Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

What's disappointing

• Extremely hot in summer with almost no shade: Even in 95°F (35°C) heat, indoor spaces were too warm to provide relief
• Poor food quality at the restaurant (ZOOASIS) as they mostly just microwave pre-made food: Sugakiya ramen, rice bowls, and hot dogs were disappointing
• Very poor animal welfare: Elephant enclosures are too cramped, the polar bear is in a stressful environment, and lion enclosures seem too small
• Lack of visitor etiquette and management: Parents didn't stop children from screaming at animals or banging on the glass
• Unfriendly staff: They spoke too fast even though it was obvious I was a foreigner, making communication difficult
• Poor animal condition: The rhinoceros didn't look healthy, and most koalas were asleep, making them hard to observe
• The hot dog sausage was mediocre and had nothing special besides cocoa powder sprinkled on top
• Insufficient seating both inside and outside the restaurant
• High noise levels from loud animal sounds (seals, etc.)
• Condensation on the gorilla exhibit glass made it hard to see the animals

What's still okay

• One of the largest in Asia with a wide variety of animals
• Stroller-friendly with well-maintained elevator facilities
• Affordable admission at 500 yen for adults
• Outside food is allowed
• The mascot is adorable
• Can observe popular animals like koalas, giraffes, and hippos up close
• Cheap entry: free for middle schoolers and younger, 500 yen for high schoolers and above
• Short ticket lines for immediate entry when visiting on a weekday afternoon
• The experience of seeing a koala for the first time was cute
• Could see a diverse range of animals including koalas, rhinos, and lions

If you still go

There's a lack of indoor shelter from the heat, so bring cooling items like portable fans or wet wipes. Don't expect much from the zoo's restaurants; it's better to bring your own snacks.