Tokyo has some of the most amazing and beautiful zoos in all of Japan. Visiting any one of the six zoos in Tokyo can be an amazing single day experience for people of all ages.
This exploration guide to Tokyo’s six well known zoos is a great starting point for anyone looking to see some of the worlds unique and fascinating animals, including the “Stellar’s sea lion” a rare type of giant sea lion.
Six world-famous zoos are located in Tokyo that visitors and Tokyo residents can visit any time. Tokyo zoos are well-known for their beautiful architecture and selection of exotic animals. Adults may visit some of these zoos for as little as 100 yen.
Almost every zoo offers upgradeable packages for an additional fee that specialize your zoo experience. For instance, supervised one-on-one time with a specific animal or special guided tours.
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is part of Ueno park, Japan’s oldest zoo, was founded in 1882 at its current location in Tokyo as part of Japan’s modernization efforts during the Meiji Period.
The Ueno Zoo contains animals and birds from all over the world. Best of all, the surroundings clearly resemble the the natural world, allowing the animals to be viewed in settings that are quite similar to their natural habitats.
The zoo itself is divided into over 60 zones. Zones include habitat area for native Japanese animals, gorillas, big cats, African animals, bird species, reptiles and petting zoo areas for kids.
Very large animals are featured at the Ueno zoo everything from elephants to polar bears. The zoo also has a myriad of smaller enclosures for small sized species and a very large assortment of birds.
Ueno Zoo is a premier zoo located in Ueno, Tokyo. This zoo is somewhat of a hidden gem among Tokyo’s animal lovers community. Many of the dozens of animal species at the Ueno Zoo included mammals, reptiles, and fish.
Enjoy a casual stroll at this zoo. The clear, multilingual signs and paved paths make this zoo one of the easiest zoos to navigate. People from across the world often visit Ueno Zoo to get a glimpse of animals from dozens of habitats while enjoying traditional Japanese architecture.
Admission fees range from 200 to 600 yen, based on age. Free admission is given to children 12 and under, people with disabilities, and on some holidays. These holidays include the zoo anniversary and Tokyo Citizens’ day.
Ueno Zoo has three separate entrances.
Nearest train station to each:
Main Gate:
5 minutes’walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit
Benten gate entrance:
6 minutes’walk from JR Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit
5 minutes’walk from Keisei Ueno Station
9 minutes’ walk from Subway Ueno Station (Ginza/Hibiya Line)
10 minutes’ walk from Ueno-okachimachi Station (Oedo Subway Line)
Ikenohata gate:
6 minutes’ walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Subway Line)
Note: The Euno zoo does not have a dedicated parking area so driving a car may be more difficult to find a close place to park.
A printable PDF zoo map is available at the website.
Edogawa Ward Natural Zoo
Edogawa Ward Natural Zoo is a large zoo with even larger energy. The animals at Edogawa are lively, and the atmosphere is family friendly and relaxed. Edogawa Zoo is located in the Japanese prefecture of Edogawa, Tokyo.
This zoo has a variety of smaller species such that include, including black-tailed prairie dogs, Bennett’s red-necked wallabies, Humboldt penguins, giant anteaters, red pandas, and otarias.
Some of the featured animals from the Edogawa Zoo are the sheep, kangaroo, and seals. These three make appearances in daily shows. Another iconic family-friendly animal includes the guinea pig. During the contact corner event, visitors have the opportunity to make one-on-one contact with guinea pigs.
The most popular area for children is the petting zoo. Kids can hold and pet rabbits along with friendly goats and sheep. The petting zoo has limited hours and is open from 10:00 am 11:45 am and again from 1:15 pm to 3:00 pm.
Physical contact is not the only opportunity they have with guinea pigs, either. Edogawa Zoo offers guinea pig adoption services. This wonderful service adopts out any guinea pigs bred inside the zoo.
Nearest Train Station:
Nishi-Kasai Station
Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
15-minute walk
Hours:
9:30-4:30 Daily / Closed Mondays
Edogawa Ward Natural Zoo Multilingual Website
Hamura Zoological Park
Hamura Zoological Park is a small but jam-packed park located in Hamura, Tokyo. This quaint park was founded in 1991 and has been one of the fun zoos in Tokyo ever since. Hamura Zoo has over three dozen animal species, including many birds, reptiles, and mammals
There are many activities to partake in at Hamura that make visiting the zoo even more enjoyable. In the Doki-Doki Hands-On exhibit, children and adult visitors may spend cuddle time with guinea pigs, bunnies, and other small animals for no additional cost.
