Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Zoo and botanical garden in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a large green space in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, combining a zoo, botanical collections, and recreation areas. The site spreads across gentle hills and includes animal houses, glasshouses, a viewing tower, and woodland trails.
The park opened in March 1937 as one of Japan's first combined zoos and botanical gardens. After World War II, the site was rebuilt and later expanded to include conservation programs and educational centers.
The zoo's koala house logo was drawn by manga artist Akira Toriyama in 1984, the year koalas first came to Japan; two, named Korokoro and Mokumoku, arrived from Taronga Zoo. In 1986 the zoo bred a koala, Happy, the first success in Japan. In 2015 a silverback gorilla, Shabani, drew crowds of young female visitors after media called him handsome.
The site lies a short walk from Higashiyama-koen subway station and is clearly signposted from north to south. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is hilly and themed areas spread across several levels.
The Higashiyama Sky Tower opened on 11 July 1989 and stands 134 metres tall; its observation deck looks out over Nagoya, with a restaurant 100 metres above ground. The zoo's koala exhibit logo was drawn by manga artist Akira Toriyama in 1984, the year the first koalas arrived from Taronga Zoo.
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