Tama Zoological Park
Located in Hino City, a suburb of Tokyo, Tama Zoological Park is not your typical zoo. Spanning over 129 acres (52 hectares, Tama Zoological Park is known for its open, spacious, and naturalistic habitats, where animals—which include a diverse range of mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects—are allowed to freely roam.
The basics
The zoo is divided into four different zones: the Asiatic Area, the Australian Area, the African Area, and the Insectarium. Designed to take advantage of the topography of the Tama Hills, the park features large, open spaces surrounded by moats. This means that guests can observe animals roaming around in a more natural state. Visitors can walk among more than 700 species of butterflies in the Insectarium. Other highlights include a walk-in aviary and one of the world’s largest skywalks, located in the Asiatic Area.
Things to know before you go
*Tama Zoological Park is ideal for animal lovers and families with kids. *Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo is built over several hills. *A free shuttle bus is available in the Asiatic Area. *On-site amenities include gift shops, snack bars, and restaurants.
How to get there
The zoo is located in Hino City, about an hour from central Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line (towards Keiohachioju), then transfer at Takahata-Fudo Station to the Keio Dobutsuen Line, and get off at Tama Dobutsu Koen Station. From Tachikawa Station, take the Tama Monorail and get off at Tama Dobutsu Koen Station. The zoo does not have a dedicated parking lot, though there are paid lots nearby.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. The zoo is closed on Wednesdays, with holiday closures from December 29 through January 1. Free admission is offered on May 4, May 5, and October 1. The best times to visit, weather-wise, are in the spring and fall.
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