The Best 13 Zoos in Japan to Visit in 2024

Japan is home to over 100 zoos and aquariums full of different animals.

This article will give you up-to-date info on the best zoos in Japan.

Just be sure to check the relevant websites if you plan to visit on a public holiday.

Tokyo’s Captivating Urban Zoos

Tokyo hosts a variety of urban zoos that are a delight for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The Tokyo metropolitan government manages zoos here.

You’re in for a treat with the adorable giant pandas at Ueno Zoo, nestled within Ueno Park.

It’s a diverse haven for species of animals ranging from tigers to monkeys, and it plays a vital role in conservation efforts.

Ueno Zoo

At the heart of Tokyo, nestled in Ueno Park, you’ll find Ueno Zoo, renowned for being the first zoo in Japan.

It’s sometimes called the Tokyo Zoo as well.

Established in 1882, this historic zoo spans 14.3 hectares and boasts a rich blend of wildlife diversity and cultural heritage.

You’ll see majestic giant pandas and playful Japanese macaques.

Along with smaller animals as well.

Planning Your Visit:

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: Purchase up to an hour before closing
• Admission: Free admission for junior high school students living in Tokyo or attending schools in Tokyo.
• Closures: Note that it closes on Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)

This popular zoo is more than a scenic stroll; it’s an educational experience.

Engage in special events and activities that the zoo regularly hosts, providing deeper insights into the lives of the animals.

Main Attractions:

• Giant Pandas: Encounter these iconic creatures and meet Lei Lei and Shin Shin, popular giant pandas.
• Monkeys: Observe various monkey species, including the native Japanese macaques.
• Elephants: Witness the grandeur of these gentle giants.
• The gorilla exhibit called gorilla woods
• Prairie dogs are a must-see.
• Ueno zoological gardens

Check the zoo’s website for updates.

Inokashira Park Zoo

Nestled in Tokyo, you’ll find a sanctuary for nature lovers and families at Inokashira Park Zoo.

A short stroll from Kichijoji Station, this zoo is accessible via JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line, or Subway Tozai Line.

It’s an ideal spot to escape the bustling city life.

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥400 for adults – ¥250 for Seniors. Kids under 12 are free.
• Admission: Free admission for junior high school students living in Tokyo or attending schools in Tokyo.
• Closures:  Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)

Inokashira Park Zoo boasts a diverse array of attractions with many exotic and rare animals.

Your journey might start at the Zoo Area, home to various animal species focused on conservation. 

Aquatic Life Park adds to the adventure, where you can observe aquatic birds and marvel at the inhabitants of the freshwater aquarium.

Tama Zoological Park

Tama Zoological Park is in Hino, Tokyo, Japan. 

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥600 for adults – ¥350 for Seniors.
• Admission: Free admission for junior high school students living in Tokyo or attending schools in Tokyo.
• Closures:  Wednesdays

Ticket booths close at 4:00 PM, so aim to arrive early to make the most of your day.

In this park, you can witness a fascinating range of animal exhibits, including lions, which can be viewed from the famous lion bus.

Their spacious enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats.

Special events are plentiful and include interactive activities that cater to all ages.

These programs entertain and educate you and your loved ones about wildlife conservation.

They also explain the importance of biodiversity.

Hokkaido’s Natural Havens

In Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is a leader in showcasing animals.

It does this through behavior-focused exhibitions.

Here, you witness polar bears and penguins thrive, replicating their wild habitats.

Asahiyama Zoo

This is the northernmost zoo in Japan.

It offers you a chance to witness animals in their natural habitat.

It ensures you leave with a deeper appreciation for the wild.

The zoo is positioned just outside central Asahikawa City.

Getting there is easy, with readily available public transportation.

Each season presents a unique facet of animal behaviour.

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥1000 for adults
• Admission: Free admission for middle school students and below

The zoo’s main attractions are its celebrated penguins, gliding gracefully in their aquatic dance.

And the polar bears demonstrate their powerful swimming skills. 

Maruyama Zoo

Nestled within Maruyama Park in Sapporo, Hokkaido, you’ll find the Maruyama Zoo—a great place. 

It’s an urban escape and easily accessible for family fun.

• Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥800 for adults
• Admission: Free admission for junior high school students and below

The zoo is child-friendly, initially opening on Children’s Day in 1951.

Maruyama Zoo’s spotlight often falls on the bears and deer.

But you can also see rare species, such as the white-tailed eagle.

The Charm of Kanagawa’s Zoological Parks

Kanagawa offers a unique blend of entertainment and education through its zoological parks.

Zoorasia in Yokohama, known for its vast wildlife diversity, captivates you with over 110 species.

Zoorasia

The Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens in Yokohama stands out with its innovative approach to showcasing wildlife. 

The large park is home to diverse species.

As you walk through the zoo, you’ll observe animals across continents.

You’ll go from the Asian Tropical Forest to the African Savannah and be able to see some pretty exotic animals.

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: ¥800 for adults ; Children – Free
• Admission: Free admission for children under elementary school age.
• Closures: Tuesdays

Dedicate your day to exploring Zoorasia’s various animal exhibits. 

Highlights include the Amazon Jungle, where the buzz of life is ever-present.

Also, there’s Oceanian Grassland, a stretch of greenery where kangaroos hop.

The zoo prides itself on conservation, housing rare creatures like the eye-catching Okapi.

Join in on feeding sessions or attend educational talks to gain deeper insights into the lives of your favourite animals.

Nogeyama Zoo

Nogeyama Zoo is also in Yokohama, Kanagawa.

Established in April 1951, this charming zoo is perched atop Nogeyama Park. 

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: Free
• Closures: Mondays

Amidst this 24-acre habitat, you’ll find 1400 animals representing over 100 species. 

The zoo prioritizes conservation and education.

As you meander through the exhibits, you’ll encounter a panorama of biodiversity.

It ranges from majestic big cats to playful primates, each offering a glimpse into Earth’s precious wildlife.

Adventures in Central and Western Japan

When you’re in Aichi prefecture, don’t miss the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

It couples your wildlife adventure with a botanical experience. 

Higashiyama Zoo

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is in Chikusa-ku, a convenient location in Nagoya.

It offers a close encounter with various wildlife and plants.

This zoo is great for visitors of all ages and has various animals.

• Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 4:50 PM
• Tickets: ¥500 for adults
• Closures: Mondays

As you stroll through this renowned zoo, expect to encounter different species of wild animals.

These include majestic tigers, red pandas, brown bears, and other endangered species.

They also have a very interesting nocturnal exhibit with many small animals.

For a more cuddly experience, seek out the adorable koalas.

They cling to eucalyptus branches with their characteristic calm.

Highlights:

• The best Koala exhibit in Japan

• A huge botanical garden

• An amusement park with various traditional rides

• The night safari in summer

• A farm animals area with a petting zoo with guinea pigs.

This is one of the best zoos in Japan.

To save money, bring your lunch as there are plenty of picnic areas.

Tennōji Zoo 

Tennoji Zoo is a good place for tourists visiting Osaka, Japan.

Established on January 1, 1915, the zoo is within Tennōji Park in Tennōji-ku.

It is one of Japan’s oldest zoos, with over a century of history.

It attracts visitors with a wide variety of animals of animals and ecological exhibits.

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥500 for adults ; Children – Free
• Closures: Mondays

Kyoto City Zoo

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, the Kyoto City Zoo awaits your visit.

Walking through its gates, you’re entering Japan’s second-oldest zoo.

The zoo is dedicated to recreation and conservation.

Get ready to be greeted by diverse wildlife.

• Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: ¥750 for adults ; Under 15 – Free
• Closures: Mondays

Tobe Zoological Park

Located in the serene city of Tobe in Ehime Prefecture, Tobe Zoological Park offers a captivating glimpse into the world of wildlife.

It is a family-friendly destination.

The zoo focuses on conservation.

It provides a haven for over 1,000 animals.

They span about 200 species. 

• Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥500 for adults
• Closures: Mondays

The park is neatly categorized into 10 zones, each mirroring different habitats.

Fuji Safari Park

Located in the scenic area of Shizuoka Prefecture, you’ll find Fuji Safari Park on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji.

This unique park offers up-close encounters with many wild animals in their natural environment as they roam freely.

• Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: ¥3,200 for adults, ¥1,500 for the Jungle bus – ¥2,000 for children over 4

Admission fees are structured to cater to individuals and groups.

You can make last-minute changes because you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour.

During your safari tour, you can come close to wildlife.

It’s not just about lions; many other animals, like giraffes, elephants, and zebras, also call this park home.

• Safari Zone Tour: A guided experience where you can drive through the animals’ natural habitats. Watch as the animals roam. Drive yourself or take a jungle bus.
• Fureai Zone: Split into two areas, one being a petting zoo that allows you to feed and interact with gentler creatures.

Zoo Experiences in Southern Japan

Exploring the southern part of Japan?

Inject your trip with some wild adventure at Kyushu’s notable zoos and aquariums.

Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari in Oita beckons you with an authentic safari experience. 

Kyushu Natural Animal Park

This location in Oita stands out as a must-visit.

• Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tickets: ¥2,600 for adults ¥1,500 for children
• Closures: Mondays

When you step into this safari park, you are greeted by a range of African animals roaming in a habitat close to their natural settings.

Enjoy driving through and witnessing lions, giraffes, and even elephants up close.

The park also offers night safaris, letting you observe the nocturnal habits of these creatures.

Final Words

Apart from the zoos on this page, Japan is also home to world-class aquariums.

At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you can see whale sharks in the massive main tank.

Or giant sea turtles and a penguin parade at the Nagoya Port Aquarium.

Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to have fun.