Capybara Onsen

Relaxing Capybara Hot Springs Experience

A popular animal event that can be seen in Japan during the winter is the "capybara onsen." At Izu Shaboten Zoo in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, it's a winter tradition to enjoy the sight of capybaras soaking in warm water in an open-air bath. Depending on the season, citrus fruits such as yuzu and mandarin oranges are floated in the hot spring, and the sight of the adorable capybaras relaxing in the bath attracts tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Capybara Onsen Key Details

What to Expect at Capybara Onsen

At Izu Shaboten Zoo during winter, you’ll see capybaras soaking in warm open-air baths. Seasonal additions such as yuzu (柚子) baths—especially around the winter solstice—add visual charm and a citrus aroma to the water. Some zoos elsewhere in Japan (e.g., Suzaka City Zoo in Nagano Prefecture) also host similar capybara onsen events around winter, with themed baths using apples or citrus depending on the season.

Highlights:

• Watch capybaras relax in hot spring water, often for ~30–60 min at each session.
  
  

• Seasonal citrus or floral floats (e.g., yuzu bath) for photos.
  
  

• Interact with capybaras in adjacent areas (feeding zones).
  
  

• Other zoo attractions (cacti gardens, animal boat tours).

Who Is Capybara Onsen For?

• Families: Kid-friendly and cute animal viewing
  
  

• Couples: Lighthearted, seasonal experience with photo moments
  
  

• Animal Lovers: Close observation of capybara behavior
  
  

• Photographers & Social Media Users: Unique scenes with capybaras + yuzu/flowers
  

Pro Tips

• Best arrival times (beat the crowds / golden hour)

Weekdays: If you arrive a little later than the opening time of 13:30, you can avoid the crowds right after the bath and have a chance to see the capybaras soaking in the tub for about an hour. 

Weekends, holidays, and specific days (peak periods): Choose between the first session (10:30-11:30) or the second session (13:30-14:30). If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive a little after the opening time.

• Tickets (reserve in advance / timed entry)

The website has information about "advance tickets with special discounts." Tickets are available on the day, but we recommend checking the advance ticket prices.

• Must-bring items (cash, power bank, Pocket Wi-Fi)

Mobile battery: Battery consumption will be rapid when taking photos and videos. 

Cash: Cash may be required at in-park shops and for some dining and recreational activities.

• Navigation (one-way paths, floor order, stroller/wheelchair routes)

We recommend checking the park map in advance to see the location of the open-air bath and the access route.

• Peak seasons & queue expectations

It is especially crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the winter and spring holidays. It is also expected to be crowded on days when events such as the "Capybara Vegetable Bath" are held.

• Etiquette reminders 

1. Be careful not to speak loudly. 

2. Once you've taken a great shot, give up your spot to the next person.

What to Wear at the Capybara Onsen

A thick, windproof outer layer like a down jacket is a must. Layer functional inner layers, and complete your cold-weather protection with gloves, a scarf, a knit hat, and hand warmers. The viewing area is outdoors where you stand still, making it especially chilly.

The park has some elevation changes, so choose comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes. Waterproof and insulated options are especially recommended on very cold days.

However, to handle the temperature difference between outdoors and indoor areas (like the cactus greenhouse), layer with a front-opening cardigan or hoodie so you can easily add or remove layers as needed.

Capybaras enjoy warm baths, but visitors watching them outdoors will get cold, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.

How to Get to Capybara Onsen

Explain routes clearly from major hubs.

• By Train: The nearest major stations are Izukogen Station and Ito Station. Both are on the Izu Kyuko Line, which connects directly to the JR lines, or the JR Ito Line. From the station, you will need to transfer to a bus or taxi (a 10-30 minute journey).
  

• By Bus: Tokai Bus is the main means of transportation. Get off at the "Shaboten Park" bus stop. There are one to several buses per hour. It is essential to check the timetable in advance.

• By Car or Taxi:There are several routes from the Tomei Expressway, and parking is paid. 500 yen for standard cars (prices may vary on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons).
  
  

• By Bike / On Foot:It takes more than 50 minutes to walk from the nearest stations (Izukogen Station or Futo Station), so it is not realistic from the perspective of safety or time efficiency.

Nearby Recommendations

Curated, close-range ideas to round out the plan:

• Food & Drinks: The Izu Kogen area is home to a wealth of stylish cafes and restaurants serving meals made with local ingredients.　　　　　　　　　　　　　

• Food & Drinks: Enjoy light meals at Le Feuillage, a popular bakery cafe with lush garden terrace seating, or Omuroyama Dango Honpo's "Sanpuku Dango."

• Attractions & Experiences: Mount Omuro offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay from the summit. 

Izu Granpal Park offers a climbing lift and active play for both adults and children.

• Shopping: Izukogen Travel Station Granpal Port is a roadside station-style shopping center located near Izunparu Park, offering souvenirs, seafood, and local specialties.

More About Capybara Onsen

The contrast of warm water steam and cold winter air makes the capybara onsen uniquely photogenic. Watching animals—usually thought of as wild or semi-wild—resting contentedly in hot water evokes a sense of calm and novelty. The addition of yuzu and other seasonal touches celebrates Japanese winter traditions (like yuzu bath custom).

Planning Your Visit

Preparing for your trip is key to an unforgettable experience. Here is a guide to logistics and cultural essentials before you depart.

• Stay: For nearby lodging, the Izu Kogen area is highly recommended. For day trips or exploring other regions, areas like Shinjuku in central Tokyo offer excellent transportation access and vibrant nightlife. Search for nearby hotels based on your travel style.

• Transport: Choosing the right rail pass can save you significant time and money. Your choice depends mainly on your itinerary:

JR Pass (Nationwide): Ideal for planning long-distance travel covering major routes like Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima over a continuous period of 7, 14, or 21 days. If you plan to travel between multiple major cities beyond the Capybara Hot Springs, it usually offers good value for the purchase price.

Regional Passes: If your visits are concentrated in a specific single region, a regional pass is more economical. For this concentrated itinerary, the “Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Tourist Pass 3 Days” is more suitable than the national pass. It has a lower initial cost and offers unlimited travel on JR lines within the specific area.

*Note: Both passes often require separate fares for the Ito Line, Izu Kyuko Line, and buses.

• Connectivity: Staying connected is seamless with two main options. For traveling with a group and needing fast, unlimited data, a [Pocket Wi-Fi] is often recommended. Alternatively, a [SIM card] is excellent for solo travelers.

*Note: the SIM card can be bought together with the JR Pass and Regional Pass at the check-out

• Personal Assistance:We can arrange a[Meet & Greet service] where an English-speaking guide will meet you directly at the airport upon arrival. They will assist with luggage, currency exchange, activating your transport pass, and provide guidance on transferring from the airport rail link to your accommodation. This service provides peace of mind and personalized support from the moment you arrive.

• Japan Basics: 

・Etiquette: Show respect to elders; exchange business cards and cash with both hands; tipping is not expected.

・Cash/Card: Outside major cities, cash is essential; always carry sufficient Japanese yen.

・IC Cards: IC cards like Suica/Pasmo facilitate smooth payments on public transport and at convenience stores.

・Accessibility: Public transport in major cities is increasingly barrier-free; information is available from JNTO.

FAQs About Capybara Onsen

Q: When is the best time to see capybaras in hot springs?

A: Mid-November to early April is typical for most zoos hosting seasonal capybara baths.

Q: Do capybaras bathe year-round?

A: No — this is a seasonal event mostly in colder months.

Q: Is there an extra cost to see the capybara bathe?

A: Bath viewing is included with zoo admission; check the event dates.