Izu Shaboten Zoo Day Trip by a Tokyo Local: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide

Introduction

If you’re looking for a perfect day trip from Tokyo that combines adorable animals, unique experiences, and a bit of nature, Izu Shaboten Zoo is an absolute gem. The zoo is also known as the ‘Izu Cactus Zoo’ due to its vast collection of cactus varieties and animal species. As a Tokyo local, I’ve made this trip many times with my daughter, Rey, and it has become a bit of a winter tradition for us. There’s just something magical about watching the capybaras soak in their own hot spring bath, especially when we’re on our way to enjoy an onsen ourselves.

Free Roaming Pelicans at Izu Shaboten Zoo — Free roaming pelicans at Izu Shaboten Zoo

Planning Your Visit to Izu Shaboten Zoo

Planning a visit to Izu Shaboten Zoo is essential to make the most of your day trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Check the Schedule: The zoo is open every day of the year, but it’s always a good idea to check the official website for any special events or unexpected closures before heading out. This way, you won’t miss out on any unique experiences such as animal shows, animal feeding, bout tours and capybara baths.
Getting There: The zoo is accessible by train and bus. The nearest major train station is Atami Station. From there, take the JR Ito Line to Ito Station, and then hop on the Tokai Bus or grab a taxi to the zoo. This route is straightforward and offers some scenic views along the way.
Arrive Early: To beat the crowds and make the most of your day, aim to arrive early. The zoo opens at 9:00 a.m., and getting there at opening time means you can enjoy the attractions without the hustle and bustle.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. The terrain can be a bit uneven in places, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.
Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay hydrated. The zoo has plenty of shaded areas, but it’s always good to be prepared, especially on sunny days.

Where is Izu Shaboten Zoo Located?

Nestled in the scenic Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, at the base of Mount Omuro, Izu Shaboten Zoo, also known as the Izu Cactus Zoo, offers a unique blend of animal encounters and botanical beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, it’s the kind of place where you can feel like you’ve truly escaped the city—perfect for a family day out.

Address: 1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka 413-0231, Japan

Official Website: Izu Shaboten Zoo (https://izushaboten.com)

How to Get to Izu Shaboten Zoo from Tokyo

Getting to Izu Shaboten Zoo from Tokyo is quite straightforward, and there are a few different ways to do it depending on your travel style. Compared to other zoos in the region, Izu Shaboten Zoo is easily accessible and offers a unique experience.

When traveling with kids, comfort and convenience are key, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

By Train and Taxi: Our favorite way to travel is by taking the Odoriko Limited Express from Yokohama Station to Izu-Kogen Station (about 1 hour and 49 minutes). At Yokohama Station, we loved exploring the bento options on the platform—perfect for an authentic experience! These bentos are a fantastic way to make the train ride even more enjoyable, and they often offer regional specialties. The Taxi fee from Izu-Kogen Station is about 2,800 JPY, and around 15 minutes ride.
By Train and Bus: A good option if you’re on a budget, though the bus ride from Ito Station to the zoo can be a bit bumpy. If your kids are prone to motion sickness, pack some remedies just in case.
By Car: Driving offers flexibility, but I’d advise against it if your kids don’t handle twisty mountain roads well. Our first trip by car ended with a not-so-fun clean-up after Rey felt sick—lesson learned!

Bentos at Yokohama Station before boarding Odoriko — Bento at Yokohama Station before boarding the Odoriko.

Highlights of the Petting Zoo and Animal Encounters

The petting zoo and animal encounters are a highlight of Izu Shaboten Zoo, offering unforgettable experiences for both kids and adults:

