KawaZoo Frog House Entrance Ticket | Shizuoka

Must Do Experiences

• Marvel at the vivid colours of the rare blue poison dart frog and strawberry poison dart frog in their specialised habitats.

• Observe the diverse behaviours of over 2,000 frogs representing 120 different species from Japan and around the world.

• Take advantage of the unlimited same-day re-entry policy to explore the surrounding Shizuoka nature and return for a second look.

• Attend the scheduled feeding times to watch the frogs in action and learn about their unique diets from the keepers.

Hidden Gems

• Look closely at the smaller terrariums near the back of the facility, which often house rare, camouflaged species that most visitors walk right past.

• Chat with the passionate resident herpetologists who are usually stationed near the breeding enclosures and love sharing obscure frog facts.

• Check out the sister facility iZoo located nearby, which focuses on reptiles and offers a fantastic combined experience for animal lovers.

What Makes it Special

• It is the only dedicated frog zoo of its kind in the region, offering an unparalleled collection of amphibian species under one roof.

• The facility features highly immersive, naturalistic terrariums that replicate the exact humidity and lighting of the native habitats of the frogs.

• Unlike many traditional zoos, KawaZoo encourages a quiet, intimate observation experience that feels more like stepping into a magical rainforest.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning shortly after opening, when the frogs are most active and the facility is quietest. Since it is an indoor, climate-controlled environment, it is a perfect year-round attraction, though visiting during the rainy season in June offers a wonderfully thematic experience. Avoid Japanese public holidays and Golden Week if you prefer a more peaceful, uncrowded viewing experience.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Turn off your camera flash completely, as sudden bright lights can severely stress the frogs and are strictly prohibited.

• Use a macro lens or the macro setting on your smartphone to capture the incredible skin textures and vibrant patterns of the smaller poison dart frogs.

• Shoot through the glass at a slight angle and use a polarising filter if possible to eliminate reflections from the terrarium lighting.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese zoo etiquette heavily emphasises respect for the animals and other visitors, so maintain a quiet demeanour and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. It is customary to queue orderly for any interactive displays or popular viewing spots, and you should never attempt to touch the animals unless explicitly guided by a staff member. Tipping the zookeepers or staff is not practised in Japan and can cause confusion.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Spring Breeding Season showcases the fascinating courtship behaviours and vibrant colour changes of various tree frog species.

• Summer Amphibian Fest features special educational talks, extended viewing hours, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the breeding labs.

• Winter Night Zoo events occasionally offer a chance to see nocturnal frog species in their natural active state under specialised low-light conditions.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Never attempt to open the terrarium lids or reach inside the enclosures, as some species like the poison dart frogs secrete toxic substances in the wild.

• Wash your hands thoroughly at the provided sanitising stations after your visit, especially before eating or touching your face.

• Watch your step on the walkways, as the high humidity required for the frogs can cause condensation and make certain surfaces slightly slippery.