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Tama Zoological Park: A World of Wildlife in Tokyo's Hills

Discover a world of animals roaming freely in naturalistic habitats at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park, a spacious and enriching wildlife experience.

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Escape the city bustle at Tama Zoological Park, a spacious haven in the Tama Hills showcasing animals from around the globe in naturalistic habitats. Opened in 1958 as a branch of Ueno Zoo, it offers a unique chance to observe wildlife with ample space to roam, including a renowned insectarium and innovative exhibits like the Lion Bus.

A brief summary to Tama Zoological Park

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and active animals.
  • Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
  • Purchase admission tickets online to avoid queues.
  • Take advantage of the free 'Silver Shuttle' bus in the Asiatic Zone if you have mobility issues.
  • Consider visiting on May 5, May 4, or October 1 for free admission.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The most convenient way to reach Tama Zoological Park is by train. From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Takahata-Fudo Station, then transfer to the Keio Zoological Park Line to Tama-Dobutsuen Station. Alternatively, from Tachikawa Station, take the Tama Monorail to Tama-Dobutsuen Station. The zoo entrance is a short walk from the station. A one-way train fare from Shinjuku is approximately ¥540 for adults. From Tachikawa Station via Monorail, the fare is about ¥950 for adults.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available but can be expensive. A taxi from Tachikawa Station to Tama Zoological Park typically costs between ¥4,000 and ¥5,000 and takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. From central Tokyo, a taxi ride can take 40 minutes and cost between ¥19,000-23,000.

  • Driving

    While driving is an option, parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays. There are toll parking lots in front of the zoo. Expect to pay around ¥600-¥900. The drive from central Tokyo takes approximately 40 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Tama Zoological Park

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Discover more about Tama Zoological Park

Tama Zoological Park, a sprawling 52-hectare (129-acre) sanctuary in Hino, Tokyo, offers an immersive wildlife experience unlike typical zoos. Established in 1958 as a branch of the Ueno Zoo, Tama Zoo distinguishes itself by providing animals with expansive, naturalistic habitats, promoting natural behaviors and minimizing the use of cages. The park is divided into four main areas: the Asiatic Garden, the African Garden, the Australian Garden, and the Insectarium. The Asiatic Garden features diverse species from across Asia, including Japanese macaques, red pandas, snow leopards, and the Sri Lankan elephant. The African Garden showcases iconic savanna animals like giraffes, lions, cheetahs and African elephants. The Australian Garden, created to commemorate Tokyo's twinning with New South Wales, Australia, is home to kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and emus. Finally, the Insectarium offers a fascinating look into the world of insects, featuring a butterfly house and exhibits on insect ecology. One of Tama Zoo's highlights is the Lion Bus, a unique safari-style enclosure that allows visitors to observe lions up close from inside a bus. The zoo is also known for its conservation efforts and participation in programs such as the 'Save the Tasmanian Devil' program. With its spacious enclosures, diverse collection of animals, and commitment to conservation, Tama Zoological Park provides an enriching and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

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