[2025 Update] Let's go see capybaras in Japan! A thorough explanation of the "original capybara onsen"

• Table of Contents
• What is a Capybara?
• History of the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath"
• Event details for "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath"
• Experience interacting with capybaras and feeding them treats
• Animal Boat Tours is also recommended
• summary

What is a Capybara?

Capybaras are the largest rodents (rat species), reaching an adult length of 100-130cm and weighing around 50kg.

They live in grasslands near water in herds of 20 to 30 individuals and are good at swimming and diving.

The fingers on each of its four limbs are small and webbed, and it has almost no tail.

They are herbivorous and mainly eat cabbage, sweet potatoes, apples, and green grass.

If you want to know more about capybaras, click here

History of the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath"

One winter day in 1982.

By chance, a zookeeper was cleaning the exhibit with hot water when he spotted the capybaras gathered in a small pool of water, soaking their limbs and bottoms in it and looking very comfortable!

When the zookeeper saw this, he thought...

"It's too cold for him to bathe in his favorite water, but maybe he'll bathe in warm water!"

So, I filled the pond with hot water to create a bath for the capybaras, and they were happy to bathe in it.

Since then, the open-air bath has become an essential part of the capybaras' lives during the cold winter months.

Event details for "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath"

Date: Late November to early April of the following year

Location: Izu Shaboten Zoo "Capybara Open-Air Bath Exhibition Hall"

During the weekends, winter break, and spring break, we will be offering "special baths" in which various fruits, flowers, and other things will float in the baths, such as "Orange Bath," "Apple Bath," and "Rose Bath."

Be sure to enjoy the soothing sight of the capybaras relaxing comfortably in the bathtub.

For more information on the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath," click here.

Experience interacting with capybaras and feeding them treats

In addition to the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath," Izu Shaboten Zoo also has the "Capybara Rainbow Square," where you can interact with capybaras and even feed them treats. The capybaras are allowed to roam freely within the area, so you can get a close-up look at them.

Animal Boat Tours is also recommended

You can also see the capybaras that live around the pond located in the center of the park on the Animal Boat Tours, which take you around the nine large and small islands and the coastline by boat and observe the animals.

The zookeepers will guide you, so you can learn more about the capybaras!

For more information on Animal Boat Tours, click here

summary

Watching the capybaras relaxing and taking it easy at Izu Shaboten Zoo is very relaxing.

Be sure to try feeding the capybaras at "Capybara Rainbow Square," and in the winter, come and see the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" and be soothed by the capybaras!!

Check out the official website of Izu Cactus Zoo