Capybaras and Hot Springs: Japan's Famous Bathing Animals

Published October 13, 2026 at 11:38 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Every winter, photos and videos of capybaras sitting peacefully in steaming outdoor baths make their way around the internet, and for many people they are the most relaxing images of Japan imaginable. The capybara is the largest rodent in the world, a calm, round-faced animal from South America, and in Japan it has become a symbol of cozy winter comfort. Some of the baths even float yuzu, a fragrant citrus fruit, making the scene look and smell like a traditional hot spring.

This guide tells the story of how the tradition began, explains why capybaras are such natural bathers, describes the winter yuzu custom behind the baths, and offers practical tips for visiting a zoo to see the animals in their warm water. It is a gentle, happy topic, and a very good reason to plan a winter trip.

Meet the Capybara

Before we look at Japan, it helps to know the animal. Capybaras live across South America in every country except Chile, and they favor wet places such as flooded grasslands, wetlands, and riverbanks. According to the English Wikipedia page about the capybara, adults typically weigh between about 35 and 66 kilograms and measure roughly 106 to 134 centimeters long. They are semi-aquatic, strong swimmers, and able to hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.

They are also very social. Groups usually have around 10 to 20 members, and in the dry season they can gather in much larger numbers near water. Capybaras communicate with barks, chirps, whistles, and purrs. In the wild they rest on land in the morning, cool off in the water during the hot afternoon, and graze in the late afternoon and at night. Seeing a calm group relaxing in warm water in Japan is therefore not as strange as it may first seem. Water is a natural part of their daily life, and the warm winter bath simply suits them well.

How the Hot Spring Tradition Began

The famous capybara bath began at Izu Shaboten Zoo in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the Izu Peninsula. The zoo opened in 1959, and its name roughly means "Izu Cactus Zoo," since it keeps more than 1,500 types of cactus and succulent plants along with its animals. In 1982, a staff member was cleaning the capybara enclosure with hot water and noticed the animals huddling together in a warm puddle. That cozy moment led the zoo to prepare warm baths for them in winter, and the idea turned into an annual tradition. The English Wikipedia page about Izu Shaboten Zoo tells the story and notes that the zoo was the first to offer this experience, which other zoos now provide too.

The tradition has since become one of the zoo's best-known winter attractions. The zoo describes its "original capybara outdoor bath" as a seasonal event, and the capybaras became so popular that they inspired a character called Kapibara-san, sold as plush toys and other merchandise. The zoo's main restaurant has even served capybara-themed dishes, showing how much the animals have become part of the local identity.

What Yuzu Has to Do With It

The citrus fruit in the water is not a random decoration. In Japan, people have long taken a yuzu bath, called yuzuyu, on the winter solstice. The fruit is floated whole or cut in half so that its scent and juice enter the hot water. It is believed to warm the body, relax the mind, soften the skin, and help people stay healthy through the cold months. The custom likely dates back to the Edo period, and it may have been helped by a bit of wordplay. In Japanese, the words for "winter solstice" and for "hot spring cure" are both pronounced toji, so bathing in hot water on that day felt especially fitting. You can read more on the English Wikipedia page about yuzu baths.

Zoos took this charming custom and shared it with their animals. At Izu Shaboten Zoo, staff have prepared a warm yuzu bath for the capybaras every winter and early spring since the first baths began. The scene looks peaceful and smells lovely, and it ties the animals to a seasonal tradition that many Japanese families celebrate at home.

When and How to Visit

Capybara baths are seasonal, so timing is the first thing to check. At Izu Shaboten Zoo, the bath is a winter attraction, generally running from late autumn into early spring, with the yuzu bath held around the winter solstice period. Exact dates change from year to year, so the best habit is to look at the zoo's official website, which also has an English page at izushaboten.com, before making travel plans. The site lists opening hours and last admission times, which are worth noting so that you do not arrive too late in the day.

Dress for the weather. Outdoor viewing in winter can feel chilly, especially if the wind blows. Wear layers, bring gloves if you are sensitive to cold, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park. A small towel or hand warmer can also make the day more pleasant. If you are traveling with children, remember that animals have their own rhythms, so patience helps. Capybaras may nap, wander, or sit quietly in the water, and that calm behavior is part of the charm.

Respecting the Animals

Zoos follow rules to keep the animals safe and comfortable, and visitors play a part in that. Follow all posted signs, keep your voice low near the enclosure, and avoid sudden movements. If the zoo offers feeding experiences, follow its instructions and do not bring your own food for the animals. If you want to take photos, a phone camera is fine, but avoid using flash. Be considerate of others who also want a good view, and take turns at the fence.

Seeing capybaras relaxing together is also a great opportunity to appreciate how animals handle seasonal change. The warm water gives them a comfortable place to rest, and the staff care involved is part of what makes the experience feel welcoming. Visitors are not meant to join the animals in the bath, but many people enjoy a soak in a nearby human hot spring afterward. The Izu region is well known for its hot springs, so a bath of your own after a day at the zoo is a lovely way to finish.

Quick Takeaways

The capybara is a gentle South American rodent that loves water, which is why a warm bath makes so much sense. The Japanese tradition began at Izu Shaboten Zoo in 1982 when staff noticed capybaras huddling in a warm puddle, and it has grown into a beloved winter event linked with the yuzu bath custom. Check the zoo's official website for dates and hours, dress warmly, and treat the animals and fellow visitors with kindness.

If you have been enjoying photos of steamy capybaras on your screen, seeing the real thing can be a heartwarming highlight of a winter trip. We hope this guide helps you plan a cozy and happy visit.

Want to learn more about Japan's hot spring towns? My book, Onsen Towns, is there if you would like to read further.