iZoo Reptile Zoo Izu

iZoo on the Izu Peninsula bills itself as Japan’s largest zoo devoted to reptiles and amphibians, and it wears the crown with attitude: giant tortoises wandering free among visitors, crocodiles, snakes by the dozen and an unapologetic enthusiasm for creatures most zoos tuck away in a back corner.

Scales, shells and close encounters

The free roaming giant tortoises are the icons, ambling across the grounds and posing for photos with a patience mammals rarely manage; you can even ride feeding sessions into the day’s schedule. Indoors, the collection runs from iguanas and chameleons to venomous species behind glass, plus rarities that draw herpetology fans from across the country. The zoo’s director is a well known reptile personality on Japanese television, and his showman’s streak runs through the whole place, including a restaurant famous for serving dishes bolder than most visitors expect.

Part of an Izu itinerary

iZoo sits near Kawazu on the peninsula’s scenic east coast, an area better known for early blooming cherry trees, coastal onsen and the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, all combinable in a day. Families and anyone with a resident reptile kid should simply plan around it.

Getting there

Take the Izukyu Line down the coast to Kawazu Station; limited express Odoriko services run through from Tokyo and Yokohama. From the station it is a short bus or taxi ride to the zoo. Drivers will find it on the main coastal route with parking on site.

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