Capybara onsen & epic views |Shizuoka Tour
“I must see the capybaras bathing…”
Julie and Dan from New Jersey, U.S. came to Japan for their friend’s wedding in Kyoto in the peak fall season of early December (fall foliage was late this year).
They visited Awaji in Hyogo, Osaka and Tokyo… and now Ito in Shizuoka.
Julie had one mission and that was to see the capybaras bathing at the zoo. She left the rest of the day up to me, so I figured we should visit epic views that you normally wouldn’t see in the U.S. The couple didn’t know I’d be testing their “comfort zones” in terms of exploring new heights.
We took a 2.5 hour road trip from their hotel in Shinjuku and killed time talking story, life back home and our passions in the Bunny Mobile.
Mt. Omuro
A 550-meter high extinct cinder volcano full of greenery has a magnificent view of Sagami Bay.
The location served as an inspiration for the animation movie “Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)”.
The mountain resembles a matcha cake with a spoonful taken out.
Best time to go?
The summer when it’s green. However in the winter, when you get to the summit, you can see tiny Mt. Fuji in the back with his snowy cap.
The weather was also cool, so the lift the breeze felt extremely nice.
It was a beautiful sunny day. Fuji san came out grand for us!
We were very lucky with crowds that day. There were no queues for the lift.
Izu Shaboten Zoo
Magnificent pelicans in the wild
Red panda was Dan’s favorite
Bunny + Capybara?
Next door to Mt. Omuro is the Izu Shaboten Zoo. The most beautiful zoo I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
We were all surprised that the animals were allowed to roam free unlike the zoo animals back in the U.S. It seemed like the animals did not want to leave! This zoo felt like paradise.
The moment she’s been waiting for…
Mission Complete!
Julie’s face lit up as she watched the baby capybaras soak in the sun. She even got front row seats! She traveled very far for this moment!
*Please check the official website for the bathing schedule times. On weekdays, it is only from 1:30-2:30pm. Weekends and holidays, it is twice a day from 10:30-11:30 am and 1:30-2:30pm.
Lunch Time
There were stuffed capybara, raccoons and flamingoes all over the dining area. Super fun themed cafe! There are also other restaurants that serve Japanese and Italian cuisines.
Capybara Hamburger
Duck Omurice
Capybara Curry
We both unexpectedly did some damage at the souvenir shop
How can you resist not getting a capybara plushie???
Kadowaki Suspension Bridge門脇吊橋 along Jogasaki Coast
The Jogasaki Coast was formed by the eruption of Mt. Omuro. When the lava flows eroded into the sea, it forms a cliff. The bridge spans a length of 48 meters and a height of 23 meters. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the Jogasaki coast while enjoying the thrilling feel of being on top of the Kadowaki suspension bridge.
Dan mentioned he’s not fond of heights, but kept his cool the entire time. I bet he was dying inside! LOL
We all took a nap on the way back. Super comfortable seats and super cozy with drinks and snacks for the road.
(*Snacks sponsored by Tokyo Treats and Sakuraco)
We arrived at their hotel just in time for dinner time. I wonder what they ate for their second to last meals in Japan?!
