Izu Shaboten Zoo 2026–27: Tickets & Capybara Onsen
Izu Shaboten Zoo—also known as Izu Shaboten Animal Park—pairs animal encounters with a remarkable cactus collection near the slopes of Mount Omuro on the Izu Peninsula. Its most famous winter tradition is the capybara open-air bath: a group of animals settling into warm water as visitors watch from the designated viewing space. Although a family-friendly destination, it is an operating zoological facility with changing animal schedules and seasonal admissions. This 2026–27 guide focuses on ticket prices, the winter capybara experience and getting here safely by train and bus.
Izu Shaboten Zoo 2026 admission and opening hours
The operator updated admission charges on April 25, 2026. As listed on its official website, weekday adults (junior-high age and older) pay ¥2,800, with weekend, public holiday and peak-period adult admission at ¥3,000. Elementary children pay ¥1,400 weekdays or ¥1,500 on busier days; children aged four and above pay ¥700 or ¥800. Under-fours may qualify for free entry, subject to venue terms. Normal opening hours are 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., last admission 4:30 p.m., with seasonal adjustments. Parking is an additional paid service.
How much time should I plan?
Allow roughly three to four hours for animals, cactus greenhouses and a meal, or a little longer if you want to watch scheduled animal activities. The zoo occupies varied terrain and can be tiring for younger children on a hot day. Combine it with Mount Omuro only when you have enough time for the chairlift and crater walk, which are separate paid experiences.
Capybara hot spring: the famous winter bath
When do the capybaras bathe?
The park’s capybara onsen is a seasonal activity, historically operated during colder months. For winter 2026–27, published event information points to late November through early April, but the exact daily bathing sessions are subject to the zoo’s official announcements and the animals’ condition. The bathing ritual began at the zoo in 1982 and has become one of its signature experiences. Avoid promising a capybara bath to a family if your visit is outside the schedule or after the session finishes.
Animal welfare and photography
Watch from the designated visitor area without feeding or touching animals unless an officially supervised experience permits interaction. Do not try to make capybaras look at the camera by shouting or knocking on barriers. Flash and tripods may be restricted. A calm visit respects both the animals’ welfare and other photographers. Capybaras do not live in a natural hot spring here; the bath is maintained by park staff.
Cactus greenhouses and other animals
The plant collection includes numerous cactus and succulent forms from dry regions around the world, creating an unusual contrast to the wooded Izu landscape. Greenhouses can be pleasantly sheltered on a chilly or rainy day. Animal exhibits include birds, primates and small mammals; species displays change with conservation and husbandry needs. Some feeding and hands-on experiences require an extra fee and have limits on age or group size. Ask staff for the day’s genuine activity board on arrival.
The cactus collection and themed food
Plant displays are more interesting when you take time to read the species origins rather than treating them as decorations. Cactus-inspired foods have appeared at the park, but menu items and availability change. Do not count on a particular burger, curry or ice cream flavor without checking the latest menu. Bring drinking water in summer and a light layer for open-air animal areas in winter.
Getting to Izu Shaboten Zoo without a car
Via Ito Station
Ride the Tokaido Shinkansen or conventional trains to Atami, then transfer towards Ito. The park lists a Tokai Bus trip of approximately 35 minutes from Ito Station or a taxi journey of around 25 minutes. The region’s wider scenic destinations include Ito Onsen and the volcanic headland around Jogasaki Coast; plan local transport carefully rather than assuming frequent all-day services.
Via Izu-Kogen Station
The Izu Kyuko railway reaches Izu-Kogen Station, from where the zoo lists a bus journey of about 20 minutes or taxi ride of around 10 minutes. If your accommodation is around Izu Highland, it may be a convenient approach. Check the last return bus and account for the distance between zoo exits and pickup points. For a broader peninsula itinerary, use Atami Onsen as a possible overnight base, although the travel times are very different from an on-site hotel.
Nearby sights for a full Izu Peninsula day
Mount Omuro’s crater viewpoint is the most natural partner. If your priority is coastal hiking rather than animal encounters, the suspension bridge trails along Jogasaki Coast deserve several hours of their own. Waterfalls near Kawazu Seven Waterfalls and beaches around Shimoda are further away and best saved for additional days. Travelers who like historic hot-spring towns should consider Shuzenji Onsen elsewhere on the peninsula.
Connecting Izu and Hakone
Visitors on a longer Tokyo–Atami–Izu journey sometimes combine Izu with Hakone, but the attractions are spread over mountains and coastal lines. A separate day in Hakone might feature the Hakone Tozan Railway through the valley, the arts district of Gora or views of Owakudani. An easier stop near the gateway is Odawara, with a castle and historic streets. Avoid assuming a Hakone Freepass covers all Izu Kyuko services.
Ethical animal encounters and seasonal tips
Follow the animal park’s rules about feeding, flash photography, drones and enclosure boundaries. In winter, book your visit around the capybara bath and check whether a cold spell or maintenance affects operation. In summer, use sun protection and avoid the midday heat in exposed areas. Check the official calendar for welfare-related changes or closure of specific encounters; a zoo ticket does not guarantee every animal will be on display.
Other Izu seasonal experiences
Travelers visiting around late winter may plan a distinct outing for Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. On the coast, Atami Castle offers a viewpoint with a very different family atmosphere, while Enoura Observatory is an art-focused reservation experience nearer Odawara. These places need separate travel and opening checks rather than being promoted as attractions inside the zoo.
Izu Shaboten Zoo FAQ
How much are Izu Shaboten Zoo tickets?
In 2026 adults are ¥2,800 on normal weekdays and ¥3,000 on weekends, public holidays and certain peak periods.
Can I see capybaras in the hot spring year-round?
No. The signature bathing is a winter seasonal program; exact sessions depend on the park’s announcements and animal conditions.
Is it easy to visit without a car?
Yes with a train to Ito or Izu-Kogen and a local bus, but check the return timetable, especially in the evening.
Address and Google Maps
1317-13 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.