See Capybaras Bathing in Onsen! 9 Locations in Japan

Renowned for their fondness for hot springs, capybaras can be found throughout Japan, indulging in the healing water. Capybaras are sociable creatures that thrive on human companionship and relaxation, often bringing peace and harmony to the animal kingdom as ultimate peacemakers.

Taking the internet by storm, capybaras have become a sensation in recent years. Adorable capybara videos have captivated the hearts of many, leading to the creation of original capybara songs and merchandise. These lovable creatures arrived in Japan over 50 years ago and have since become a beloved sensation, with residents eagerly anticipating yearly onsen bathing competitions and watermelon eating contests.

In this article, we take you on a journey to capybara-friendly destinations, where you can interact with these gentle giants or witness them taking hot spring baths. Don't miss the adorable capybara videos at the end of the article for an extra dose of cuteness.

9 Places to Meet Adorable Capybaras in Japan

1. Izu Shaboten Zoo
2. Nagasaki Biopark
3. Nasu Animal Kingdom
4. Saitama Children’s Zoo
5. Harvest Hill Osaka - Sakai Farm
6. Aichi Non Hoi Park
7. Mother Farm in Chiba
8. Aso Farmland
9. Capyneko Cafe

1. Izu Shaboten Zoo

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The world-renowned and absolutely adorable capybaras at Izu Shaboten Zoo have captured the hearts of people all over the globe with their yearly winter onsen bathing ritual. Now considered one of Izu's beloved winter traditions, Izu Shaboten Zoo was the first to discover the capybaras' affinity for onsens.

It all began in the winter of 1982 when a zookeeper was cleaning the premises with hot water and noticed the capybaras soaking their feet and behinds in the warm water remnants. From that moment, a hot spring was created for the capybaras, and the rest is history!

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The hot spring has become a highlight, not only for the delighted capybaras but also for visitors. Every year, capybara enthusiasts flock to Izu to witness this remarkable winter event, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare and amusing sight of a capybara balancing a citrus fruit atop its head!

The open-air bath for capybaras can be observed from November to April, and occasionally, the zoo adds various fruits and flowers to the bath for the capybaras to enjoy.

2. Nagasaki Biopark

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A capybara paradise! Nagasaki Bio Park has 20 capybaras freely roaming its vast park. They have plenty of options for relaxation, including ponds and even their very own onsen during the winter months. The park warmly welcomes guests and staff to interact with these friendly capybaras, who enjoy nothing more than a good scratch from their visitors.

The annual capybara hotspring bathing event, a delightful spectacle that brings laughter to people around the world, is even broadcast on TV! The capybara onsen is open from December to February, providing a cozy retreat during the cold months of Nagasaki.

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Nagasaki Bio Park is one of the five organizations that have signed The Capybara Open-air Bath Agreement, along with the first four parks mentioned in this article and Ishikawa Zoo. This agreement signifies their recognition of the significance of hot springs for capybaras during the winter season.

Capybaras are known for their love of human interaction, and their remarkable intelligence and friendliness have been exemplified by the park's beloved capybara, Donguri. Donguri, adored by visitors for her gentle and welcoming nature, once even took herself to the park's capybara hospital when she felt unwell.

Official website: Nagasaki Bio Park

3. Nasu Animal Kingdom

Nasu Animal Kingdom, situated in Tochigi Prefecture, boasts an expansive landscape spanning an impressive 43 hectares. The park is divided into two sections: Kingdom Town, an indoor facility, and Kingdom Farm, an outdoor facility.

What sets Nasu Animal Kingdom apart is its resident capybara, Umi, who holds the remarkable title of being the undefeated champion of the onsen bathing championships. Umi's impressive record stands at an astonishing 4 hours, 56 minutes, and 36 seconds. Numerous capybaras have attempted to surpass this feat, but none have succeeded so far.

With approximately 600 animals, the park offers a diverse array of species to observe, including the captivating capybara. In addition to witnessing the bathing capybaras during the winter season, guests have a truly unique opportunity to relax in a hot spring facility that provides picturesque views of the capybaras enjoying their own bathing experience.

4. Saitama Children’s Zoo

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Not far from Tokyo lies Saitama Children's Park, a delightful animal park teeming with interactive experiences and charming wildlife. Within this natural haven, capybaras find relaxation in the inviting waters of Tamagawa Onsen, accompanied by the playful bobbing of citrus fruit around them.

