Let Capybaras Warm Your Soul in a Yuzu Bath!

The capybaras of the Izu Shaboten Zoo are celebrating winter solstice with a yuzu bath on Dec. 22!

In Japan, it’s said that having a yuzu (a type of citrus fruit) bath will prevent colds, and the custom of taking such baths on winter solstice has been around since the Edo period. The Izu Shaboten Zoo has been running the “Capybara Yuzuyu” every winter solstice since the last year of the rat in 1996.

Watching these adorable and giant rodents enjoy the onsen is a sight you’re unlikely to forget. And even if you miss the bath, you can make up for it by feeding them.

If you're in Japan, why not make your way down to Izu Shaboten Zoo for some quality time with the capybaras?

Original Capybara Open-Air Bath
Duration: Nov. 18 ~ Apr. 8
Hours:
- Weekdays: 1:30 pm ~ 2:30 pm
- Weekends, holidays, Dec. 23 ~ Jan. 8, Mar. 17 ~ Apr. 8:
10:30 am ~ 11:30 am / 1:30 pm ~ 2:30 pm

Winter Solstice Yuzuyu
Dec. 22, 1:30 pm ~ 2:30 pm

Capybara Yuzuyu
Period: Dec. 23 ~ Jan. 6
Open hours: 10:30 am ~ 11:30 am / 1:30 pm ~ 2:30 pm

※The event may be cancelled depending on the animals’ health conditions or weather.

Source: @Press