Question
I’ve been seeing the most adorable photos and anime clips of capybaras soaking in steaming hot springs with yuzu fruits bobbing around them. I’m planning a winter trip to Japan and would love to witness this in person. Which zoos actually run these capybara baths, and how do I ask staff about them? How do I ask “Where can I see capybara onsen?” in Japanese?
Answer by Professional Japanese Teacher
カピバラ温泉はどこで見られますか。
Kapibara onsen wa doko de miraremasu ka.
Where can I see capybara onsen?
What a lovely winter plan! These capybara baths are very real, and you can visit several across Japan. The tradition started in 1982 at 伊豆シャボテン動物公園 Izu Shaboten Doubutsu Kouen in Shizuoka, when keepers noticed the capybaras drawn to a warm puddle while cleaning their enclosure. That park is still the most famous spot and runs the baths roughly from late November through early April.
Other popular places include Saitama Children’s Zoo near Tokyo, Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi, and Nagasaki Bio Park in Kyushu. Many add yuzu fruits around the winter solstice, echoing the Japanese custom of 柚子湯yuzuyu — taking a warm citrus bath on the longest night of the year to ward off colds.