Displaying their fondness for hot water, certain capybaras can be spotted positioned directly below bamboo faucets, adorably curling up into a traditional Japanese hot spring bucket. This captivating event typically graces the park from November until the end of March.

5. Harvest Hill Osaka - Sakai Farm

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While Sakai Farm may not have formally signed the Capybara Open-air Bath Agreement like the aforementioned sites, they have embraced a similar practice by introducing a hot spring for their beloved capybara residents.

At Sakai Farm, capybaras delight in citrus-infused hot springs within the specially crafted onsen tub. During the summer, they can also be observed participating in a fun-filled watermelon party, relishing in the refreshing fruit as a way to cool down from the scorching heat.

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These friendly capybaras eagerly welcome scratches from the farm's visitors, adding to the joyful experience.

Located in Osaka, Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill charms visitors with its picturesque landscape adorned with seasonal flowers. Its popularity and family-friendly attractions have earned the farm multiple awards. With a plethora of activities and events available, it is an ideal destination for a memorable family day out.

Official website: Sakai Farm (Japanese)

6. Aichi Non Hoi Park

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Nonhoi Park has a wide variety of educational facilities and activities. Not only does it boast seasonal flowers but it also includes a zoo, a natural history museum, a botanical garden, and an amusement park on its grounds! Sunbathing capybaras can be found in their pool, which is heated in winter!

Official website: http://www.nonhoi.jp/

7. Mother Farm in Chiba

Situated in Chiba Prefecture, Mother Farm sprawls across 250 hectares of land, making it an ideal destination for a memorable outing with loved ones. For those seeking a longer experience, the farm offers accommodations for overnight stays. With a plethora of activities to choose from, including thrilling ziplining adventures, theme park rides, encounters with animals, and the beauty of seasonal flowers, Mother Farm ensures there is something for everyone.

The capybaras residing at Mother Farm are fortunate to enjoy the crisp, fresh air and invigorating pools. Visitors have the delightful opportunity to interact with these lovable creatures, offering them gentle pats. During the winter months, guests can observe the capybaras indulging in relaxing onsen baths, creating a heartwarming sight.

8. Aso Farmland

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Aso Farmland provides an incredible opportunity for delightful capybara encounters while enjoying a memorable holiday with friends or family. Nestled in Aso-Kuju National Park, a verdant region in Kyushu renowned for its inviting onsens and expansive grasslands, including the active volcano Mt Aso, Aso Farmland offers a picturesque setting for visitors.

The capybaras at Aso Farm have their own pool, providing them with a refreshing haven to swim and cool down. Additionally, they have a designated area where they can roam freely, relax on the grass, and bask in the warmth of the sun.

Guests are invited to engage with the capybaras, feeding and interacting with them as they explore the farm's captivating animal kingdom. For those seeking an extended experience, overnight accommodations are available in brightly colored and uniquely designed domes, adding a touch of whimsy to the stay. Aso Farmland offers an array of activities within this leisure park, ensuring there is something enjoyable for everyone.

Official website: Aso Farmland (Japanese)

9. Capyneko Cafe: Unwind With Cats and a Capybara

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Renowned for their gentle nature, capybaras possess a remarkable ability to forge bonds of trust and friendship with other animals. Numerous videos circulating online showcase the unique sight of these gentle giants coexisting harmoniously with a diverse range of creatures, including turtles finding solace on their backs, ducks resting nearby, and now even cats!

Enter Capyneko Cafe, Japan's sole establishment that brings cats and capybaras together as hosts. The cafe's amiable capybara, Tawashi, is a delightful soul who adores gentle scratches and treats. Visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to spend quality time with Tawashi and his feline companions while unwinding in a cozy, welcoming environment. Promoting interaction with their rescue cats, the cafe also offers the chance to adopt these lovable feline friends.

Official website: Capyneko Cafe (Japanese)

Adorable Capybara Competitions in Japan

An organization comprising five parks that have capybaras hosts two annual competitions: the Capylympics, a lively event where the rodents showcase their speed in devouring watermelons, and the Capybara Long Bath showdown, where the capybaras compete to see who can enjoy the longest soak in the bath. For a delightful glimpse of these amusing events, be sure to watch the accompanying videos.

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So, why not plan a relaxing day and visit these gentle giants during your next trip? Whether it's summer or winter, you're bound to find them adorable and enjoy this truly unique experience.