Izu Shaboten

Part zoo, part cactus garden, and entirely quirky, this animal park at the foot of Mt. Omuro lets visitors get remarkably close to capybaras, lemurs, spider monkeys, and parrots living on small islands accessed by boat. The capybara onsen, where the animals soak in hot spring baths during winter, has become a viral sensation and is genuinely delightful to watch. A huge greenhouse packed with cacti and succulents adds a botanical dimension. Plan at least two hours, and do not skip the capybara bathing if you visit between December and March.