500 adults / ¥750 children · Access: 50 min from Nagasaki Station by bus
Japan's best hands-on capybara experience; animals approach visitors freely for petting
Stay in Tokyo — Day Trips to Izu & Nasu Capybara Parks
Tokyo is the ideal base for Japan's top capybara destinations. Izu Shaboten Zoo on the Izu Peninsula is a ~2-hour train ride via the Odoriko express from Tokyo Station, while Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi is reachable by Tohoku Shinkansen in under 2 hours. Plan your Izu trip between December and February to catch the famous yuzu onsen season.
Capybara Facts for Japan Visitors
World's largest rodent
Capybaras are the largest rodents on Earth, native to South America. Adults weigh 35–65 kg and are semi-aquatic — they love water.
Japan pioneered capybara onsen
Izu Shaboten Zoo started the hot-spring tradition in 1982. Staff placed a capybara in warm water on a cold day and it never looked back. The practice has since become a viral winter spectacle.
Yuzu winter solstice bath
On or around 22 December (winter solstice), zoos add yuzu citrus to the capybara bath — a tradition borrowed from the Japanese human onsen custom of yuzu-yu for good health.
Highly social animals
Capybaras live in herds of 10–20 in the wild. Japanese facilities keep groups together and the animals remain visibly relaxed and social, often sleeping in piles.
They make a purring sound
Content capybaras produce a gentle purring or clicking sound. If you hear it during your visit, the animal is comfortable and happy.
Stay in Osaka — Kansai-Area Animal Parks
Osaka is a convenient hub for exploring Kansai-area animal parks. Kobe Oji Zoo and Kyoto City Zoo both house capybara exhibits within easy reach of Osaka, and the Moff Animal Cafe chain in Namba/Dotonbori features smaller petting zoo animals. Use Osaka as your base for combining animal experiences with takoyaki, Dotonbori sightseeing, and Universal Studios Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see capybaras bathing in hot springs in Japan?
Japan pioneered the now-viral tradition of capybaras soaking in hot-spring baths (onsen). Izu Shaboten Zoo on the Izu Peninsula was the first to introduce yuzu-filled capybara onsen in the 1980s, and the practice has since spread to many facilities. The official capybara onsen season typically runs from November through February when the animals are most eager to soak. Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi and Nagasaki Bio Park also run popular capybara onsen events each winter.
Can you touch or pet capybaras in Japan?
Yes — several facilities in Japan allow visitors to enter enclosures and gently pet capybaras under staff supervision. Nagasaki Bio Park is particularly renowned for its hands-on capybara interaction, where animals are free-roaming and will often approach visitors for food and scratches. At most zoos, capybaras are viewed from a distance through barriers. Always follow staff instructions and avoid startling the animals with sudden movements or loud noises.
When is the capybara hot spring season in Japan?
Capybara hot spring (onsen) events in Japan run from late November through February, coinciding with the coldest months when the animals most enjoy the warm water. Izu Shaboten Zoo typically kicks off its famous yuzu capybara onsen on the winter solstice (around 22 December). Facilities usually add yuzu citrus fruits to the bath on the solstice as part of a traditional Japanese winter ritual. Check individual facility websites for exact dates each year.
What is the best zoo to see capybaras near Tokyo?
Izu Shaboten Zoo (Izu Shaboten Animal Park) in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the most famous capybara destination in Japan and is accessible from Tokyo in about 2 hours via the Odoriko limited express. The park houses a large capybara herd and is famous for the winter onsen events. Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi (2 hours from Tokyo) is another excellent option, with large outdoor paddocks where capybaras roam freely alongside other animals.
Are there capybaras in Tokyo itself?
Tokyo does not have major capybara exhibits within the city limits, but several facilities within 1–2 hours make for easy day trips. Izu Shaboten Zoo (Izu Peninsula, ~2 hr), Nasu Animal Kingdom (Tochigi, ~2 hr by Shinkansen), and Yokohama Zoorasia (~45 min from central Tokyo) all house capybara exhibits. The Izu Shaboten Zoo remains the go-to destination for the full capybara onsen experience.
How much does it cost to see capybaras in Japan?
Admission to facilities with capybara exhibits typically costs ¥1,500–2,800 per adult. Izu Shaboten Zoo charges approximately ¥2,800 for adults. Nasu Animal Kingdom runs ¥1,800–2,200 depending on the season. Nagasaki Bio Park admission is around ¥1,500 for adults. At facilities with hands-on feeding, capybara food pellets are usually an extra ¥100–200. Capybara onsen events are generally included in standard admission.