[Your Guide to Enjoying Tama Zoological Park] From Ants to Elephants, Discover a Hiking-Style Zoo Adventure

Opened in 1958, Tama Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in the Tokyo metropolitan area, spanning approximately 52.3 hectares.
The park is surrounded by abundant nature, offering seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage.
Taking full advantage of the vast grounds and the natural terrain of the Tama Hills, the zoo strives to create environments where animals live in groups, mirroring their behavior in the wild. Lions, giraffes, and Przewalski's horses, for example, are raised in herds, allowing visitors to observe their natural interactions and behaviors up close.

The best way to explore Tama Zoological Park is to decide on your must-see points in advance, then take your time as you explore. Given the park’s vast grounds and hilly terrain, with height differences reaching up to 50 meters, your visit can feel like a light hiking experience. While enjoying the animals, why not also get a little exercise to counteract the sedentary effects of daily life? For those eager to skip ahead to specific animals, the park offers a shuttle bus for convenient shortcuts.

The park is divided into four main zones: the African Zone, Australian Zone, Asiatic Zone, and Insectarium.
Our first stop is the African Zone, home to the park’s famous lions.
Here, you can experience a "safari-style" exhibit by taking a bus tour to see the lions up close.
This safari-style display, now familiar at many safari parks worldwide, was first introduced right here at Tama Zoological Park.
The Lion Bus has been running since 1964 and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024.

Hop aboard the Lion Bus for a 10-minute safari tour through the lions' habitat.
The bus takes you right into the enclosure where the lions live as a pride, allowing you to observe their natural behavior up close. Watch as they rub heads, cuddle, roar, or even quarrel at times.
Lions, unlike most other cats, are unique in their social lifestyle, and this is your chance to see how they communicate within the pride.

The bus features large windows, offering an unobstructed and thrilling view of the lions at incredibly close range.
Photography is allowed as long as you avoid using flash, making it an excellent opportunity to capture stunning images.
Many visitors are captivated by the experience, eagerly snapping photos of these magnificent creatures at such close proximity—a unique highlight of the "Lion Bus."

Within the expansive grounds of Tama Zoological Park, you'll find four food shops offering a range of options, from hearty meals to fast food and drinks.
One standout is "Savanna Kitchen," where visitors can enjoy meals like curry, spaghetti, and hamburgers, as well as unique African dishes.

This time, we tried the Kenyan dish "Beef Karanga" and the West African specialty "Jollof Rice."
Both dishes are original recipes created exclusively by the zoo's culinary team, with ingredients and flavors adjusted to suit Japanese tastes. These unique dishes are exclusive to Tama Zoological Park and can’t be found anywhere else.
Additionally, the coffee served here is made with Rainforest Alliance-certified beans.
This certification ensures that the beans are produced on farms that meet rigorous standards for environmental conservation and workers' rights. Not only does this make for a delicious cup of coffee, but it also supports sustainability and ethical practices.

True to its concept of being "a zoo where you can see everything from ants to elephants," Tama Zoological Park features a rare attraction: an Insectarium.
Unlike most insect exhibits that rely on preserved specimens, this Insectarium offers the chance to observe live insects, making it a must-visit spot.
Together, they showcase nearly 100 species of insects and other small creatures.

Start your visit here, where around 1,000 butterflies of 15 different species flutter freely.
Step inside the greenhouse and feel the warmth as you watch butterflies gracefully glide through the air.
At the center stands a lush Flame Tree (one of the world’s three great flowering trees), which remains verdant throughout the year.

The exhibit also provides opportunities for a closer look at the butterflies.
Plates of nectar, cleverly dubbed "Butterfly Restaurants," are placed throughout the greenhouse, attracting butterflies that perch and feed, allowing visitors to observe them up close.
"The butterflies recognize colors and shapes, so we add artificial flowers to the nectar dishes to catch their attention," explains Mr. Usuda, a zookeeper in charge of the exhibit in the Insectarium.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that each nectar plate is adorned with different artificial flowers.

Even after leaving the greenhouse, the exhibits continue. A standout feature is the grasshopper exhibit, where visitors can observe various stages of their growth.
"To maintain a living display of their developmental stages, we simultaneously rear grasshoppers at different life stages. It’s a delicate process, as losing an entire stage would prevent us from showing their full life cycle. It requires constant vigilance," says Mr. Usuda.

Next, head over to the Main Hall.

Among the diverse insect exhibits, the highlight is undoubtedly the leafcutter ants.
These fascinating insects, found only at Tama Zoological Park in Japan, are a true centerpiece of the Insectarium.
Leafcutter ants cut and carry leaves to create fungal gardens, which they cultivate and consume.
Watching the ants tirelessly transport leaves is both captivating and endearing—you might find yourself mesmerized for hours.

Next, take a tour of the Asiatic Zone and Australian Zone.
The Asiatic Zone is home to Asian elephants, orangutans, snow leopards, red pandas, and more. Meanwhile, the Australian Zone features iconic animals like koalas, Tasmanian devils, and kangaroos.

The koala exhibit in the Australian Zone is circular, allowing visitors to view the koalas from multiple angles.
While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the "Koala House Shop" near the Koala Pavilion.
One of the shop’s specialties is Tama ZOO Soy Sauce Ramen.
After exploring the park, enjoy this delicious ramen at the spacious terrace seating—a perfect way to relax and recharge.

After enjoying all that the park has to offer, make your way to the gift shop, where a variety of unique items awaits.
The shop is filled with animal-themed merchandise, including T-shirts, plush toys, bags, keychains, hats, and more.
Be sure to check out the Tasmanian Devil items, which are exclusive to Tama Zoological Park and make for a perfect memento of your visit!

Tama Zoological Park offers unbeatable accessibility, located just a one-minute walk from the nearest station. Step through the main gate, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of the Tama Hills, where you can experience Japan’s distinct four seasons. True to its reputation as "a zoo where you can see everything from ants to elephants," the park is home to a wide variety of animals, from insects to large mammals, all thriving in spacious, natural habitats. Familiar favorites like lions and elephants can be observed living in groups, offering insights into their behavior and social interactions. You’re sure to discover new and fascinating aspects of the lives of even the most well-known animals. Whether you’re an animal lover, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a refreshing day out, Tama Zoological Park guarantees an enriching and enjoyable experience for everyone.