Tama Zoological Park

Zoo

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Zoo

N/A

0 reviews

¥600

Entry Fee

Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A zoo spread over more than 50 hectares of the Tama Hills, opened in 1958 as Japan's first zoo designed to show animals behind moats instead of bars. Adult entry is 600 yen, the gate is a minute from the station, and the paths are steep.

Ueno Zoo got so crowded after the war that Tokyo built a second one out in the hills, and Tama Zoological Park opened in 1958 as Japan's first zoo planned around moats instead of bars. It is more than 50 hectares, about four times Ueno, laid out over ridges and valleys in Hino. That shape is the main thing to know before you go: the paths climb and drop all day, and the zoo's own advice to wheelchair users is to bring a helper. A free shuttle bus loops through the Asian section from just inside the main gate, which saves some legs. Highlights are spread out. Orangutans cross a rope Skywalk about 15 m above the visitors, there is a koala house, and the insectarium has a heated butterfly greenhouse with butterflies flying all year. The Lion Bus, a world first when the zoo started it, is sometimes suspended, so check the notices page if it is your reason to go. Many animals head indoors from about 15:00, so arrive in the morning.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Hino, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Tama-Dobutsukoen Station

Opening hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Sun 09:30–17:00

Closed: Closed on Wednesdays (on Thursday instead when Wednesday is a national holiday) and from December 29 to January 1. Some Wednesdays are open; see the opening calendar on the official site.

Hours note: Last entry and ticket sales at 16:00. Some animals go into their night quarters from around 15:00; the koala house closes at 16:00 and the insectarium at 16:30.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn; summer afternoons are hot on the hills and many animals rest in the shade

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Tama Zoo cost?

Adults pay 600 yen, visitors 65 and over 300 yen, and junior high school students from outside Tokyo 200 yen. Elementary school children and younger are free, and so are junior high school students who live or study in Tokyo. Entry is free on May 4, May 5 and October 1.

Is Tama Zoo hard to walk around?

Yes, it is built on hills and has many steep slopes, and the zoo recommends that wheelchair users come with a helper. A free shuttle bus loops through the Asian section from the stop about 100 m inside the main gate, and strollers can be rented for 500 yen.

How do I get to Tama Zoo from central Tokyo?

Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku to Takahatafudo and change to the branch line for one stop to Tama-Dobutsukoen, or take the Tama Monorail from Tachikawa-Kita. The main gate is a 1-minute walk from the station.

Can I bring my own lunch?

Yes. You can eat in the open plazas and the free rest areas, including those at Savanna Kitchen and the Zoo Cafe in the Watching Center. Hayashi, Sakura and Shifuzo plazas have roofs for rainy days.