Tennoji Zoo
天王寺動物園
Tennoji · near Dobutsuen-mae (5 min walk)
Tennoji Zoo in Tennoji. One of Japan's oldest zoos with around 180 species shown in naturalistic 'ecological' habitats - lions, hippos, elephants, koalas and a nocturnal-animal house - all a short walk from Tsutenkaku.
Why children love it: One of Japan's oldest zoos with around 180 species shown in naturalistic 'ecological' habitats - lions, hippos, elephants, koalas and a nocturnal-animal house - all a short walk from Tsutenkaku.
Honest drawbacks: Mostly outdoor with limited shade, so hot or wet weather is tough; some enclosures are older.
- Best for
- Babies (0–1), Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11)
- Time to allow
- 2h
- Opening hours
- 09:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00); extended to 18:00 on weekends/holidays in May and September. In Tennoji Park beside Shinsekai.
- Price
- Adults ¥500, elementary/junior-high students ¥200, preschoolers free.
- Booking
- Usually walk-in
- English
- ★★★☆☆
- Indoor / weather
- outdoor
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