A Day Out at Tama Zoo – Nature, Lions, and a Bit of a Hike
Tama Zoo is a decent family day out—especially when we want to feel like we’ve escaped the city without actually leaving Tokyo. Tucked away in the leafy hills of Hino, it’s been around since 1958 and was designed to give the animals a bit more space to roam than the traditional cage-style zoos. It’s properly spread out (wear comfy shoes!) and divided into different zones—Asian, African, Australian, plus a brilliant insect house—so you can wander from tigers to koalas to butterflies all in one visit. It’s also involved in breeding and conservation, especially for endangered species like snow leopards and Japanese ibis. So while you’re enjoying the day, you’re also supporting a place that’s trying to do a bit of good for the planet.
Your view on entering the park! A popular photo spot. Credit: whereintokyo.com
What You’ll See
You can explore four main zones:
- Asian Zone: Highlights include elephants, snow leopards, red pandas, and Bornean orangutans who swing overhead on a 150-metre "Skywalk."
- African Zone: Home to giraffes, lions, zebras, and cheetahs—and of course, the famous Lion Bus, where you ride through the lion enclosure in a caged bus for a thrilling, up-close experience.
- Australian Zone: Say hello to koalas, kangaroos, emus, and even Tasmanian devils (part of a conservation program).
- Insectarium: A surprisingly fun area, with a butterfly dome and glow-worm tunnel that’s always a hit with the kids.
Map from tokyo-zoo.net
🌟 What Makes It Special
- The Orangutan Skywalk is a real standout. Tama Zoo has a 150-metre-long high wire system that lets the orangutans swing freely high above visitors’ heads. It’s designed to mimic their natural treetop movement, and watching them confidently glide from one end to the other is absolutely mesmerising. It's both a clever bit of enclosure design and a magical experience for visitors—especially kids!
- The Lion Bus really is a must-do—kids love it, and it’s one of the only chances in Japan to get so close to lions in a semi-safari setting. Book online before you arrive! Spaces are limited so it sells out quickly on the day.
- There’s a relaxed vibe, and you’re allowed to bring your own food and even enjoy a cheeky beer from the cafe.
- Lots of benches and picnic areas make it a great place to take your time and soak it all in.
- The zoo is also part of a wider green area, with a children’s playground just outside if little legs need one last run-around before heading home.
The lion bus let's you get super close to the lions while they roam their enclosure
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gs to Know Before You Go
- It’s hilly—some parts are quite steep, especially with a pram, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
- Food options inside the zoo are a bit limited, so packing a picnic is a good shout.
- There’s no playground inside the zoo, but the one outside is just a few minutes away.
- The animals start heading inside well before closing time, so it’s best to go earlier in the day.
- Toilets and baby change facilities are available, but not everywhere, so check the map when you arrive.
Pulling this cart up the hills was no joke
How It Compares to Other Zoos
| Zoo | Location & Access | Price (Adults) | Terrain | Animal Highlights | Animal Welfare Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama Zoo | Hino (suburban Tokyo), ~1 hr from central Tokyo | ¥600 | Hilly, spacious | Lions, orangutans, snow leopards | Open spaces, some conservation work underway |
| Ueno Zoo | Ueno Park (central Tokyo) | ¥600 | Flat, compact | Pandas, elephants, monkeys | Older cages, can feel crowded and outdated |
| Zoorasia (Yokohama) | ~30 mins from Yokohama | ¥800 | Wide, stroller-friendly | Okapis, bears, safari-style layout | Excellent habitats, very modern and clean |
| Inokashira Zoo | Kichijoji, near the park | ¥400 | Small, walkable | Native Japanese species | Sweet for toddlers, but minimal enclosures |
While Tama Zoo does a decent job with naturalistic enclosures, it’s worth noting that animal welfare standards in Japan aren’t always as high as in some other countries. Enclosures tend to be smaller and enrichment less visible, although places like Tama and Zoorasia are slowly improving with more space and conservation work. It’s something to keep in mind as you visit—and something Japanese zoos are gradually working on.
The Orangutan Skywalk is a big highlight at Tama Zoo
Final Thoughts
Tama Zoo is perfect for families who want a proper day out with a bit of adventure. There’s loads to see, space to run around, and the whole thing feels a bit more wild than your average urban zoo. Just make sure you pack snacks, wear sensible shoes, and aim to get there earlier in the day to catch all the animal action. And yes—crack open a cold one while the kids marvel at the lions. It’s that kind of place.