An Animal Kingdom in the Middle of the Metropolis: Osaka Tennoji Zoo

WeXpats

2022/03/11

Osaka Tennoji Zoo, locally known as “Tennoji Doubutsuen”, is a zoo located in Tennoji Ward of Osaka. This more-than-a-hundred-years-old zoo shelters various types of animals from herbivorous to carnivorous animals. If you plan to visit Osaka with your family, Osaka Zoo is a great option to put on your list!

Table of Contents

Welcome to Osaka Tennoji Zoo
Visiting Osaka Tennoji Zoo
Access, Opening Hours, Fees
Other Things to Do in the Area
Takeaway

Welcome to Osaka Tennoji Zoo

Osaka Tennoji Zoo formally opened on January 1 1915, which means they recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. It is the third oldest zoo in Japan after Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and Kyoto City Zoo. Not only is it the oldest, it is also often considered one of the 3 best zoos in Japan with its 11 hectare wide space that serves as a home to 1,000 animals. This ranking tends to fluctuate, especially with the emergence of other impressive zoos throughout the country, but Tennoji Zoo has definitely made its mark.

※ Osaka Tennoji Zoo, "About us"

Here’s our article about the oldest zoo in Japan, Ueno Zoo.

Why is it so popular?

Location - It’s in Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan and one of the top tourist destinations. And since it’s right in the city, you don’t have to travel far to get to it. You’ll often see students from local schools on a field trip there.

Affordability - It’s only 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and middle school students to enter the zoo, so it’s very affordable compared to some of the other famous zoos in the country. Not only that, it’s completely free with the Osaka Amazing Pass! (more on that below)

The Abundance of Animals - There’s around 200 species of animals at Osaka Tennoji Zoo, separated into two main zones, so there’s lots to see and learn about.

Regularly Updated Social Media - Especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not as many visitors could make it out to the zoo. The staff continually update on how the animals are doing via their blog (in Japanese), and other social media - Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts, allowing people to see what the animals are up to.

Voice of a Customer

“The best thing about Osaka Zoo is how easily accessible it is to visit and be healed by the animals, thanks to the location and price.” - Colleague from Osaka

So if you’re tired from walking around and sightseeing all day, you can easily go and relax by looking at some amazing and cute animals. And what’s more, you don’t have to make it a whole-day affair! There’s so many things to do in Osaka that you can just drop by before heading off to something else.

Writer's Pick

Visiting Osaka Tennoji Zoo

So what is it like to actually visit the zoo?

The park is divided into 2 sides composed of 4 areas in total - the African Savanna and the Friendship Square on one side, and the Asian Tropical Rainforest and Aviary Zone on the other. Going through the main Shin-sekai Gate will allow you to choose which area to explore first, whereas going through the Ten-shiba Gate means you’ll end up in Asian Tropical Rainforest and Aviary Zone side first. Each area is recreated as closely to their natural habitats as possible.

African Savanna

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A post shared by 天王寺動物園 Osaka Tennoji Zoo (@osaka_tennoji_zoo)

Here you can find the animals you’d expect to see in the Lion King - lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, alligators, rhinos and more. Don’t miss the Reptile House, as well as the super popular and cute red pandas!

Friendship Square

The main draw of the Friendship Square is the Petting Zone, where visitors can hold and pet small creatures like rabbits and guinea pigs, interacting with them up close. You can also see penguins, flamingoes, sheep, emu, and more in the area (but not all are for touching).

If you want to take part in the Petting Zone, make sure you write your name down on the list to make a reservation.

Asian Tropical Rainforest

Tennoji Zoo claims it’s the only spot in Japan to see kiwi birds, and you can find them in the Asian Tropical Rainforest zone! You can also find bats and other nightlife animals in the Nocturnal Animal House, as well as most of the primates in this zone.

Aviary Zone and Surrounding Area

And last but not least, the Aviary Zone and Surrounding Areas. The Aviary Zone is straight-forward, as it features a variety of birds such as cranes and ducks that are free to fly around in this large designated space. But this zone also contains the very popular polar bears so make sure to check them out!

Access, Opening Hours, Fees

Access

Address

Tennoji Park, 1-108, Chausuyama-cho,

Tennōji-ku, Osaka, Japan

Nearest Stations

Dobutsuen-mae Station (Osaka Metro Sakaisuji & Midosuji Line)
10-minute walk to Shin-sekai Gate
Ebisucho Station (Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line) / Shin-Imamiya Station (JR lines)
10-minute walk to Shin-sekai Gate
Tennoji Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji, Tanimachi Line, & JR Lines)
10-minute walk to Ten-shiba Gate

※ Osaka Tennoji Zoo, "Visitor information"

Opening Hours

9:30 ~ 17:00

Last entry at 16:00, except for extended hours in May and September

Closed on Mondays (unless Monday is a public holiday in which case it’s closed the next day), December 29 - January 1 for New Year’s.

Important Notes

You MUST (at the time of publishing) make a reservation prior in order to visit on the weekend.
The hours may vary due to the pandemic, so please check the website for the most recent information.
Certain animals cannot be seen after 16:00 such as the polar bears so schedule smartly

Fees

500 yen for adults (high school age and up);

200 yen for elementary and middle school students;

Free for anyone younger and for those with an Osaka Amazing Pass

Other Things to Do in the Area

Osaka Tennoji Zoo is actually part of a larger park - Tennoji Park.

This park includes:

Isshinji Temple
Chausuyama, a historical battle site
Keitakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden
Osaka City Museum of the Fine Arts

And not far away is Shitennoji Temple, a famous temple in Osaka, as well as Tsutenkaku, a famous tower located in Shinsekai, famous for local delicacy kushikatsu.

For other fun family-friendly entertainment, check out the following: