What other travelers are saying about Kyoto City Zoo
Kyoto City Zoo was such a cute and relaxing place to visit 🦒🌿
It’s not huge, but that actually made it really easy to walk around without feeling tired. The animals were easy to see, and the whole zoo felt clean and calm, which made it perfect for a casual afternoon.
I especially liked how close everything felt. You can take your time, stop for photos 📸, and just enjoy being outside. It didn’t feel too crowded when I went, so it was nice to walk around slowly and enjoy the atmosphere.
Overall, Kyoto City Zoo felt simple, friendly, and comforting 🐘✨
It’s a great spot if you want something light and relaxing, especially if you’re traveling with friends or just want a peaceful break from sightseeing.
The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. The facility is closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) and during the New Year period from December 28 to January 1. During certain peak seasons like Golden Week and summer holidays, the zoo may operate on extended hours or remain open on Mondays, so checking the official schedule before visiting is recommended.
The zoo's compact 4-hectare layout allows completion in two to three hours without excessive walking. Children junior high school age and younger enter free. Facilities include nursing rooms and accessible pathways throughout the grounds.
The zoo's highlights include the endangered Tsushima leopard cat, a rare Japanese native species that's part of the zoo's conservation breeding program. The red pandas are consistently popular with visitors, along with the African elephants, giraffes, and big cats in the renovated naturalistic enclosures. The Kyoto no Mori section showcasing Japanese wildlife in forest habitats is particularly unique, featuring animals like Japanese macaques and native bird species that reflect the region's natural ecosystem.
Outside food and beverages are permitted. Picnic areas and benches are available throughout the zoo. An on-site restaurant and refreshment stands also operate during opening hours.
Groups of 30 or more receive reduced rates. Annual passes cost approximately 2,500 yen. Children through junior high school enter free year-round. Combination ticket discounts may be available with nearby museums.
I personally really like the Kyoto City Zoo! It’s not too big but not too small either, and the entrance fee is quite affordable — around 750 yen, totally worth it! At first, I noticed the reviews weren’t that high, but surprisingly, I found this place really worth visiting! You can see animals that you don’t often get to see elsewhere. It’s also a great spot for families with kids. I definitely recommend spending an hour or two here if you have the time!
A very kids-friendly place with a red panda and giraffe 🦒 that you can view from above. Actually you can view them without even entering, but it better up close. It's a city zoo, so not that big, but still manages to fit a lot of animals in.
A bit lackluster, a nice place if you have an hour or two to spend in the area. When I visited it was very hot and most animals stayed inside so there was not a lot to see. Some cages (especially for the birds) seemed rather small.
One of the best city zoo we've visited so far. A few hours could cover all exhibits, nice environment and well maintained. Happy animals overall. A great place for a family day trip or relaxation.
