Higashiyama Zoo North Park, Zoo and botanical garden complex in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
Higashiyama Zoo North Park combines animal habitats with botanical gardens across interconnected zones on spacious grounds. The complex houses around 450 animal species and approximately 7,000 plant varieties distributed throughout different sections.
The facility was founded in 1937 and grew to become Japan's second most visited zoo after Ueno Zoo. This development reflects its enduring importance as a destination for education and recreation.
The botanical area features a traditional Japanese garden layout and displays a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse transported from Shirakawa-go, showing how people in mountainous regions built their homes. Visitors can see how this building style reflects the climate and materials of its original location.
The grounds are easily accessible via Higashiyama Koen Station with well-maintained paths suitable for visitors of all ages. Plan to spend several hours here as there are many sections to explore and weekends tend to be busier.
The facility houses Japan's oldest public greenhouse and maintains Medaka World, a dedicated area for native freshwater fish species. This specialized section showcases fish varieties that naturally inhabit Japanese waters.
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