Izu Shaboten Zoo 伊豆シャボテン動物公園

A mashup like you would never imagine, this zoo sits at the foot of Mt. Omuro , and is both quirky and unique. Besides its cacti and other succulents, of which there are about 1,500 types from countries ranging from Mexico and Madagascar, Izu Shaboten Zoo allows you to see a variety of animals up close. Walk among the fuzzy creatures and enjoy interactions with many of them.

The zoo is accessible by train and then by bus or taxi.

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen or the Tokaido Main Line train to the Atami Station, then board the JR Ito Line for the Ito Station. From there, it is approximately 35 minutes by Tokai Bus or 25 minutes by taxi. If you get off at the Izukogen Station on the Izu Kyuko Line, you can reach the zoo in about 20 minutes by Tokai Bus or 15 minutes by taxi.

There are about 140 varieties of animals, including capybaras, kangaroos, peacocks, squirrel monkeys, and sloths. The placid capybaras even have their own onsen. Izu Shaboten Zoo also has several restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a “cactus-hunting workshop.” Come and check it out any day of the year.