Ignite Your Child’s Curiosity at Tama Zoological Park! Editors’ Top 5 Recommended Animals and Model Itinerary
Tama Zoological Park, located in Hino City, Tokyo, is a captivating zoo where approximately 260 species of animals live across a vast site in environments close to nature. It’s a place where the whole family can enjoy a full day, from children making their “zoo debut” to elementary school students.
In this article, we will introduce the “Editors’ Top 5 Recommended Animals” that are guaranteed to spark your child’s curiosity, along with a “Model Itinerary” to help you explore the park efficiently!
【Editors' Top 5 Recommended Animals】Where Children's Smiles Burst!
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of Tama Zoological Park and unsure where to start? We’ve hand-picked the animals that are absolutely guaranteed to delight your children!
Rank 1: Koala
Adorable Even While Sleeping! The Koala House
Koalas spend most of the day sleeping, but even their sleeping posture is endearing. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see them munching on leaves or slowly moving across the branches. Tama Zoological Park is also known as one of the first zoos in Japan to keep koalas, making the Koala House, where you can observe them closely, a must-see.
Rank 2: Lions (Lion Bus)
The Signature Feature of Tama Zoological Park! The Powerful Lion Bus is an Absolute Must!
The biggest draw is being able to see the lions up close, not through bars, but through the windows of the bus. When the bus approaches, the lions sometimes gather right outside the windows, and the sheer power of this sight leaves children incredibly excited! They will surely widen their eyes at the size of the lions, guaranteeing an unforgettable memory.
Rank 3: Giraffe
Astonishingly Tall Necks! The Star of the African Garden, the Giraffe
Tama Zoological Park’s African Garden offers a spacious area where animals can be observed moving freely. Among them, the giraffe, with its overwhelming height and graceful appearance, captures the attention of children. Watching them stretch their long necks to eat leaves or observing their distinctive walk is endlessly fascinating.
Rank 4: Snow Leopard
Encounter Them Through the Glass! Be Captivated by Their Beautiful Coat and Majestic Appearance
The Snow Leopard is highly valuable, as it is kept in only eight zoos across Japan. At Tama Zoological Park, there is an area where you can observe the Snow Leopard up close through a glass panel. Its beautiful silver-white coat and majestic expression fascinate not only children but also adults. The way it moves lightly across the rocks is truly like a spirit of the snow mountains.
Rank 5: Red Panda
Enthralled by the Fluffy Tail! The Adorable Red Panda
The Red Panda is extremely popular at Japanese zoos. At Tama Zoological Park, visitors are charmed by its adorable expressions and the sight of it walking while swaying its fluffy tail. Since they often spend time up in the trees, remember to look up to spot them!
【The Perfect Plan!】A Family-Friendly Model Itinerary for Tama Zoological Park
Here is a model itinerary designed to help you explore the vast park efficiently and enjoyably. Be sure to create a plan that suits the age and stamina of your child!
Morning: Max Excitement with the Lion Bus! Immediately After Opening (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
Immediately after entering the park, secure your Lion Bus tickets. Just after opening is often the least crowded time, making it the perfect target. Board the Lion Bus! Go and meet the incredibly powerful lions! Please note: The Lion Bus Station, where you purchase tickets, is about a 15-minute walk from the main gate, so please be aware of the distance. Also, it is possible to purchase online tickets in advance on the official Tama Zoological Park website.
For details, please check the following page: Lion Bus Online https://www.asoview.com/channel/tickets/IrJQMrZQE4/
After the Lion Bus Ride
While the excitement of the Lion Bus is still fresh, proceed to observe the giraffes, African elephants, and cheetahs located in the same African Garden.
Lunchtime: Picnic or Restaurantお昼休憩（12:00～13:00）
Have lunch at Savanna Kitchen, the restaurant located near the African Garden. If you brought your own lunch, you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas or benches.
Afternoon: Find Tranquility with Koalas and Red Pandas
Head to the Australian Garden
After lunch, it’s recommended to move to the Australian Garden, where the Koala House is located. After observing the koalas closely, check out the kangaroos nearby.
Visit the Red Pandas and Snow Leopards
Walk from the Australian Garden to the Asian Garden, which is home to the Snow Leopards and Red Pandas. Enjoy encountering various animals while strolling through the park grounds.
Yes, you can rent one near the main gate ticket office (fee required). Since the number is limited, we recommend entering the park early, especially on holidays.
Yes, multiple facilities are installed throughout the park. You can use them with peace of mind.
Online tickets are only sold for days when congestion is expected, such as weekends and national holidays. Please check the Tama Zoological Park official website for details.
Yes, you are welcome to bring food. There are many benches and open spaces throughout the park where you can enjoy a picnic.
Tama Zoological Park does not have its own dedicated parking lot, but there are multiple paid parking lots nearby. Since weekends and long holidays can be very crowded, we highly recommend visiting by public transportation.
Tama Zoological Park is a wonderful place where you can not only see animals but also interact with nature and learn about the diversity of life. Use the itinerary we introduced here as a guide, and have an unforgettable day with your children!
This article was brought to you by the editorial department of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council, which disseminates tourism information for the entire Tama area, including Hino City, where Tama Zoological Park is located.
Tama Zoological Park Official Website
https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/tama/
Tama Area Tourism Information: “Another TOKYO TAMA”
https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/