Capybara at Izu Shaboten Zoo — Meet owls in the enormous Cacti green room

Fuzzy Friends: Get up close and personal with fuzzy creatures like capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and other birds. The capybaras, in particular, are a crowd favorite, and watching them interact is a delight.
Interactive Petting Zoo: In the petting zoo area, you can touch and pet rabbits and lemurs. This hands-on experience is perfect for kids who love animals and want to learn more about them.
Capybara Onsen: One of the most unique experiences at Izu Shaboten Zoo is watching the capybaras soaking in their own onsen. This Japanese word for hot spring bath is a must-see, especially during the colder months when the capybaras look the most relaxed and content.
Animal Boat Tour: Take a boat tour to explore the zoo’s animal exhibits from a different perspective. While the Monkey Island tours are popular, there are plenty of other animals to see up close, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Exploring the Shaboten Zoo and Gardens

Izu Shaboten Zoo is not just a zoo; it’s also a beautiful botanical garden that offers a serene escape into nature:

Cactus Park: Explore the cactus park, which features over 1,500 different species of cacti and succulents. This area is a visual treat, with plants of all shapes and sizes creating a unique landscape.
Greenhouse Wonders: Visit the greenhouse, home to exotic plants and flowers from around the world. The vibrant colors and unusual plant species make it a fascinating place to wander.
Scenic Strolls: Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The well-maintained paths and lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out.
Unique Foods: Don’t miss the unique foods available at the zoo, including cactus ice cream and green cactus curry. These quirky treats are not only delicious but also add a fun twist to your visit.

By following these tips and exploring all that Izu Shaboten Zoo has to offer, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable day with your family.

Animal Boat Tour at Izu Shaboten Zoo

Lemurs from the Boat Ride in Izu Shaboten Park

We decided to try the Animal Boat Tour during our recent visit. Unfortunately, the Monkey Island tours were already sold out by the time we arrived at 11:00 a.m., so if this is on your must-do list, I recommend heading there first thing! The Animal Boat Tour itself was 1,200 yen per adult and 600 yen for kids aged 4 and up. Children need to be at least 3 years old to ride. The tour is conducted in Japanese only, which might make it a bit less engaging for non-Japanese speakers. These boat tours are a unique attraction that take visitors around the zoo’s nine small islands, offering opportunities to encounter various animal species.

You can still see the monkeys up close and feed them without taking the boat, so I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do, especially if your main goal is getting good photos. The animals are quite far from the boat, and while it was fun, it might not be worth it for everyone. If your kids are eager to see the monkeys, there are other opportunities within the park that might be more convenient.

Animal Feeding Costs at Izu Shaboten Zoo

Animal feeding stands with money changer

Animal feeding. Drop coins into the box and take a cup!

All animal feeding experiences cost 200 yen, with some of the more popular animals, like the otters, costing 300 yen.
Feeding stations are unmanned, so you need 100-yen coins. There is a change machine that breaks 1,000-yen notes into 10 x 100-yen coins, but it doesn’t accept 500-yen coins. Make sure to bring enough 100-yen coins or 1,000-yen notes to avoid disappointment.

What to Eat at Izu Shaboten Zoo: Cactus Ice Cream

Since the zoo closes at 4 p.m., it’s not a place for a full meal, but you can definitely find some fun snacks and light bites:

Gibon-Tei: This is the main restaurant of the zoo with cute animal themed burgers and meal plates. The best part? Dining with life-sized capybara plushies! It’s adorable and perfect for cute family photos.
Cactus Kitchen: They offer unique dishes like cactus ice cream and cactus burgers. The novelty alone is worth trying!
Snack Stands: You’ll find churros, popcorn, and other kid-approved treats—great for keeping energy levels up.
Hanamusubi: We found a simple but satisfying udon meal, which was perfect for refueling before more animal adventures out in the cold. I tried the Cactus Udon which as hot udon noodles with pickled cactus. The tangy pickles added a wonderful kick! Rey got a Kids meal set that came with hot udon (you can choose hot or cold Udon or Soba), apple juice and custard pudding!

Conclusion

Every visit to Izu Shaboten Zoo feels like a mini-adventure, with unique zoo features like the capybara bath and various animal shows that enhance the visitor experience. Whether it’s watching the capybaras lounge in the hot spring or exploring the unique cactus greenhouse, there’s always something that sparks joy—for both kids and adults. If you’re planning a family trip, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your day. And if you’ve got any questions, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear about your experience!