The small mammals Hamura Zoo chooses are affectionate by nature. However, for safety reasons, each visit with these affectionate animals is supervised by a trained professional.
Hamura Zoo is one of the few parks that allows visitors to partake in additional exhibits for no fee. The many free hands-on activities make this zoo one of the most frequented zoos for families with small children.
The price of admission into Hamura Zoo varies based on age, with children under four and seniors entering free. The general admission cost at Hamura is 50 yen for children and 400 yen for adults. The price excludes parking, food, souvenirs, and additional activity packages. If you are looking for the most fun for the least amount of Yen, Hamura Zoological Park is the best place for you to spend an afternoon.
Nearest Train Station:
Ozaku Station served by the Ōme Line
Hours:
9 am to 4:30 Daily / Closed Mondays
Hamura Zoo Park English Website
Inokashira Park Zoo
Inokashira Park Zoo is a relatively inexpensive zoo in Tokyo, Japan, that costs between 150 and 400 yen for general admission. There are over 170 animal species in Inokashira Zoo, including various mammals, reptiles, and aquatic species.
Some of the featured animals at Inokashira Zoo are the vulnerable Tokyo Salamander and the endangered Tsushima leopard. The zoo is actively working to restore these species whose populations have become increasingly threatened in their native habitats over recent years.
Conservation of animal species is one of the main goals at Inokashira Park Zoo. Because of their rigorous efforts to restore some of the most endangered species, visitors have the chance to see exotic animals on the verge of extinction.
The environment, atmosphere, and overall vibes of Inokashira Park are natural, with the kind of vegetation and enclosures that appear to make these animals feel as though they are in their native habitats.
Inokashira Park has several animal encounter exhibits, including a guinea pig petting zoo, wildlife encounter field, and squirrel trail. Interactions may cost additional depending on what is offered that day.
Address:
1 Chome-17-6 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan
Hours:
9:30 to 5 pm Daily / Closed Mondays
Ōshima Park Zoo
Ōshima Park Zoo is a Tokyo zoo that thrives on its natural landscape. This zoo seems to give its visitors a little piece of every part of the natural world with its many animal species and natural terrain.
The large assortment of animals is great, and the layout will make you appreciate Japan’s natural beauty. Oshima focuses on natural vegetation and terrain. It is also the site of Japan’s largest primate enclosure.
There is also a free-roaming enclosure where visitors can spend close and cuddly time with friendly animals like the red foxes, tortoises, and more. This Izu Ōshima zoo is proud to allow its animals to roam cage-free in a safe enclosure.
Because of the kind of special care, these animals are eager to approach humans and give tourists a true close-up, unlike any other zoo in Tokyo.
Address: 〒100-0103, 2 Fukuju, Senzu, Ōshima-machi, Tokyo
Hours:
8:30 am to 5 pm (Free Admission)
Tama Zoo
The Tama Zoo is one of Tokyo’s most popular zoos, located in Hino City, Tokyo. It is best known for its extensive species and popular Lion Bus tour. Lion Bus tours let visitors get in the middle of the action, driving directly into the open field lion enclosure.
Visitors must purchase a Lion Bus ticket for 150 to 500 yen in addition to their general admission ticket. The guided tours explain the lion’s history in detail and their importance to the region of Tokyo. Tours come in multiple languages, including English.
Admission varies based on age, ranging from 200 yen to 600 yen. This general admission fee is higher than other zoos. However, children 0-12 can enter for free. Since families frequently visit Tama Zoo, admission prices are a great value if you bring children. Even if you do not, the zoo itself is worth it.
Address: Japan, 〒191-0041 Tokyo, Hino, Hodokubo, 7 Chome−１−1
Hours:
9:30 to 5 pm (closed Wednesdays)
Conclusion
The six major zoos in Tokyo include Edogawa Ward Natural Zoo, Hamura Zoological Park, Inokashira Park Zoo, Ōshima Park Zoo, Tama Zoo, and Ueno Zoo. Each of these zoos cares highly for animals and are innovative each in their own way.
If visiting every zoo is not an option, consider the type of experience you want and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Some zoos offer amazing experiences that immerse your visit with extra fun. However, additional packages can be somewhat costly.
Hamura Zoological Park (Hamura Zoo) is the most popular zoo in Tokyo. If you only choose to visit one museum or zoo and your budget is not endless, take a trip to this zoo. It does not cost anything additional to partake in any of Hamura’s additional packages like Guinea Pig petting zoo to have a full zoo experience.
The Ueno zoo is considered the pinacle of the zoos in Tokyo and its a great place to visit for a day and see some of the worlds most exotic animals.
