Tennoji Zoo Osaka
Osaka's historic Tennoji Zoo, home to over 200 species in varied habitats, offering an affordable wildlife experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Tennoji Zoo Osaka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Osaka's historic Tennoji Zoo, home to over 200 species in varied habitats, offering an affordable wildlife experience.
"A historic and affordable gem in Osaka, perfect for families and animal lovers."
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Tickets are affordable at 500 yen, offering great value for a large zoo experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Conveniently located near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas, making it easy to combine with other sights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Exhibit
New Exhibit Area
See the Humboldt penguins in their newly renovated habitat, a recent highlight for visitors.
Diverse Animal Habitats
Various Zones
Explore a wide range of animals housed in varied environments, from savanna to rainforest settings.
Historic Charm
Throughout the Zoo
Experience a piece of history at Japan's third oldest zoo, celebrating over 100 years.
Planning Your Visit
Osaka Amazing Pass Value
Cash is Still King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Tickets are affordable at 500 yen, offering great value for a large zoo experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Conveniently located near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas, making it easy to combine with other sights.
🐧 Penguin Exhibit
Don't miss the updated penguin exhibit, a recent favorite among visitors.
Cash for Entry
While some attractions accept cards, it's best to have cash for zoo admission.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Tickets are affordable at 500 yen, offering great value for a large zoo experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Conveniently located near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas, making it easy to combine with other sights.
🐧 Penguin Exhibit
Don't miss the updated penguin exhibit, a recent favorite among visitors.
Cash for Entry
While some attractions accept cards, it's best to have cash for zoo admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tennoji Zoo is praised for its affordability and diverse animal collection, offering a pleasant experience for families and budget travelers. While some older enclosures are noted, the new penguin exhibit is a highlight, and its convenient location makes it easy to combine with other Osaka attractions. +1
"Stopped by as part of the Osaka Amazing Pass as it was on my route and it had been a while since I had last been to a zoo.
Far from being the best or biggest zoo out there but a fair range of animals to be seen, in comfortable enough living conditions I think.
More of a spot for families with young children."
Byu S
"We visited in the summer (July) and it was extremely hot. There aren’t many shaded areas or air-conditioned spots throughout the zoo so be prepared for the heat. 😅☀️However if you’re looking for a place to cool down. I recommend visiting the Reptile House. It has air conditioning and is a nice break from the sun.
Overall it’s a fun place to explore but just keep in mind that the weather can be tough during summer."
Navara Khongkachonkiet
"This is a medium size zoo. We went on Sunday, but not too crowded. There is no queue at the ticket area.
Most of the area doesn’t have roof or cover so it is too hot to walk in outdoor area almost of the time.
However, still have some zone in the building so we can take a rest there.
They provide a lot of wedding machine around the zoo. They also have a restaurant, but we didn’t use it.
Animals look healthy, but not much."
Charlie Vongphantuseth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tennoji Zoo is easily accessible via public transport. It's a short walk from Tennoji Station, which serves JR, Kintetsu, and Osaka Metro lines.
Yes, Tennoji Zoo is often included in the Osaka Amazing Pass, which covers entry to over 40 attractions and public transport. This pass can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple sites. +1
Absolutely! Tennoji Station is a major hub, and the zoo is a short walk away. The Osaka Amazing Pass also covers subway and bus travel, making it a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Tennoji Zoo is very affordable, typically around 500 yen (approximately $5 USD), making it a budget-friendly option for a full day of exploration.
Currently, it appears that online reservation for Tennoji Zoo tickets is not widely available. Visitors usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the zoo.
The zoo's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Tennoji Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
Based on traveler feedback, advance booking for Tennoji Zoo tickets is generally not required. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tennoji Zoo houses over 200 species of animals. You can find a variety of animals, including those in savanna and rainforest habitats, and a notable penguin exhibit.
Yes, Tennoji Zoo can be a good option for toddlers who love animals. The zoo is large enough to explore, and the affordable entry fee makes it accessible for families.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Afternoons tend to be busier, especially on weekends and holidays.
Yes, Tennoji Zoo has a relatively new and popular exhibit for Humboldt penguins, which has received positive mentions from recent visitors.
While Tennoji Zoo has some newer exhibits, some older cage-style enclosures are still present. Visitors have mixed reviews, with some finding it a bit dated but still enjoyable for its price and size.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the diverse animal habitats, the new penguin exhibit, and the historic architecture of the zoo. Capturing the animals in their varied environments can lead to unique shots.
Photography is generally allowed inside Tennoji Zoo for personal use. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions regarding photography, especially near sensitive exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing your zoo visit with other family-friendly attractions nearby, such as the Osaka Castle or the Kaiyukan Aquarium (though this requires separate travel), can create a full day of exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
The zoo's strategic location near Tennoji Station and other popular areas like Shinsekai means you can easily combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities, such as exploring the vibrant streets of Shinsekai or enjoying the views from Abeno Harukas (which can be accessed with the Amazing Pass).
This makes Tennoji Zoo a perfect starting point or a key component of an economical Osaka itinerary. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tennoji Park and Surrounding Areas
A particular highlight for recent visitors is the updated penguin exhibit, which has garnered positive attention. The zoo's location is a major advantage. It's incredibly walkable from major transport hubs like Tennoji Station and is situated near other popular Osaka attractions. This makes it easy to incorporate into a broader itinerary.
Visitors can easily combine a trip to the zoo with a visit to the towering Abeno Harukas for panoramic city views, or explore the vibrant, retro-futuristic district of Shinsekai with its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. For those looking to maximize their sightseeing, the Osaka Amazing Pass is a worthwhile consideration. It often includes entry to Tennoji Zoo along with over 40 other attractions and covers public transportation, offering excellent value for money if you plan on visiting multiple spots.
Value and Accessibility: The Osaka Amazing Pass
Travelers often highlight the pass's value, especially if they intend to visit several paid attractions within a short period.
While the pass is a fantastic way to save money, remember that not all establishments in Osaka are equipped for card payments.
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