Zoo & Aquarium · Tennoji / Shinsekai

Tennoji Zoo 天王寺動物園

One of Japan's oldest zoos, opened in 1915 between Shinsekai and Tennoji Park, with a naturalistic African savanna zone, polar bears and penguins, and Abeno Harukas towering behind the giraffes.

Hours9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00)

ClosedMondays (or next day if holiday), 29 Dec-1 Jan

PriceAdult: ¥500
Elementary and junior high: ¥200

Getting thereDobutsuen-mae Station (Midosuji / Sakaisuji Lines), 5 min; Tennoji Station, 10 min

Time needed2-3 hours

Best timeWeekday mornings

Address1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka

Websitetennojizoo.jp

About

Tennoji Zoo, opened in 1915, is the third-oldest zoo in Japan and houses around 170 species on 11 hectares. Its renewal over recent decades introduced habitat-style exhibits: the African Savanna zone, where giraffes, zebras and lions are seen across moats in a grassland landscape (with the 300 m Abeno Harukas making a surreal backdrop), an Asian tropical forest with elephants, the reptile house, and a polar bear and penguin zone. At 500 yen for adults, it is one of the best-value attractions in the city and an easy combination with Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku and the City Museum of Fine Arts.

Highlights

African Savanna zone with giraffes and Abeno Harukas behind
Asian elephants in a tropical forest habitat
Polar bears, penguins and a large reptile house
Very low admission fee

Tips

Enter from the Shinsekai gate and exit to Tennoji Park, or the reverse, to combine areas.
Mornings are when the big cats are most active.
Closed on Mondays.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Tennoji Zoo 天王寺動物園

About

Highlights

Tips

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