Is Tama Zoo free for children?

Yes , children under 12 (elementary school age) enter Tama Zoological Park completely free. Adult admission is around 600 yen (about 4 USD).

How far is Tama Zoo from central Tokyo?

Tama Zoo is about 40-50 minutes from Shinjuku Station by Keio Line train to Tama Dobutsukoen Station. It's a manageable half-day trip from the city center.

What is the most popular exhibit at Tama Zoo?

The orangutan sky walk and the butterfly garden are consistently the most popular exhibits with families and children.

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Tama Zoological Park

Name: Tama Zoological Park
Address: Tokyo, Japan, US
Telephone: 042-591-1611
Rating: 4.4

Rating

4.4(8,317)

Family of 4

Around 30 USD (adults ~4 USD each, children free)

Duration

3-4 hours

Best Ages

Toddlers to tweens (2-12)

About

Tama Zoological Park is an animal-focused outing in Tokyo, and the listing centers on zoo, tourist attraction. Plan on around USD 30, about 3-4 hours, and a mix of indoor and outdoor time. For ages, age fit is Toddlers to tweens (2-12), with infants, toddlers, little kids, big kids, and tweens marked; go when you want an easy reset.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings; spring and fall for the most comfortable outdoor walking

Wait Times

Under 15 minutes most days

Nearby Food

Zoo restaurants and snack kiosks are on-site. The nearest commercial food options are near Tama Dobutsukoen Station, a short walk from the main entrance.

Why Kids Love It

One of Japan's great open-air zoos with large naturalistic enclosures for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and Sumatran orangutans. A glass-enclosed butterfly garden lets children walk among hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies.

Pro Tips from Parents

Visit the butterfly garden first thing in the morning when butterflies are most active and the space is least crowded.
The orangutan sky walk viewing area gets very busy , arrive early or check for viewing times at the information board.
The zoo covers a large hilly area , renting a stroller or wagon at the entrance is well worth it for families with young kids.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes , the grounds are large and hilly
Packed lunch and snacks for the picnic areas
A stroller or carrier for children under 4

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Around 30 USD (adults ~4 USD each, children free)

Tips to Save

Children under 12 enter free.
Tama Zoo is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and keeps adult admission extremely affordable.
Pack a picnic , the grounds are spacious and picnic-friendly.