The most convenient access is via the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station or the Tama Toshi Monorail. Both lines stop at Tama-Dobutsukoen Station, which is located directly next to the park entrance. The journey from Shinjuku takes approximately 40 minutes. If driving, parking facilities are available on-site, though public transportation is generally recommended due to the park's excellent train connections.
Most visitors spend between 3 to 5 hours exploring Tama Zoological Park due to its expansive 60-hectare size and hilly terrain. The park's layout requires considerable walking, and those wishing to experience all zones including the African savanna, Asian Garden, Australian Garden, and Insectarium should plan for at least half a day. Families with young children may need additional time for rest breaks given the park's elevation changes.
Yes, the Lion Bus experience is available to visitors and is included in the general admission price at no extra charge. However, this popular attraction operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can have waiting times during peak visiting days such as weekends and holidays. The bus takes visitors through the lion enclosure in a protected vehicle, offering close-up views of the animals in their naturalistic habitat.
Tama Zoological Park is the only zoo in Japan that houses Tasmanian devils, making it a unique destination for viewing this endangered Australian species. The park also maintains significant populations of several rare species through its conservation breeding programs, including Asiatic wild horses and various endangered primate species. Its successful African elephant breeding program has also made it notable among Asian zoological institutions.
The park's hilly, forested terrain presents challenges for visitors with limited mobility. While paved pathways connect most exhibits, the significant elevation changes throughout the 60-hectare site can be strenuous. Wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance, but visitors should be aware that some areas may be difficult to access. Those with mobility concerns should inquire at the information desk about the most accessible routes through the park.
Traveler reviews
Can't believe it only cost 600 yen. Definitely worth visit. It's huge compound and requires 10-15km walk (in my case) to see everything. There is free shuttle bus running frequently. I enjoyed natural butterfly compound, super close view of tiger and koala and cute snow lion and wolf. Animals have a large area to freely walk around. Lion bus is so popular and it runs out immediately, better to book advance(I couldn't get it). But I observed how lion bus operate, it was only a short distance and short time to get close to view lion. If you are lucky, lioness will come close to the bus and smell it. But most of the time, they are hiding in the shade.
Tama Zoological Park is a very spacious big area. We enjoyed the place for it doesn't have any smell. The place has a lot of upward hill, so you have to wait a certain bus stop to go to the top.
Just be sure to wear a comfortable shoes coz it's a long walk.
Riding like a glass caged bus, and they put some meat hanging by the bus. So you will surely see the lion upclose.
It's a worth it visit.
Great zoo, great price. Kids under 12 are free. Adults 600 yen. Almost too much to see in one visit. African and Asian elephants, snow leopards, koalas, kangaroos, eagles—so many animals, and less crowded than Ueno. Red pandas but no giant pandas there. You can see native tanukis too. Convenient store right at the Keio Tama Dobutsuen station. Easy access from Shinjuku via the Keio line, one transfer at Takahata Fudo. Nota bene: many of the indoor animal houses shut at 4:30 so be sure to get there earlier. We arrived at 2, and it wasn’t enough time to enjoy everything. But we’ll be back!
Lovely surroundings and great foliage; take a break from the urban core.
Also, if you are a rail fan, the Keio Rail Museum is at the Tama Dobutsuen station.
This zoo was a great place to spend the afternoon, didn't have time to see everything tho. My daughter really enjoyed the butterflies sanctuary. Some staff were also giving great information and answering patiently to kids about the animals.
You will have massive distances to walk around but every cage is very small for all the animals. Monkeys are going bald, elephant is spinning circles at the same area, owls facing the sun, eagles in a tiny enclosure and I can go on and on. This zoo is depressing with stressed & bolding animals kept in small enclosures. I was shocked and felt my heart very heavy. I expected it to be a lot better and went in with high hopes, travelling over an hour one way just to get there. If you’re at all aware you will see the sadness. I do not recommend visiting this zoo, the state of animals will make you very sad. I only enjoyed the butterfly and insect enclosure and that’s the only pictures I’ve taken, as the others were shocking.
