Tennoji Zoo Osaka Ticket Prices 2026: Osaka Amazing Pass & Hours
Explore Tennoji Zoo in the heart of Osaka! Get the latest on 2026 ticket prices, free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass, and essential visitor details.
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Explore Tennoji Zoo in the heart of Osaka! Get the latest on 2026 ticket prices, free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass, and essential visitor details.
*This is 100% an honest review, paid for with my own money,
and I may receive a small commission through partner activities.
Tennoji Zoo Entrance Fee Price Increase?! With the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can visit the zoo, Tsutenkaku Tower Slide, and even take a cruise in Dotonbori...? For your Osaka travel itinerary...
Hey everyone! It's bomdabom again today! 🌸
During my Osaka trip, I visited 'Tennoji Zoo,' a perfect spot for some light relaxation right in the city center. It's known for being great value for money, so I went in without huge expectations. But honestly, it turned out to be much bigger and more packed with things to see than I thought, so I wanted to share my honest review!
Category | Details |
Tennoji Zoo An urban oasis with a long history, celebrating its 100th anniversary, where you can meet animals in the city center. | |
Location | 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063 Japan |
Operating Hours | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM) Closed on Mondays. In May and September, open until 6:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. Closed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (Monday, July 20, open as usual) |
Admission | Adults 800 JPY (approx. ~$6) / *Increased price effective July 1, 2026 Elementary/Junior High Students 200 JPY (~$1) Children under elementary school age: Free *For group discounts, please check the official website. |
With Osaka Amazing Pass purchase (Free) | |
How to Get There | 5-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station, Ebisucho Station, or JR Tennoji Station. |
Features | Information available in Korean and English. |
Tennoji Zoo Osaka Official Website ▼▼▼
Location of Tennoji Zoo's Shinsekai Street Gate
Source: Google Maps
This area is perfect for a full-day itinerary because the vibrant Tsutenkaku Tower and Tennoji Zoo are directly connected by foot. Plus, you can even use your Osaka Amazing Pass for admission and other benefits, which is fantastic~!
Get Directions to Tennoji Zoo Shinsekai Gate ▼▼▼
Getting to Tennoji Zoo Osaka
On my first day, after lunch with a friend, I was slowly making my way towards the Tsutenkaku Observatory! The weather was a bit gloomy. We were crossing an overpass. It felt like it was about to collapse! (So scary, scary!)
On our way to Tennoji Zoo, which was a spontaneous decision, we saw the zoo entrance. Since we had the Osaka Amazing Pass, we thought, 'Why not pop in for a quick look?' So we went in with absolutely no plan.
>>> But 'a quick look' it was not! 😂
(It took about 1 hour 30 minutes)
Between seeing all the animals and taking photos, more time passed than I expected... I just wandered around like a free spirit!
How to Enter Tennoji Zoo
When looking for the zoo entrance, it's advantageous to approach from the Shinsekai Gate side in terms of your route. That's because after you've completed a full circuit and seen all the animals, you can exit through this same gate and head straight to the trendy Shinsekai Street and Tsutenkaku!
As you enter Tennoji Park, you'll find a gate with staff members.
Just show your QR code where you see the photo, and you're good to go!
Buy your Osaka Amazing Pass in advance -> Show your Osaka Amazing Pass QR -> Staff member scans the pass's QR code directly from your phone with their device -> Entry complete!
(Luckily, it was a Wednesday and we visited in the afternoon, so there was no wait!)
🙆♀️Why it's great to buy your Osaka Amazing Pass in advance🙆♀️
✔️No need to queue for paper tickets (saves time)
✔️Unlimited subway rides (Osaka subway lines)
✔️Free admission to tourist facilities/experiences, etc.
✔️Restaurant discounts (at participating restaurants)
Get your Osaka Amazing Pass here ▼▼▼
As soon as you enter, you'll find an information map and English pamphlets available at the front. Even if you prefer using your smartphone map, the zoo is surprisingly large with many branching paths, so I highly recommend grabbing an English pamphlet to guide your route.
How much time should I set aside for a visit?
Around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
We did a quick tour, and it took us about 1 hour 30 minutes. Even with lots of photos and a leisurely stroll around, it was roughly from 3 PM to 4:30 PM.
By 4 PM or 4:30 PM, many of the animal friends start heading indoors...
When you go, be sure to check the closing times and feeding/snack times! No matter which route you plan, I recommend visiting around 1 PM or 2 PM to explore at a relaxed pace.
Even on a weekday, the polar bear and wolf enclosures were popular areas with many people. (I imagine it's the same for the tigers and lions. I was sad because viewing time ended for them...)
Let me show you the animal friends I met in the city!
There were many more animal friends, but I couldn't see them all due to time constraints...
It caught my eye right away, so I went in.
It was sitting somewhat forlornly, looking out... and I just felt a pang of sympathy.
Next up were the penguins! They were so incredibly cute. It was adorable watching one follow the other.
You can follow the path further inside. It felt a bit like an aquarium. So cute and charming!
And the seals were so... huge! This seal, like a mermaid, seemed a bit sleepy. I tried saying hello, but it was just busy swimming around.
Right next to the seals, there was a polar bear... it seemed really popular! However, the water looked a bit polluted, and the environment seemed quite poor. The polar bear's fur looked grayish, and it seemed incredibly agitated... It kept throwing around a toy that was lying there, head-butting things, jumping around, and just giving off an angry vibe.
But the most important thing was how emaciated it looked, which was heartbreaking. Was it because it was confined inside? Or perhaps it wanted to rest but couldn't, which made me really sad ㅠㅠ
It was the saddest animal in the whole zoo, that polar bear..
We also saw flamingos and various types of birds.
It looked like a turtle, and it felt like it was really welcoming us as it swam around the front – or was that just my imagination?!
Those eyes, like it's spotting prey... I'd better make a quick escape!
Aww~ it's a red panda, and it's absolutely adorable! Suddenly, it climbed onto a log, and when a staff member brought food, watching it eat was just too cute. It stayed up there for quite a while, hehe.
Good things are worth seeing twice :) Its cuteness exploded as it seemed to be acting charming, with bright, sparkling eyes!
Next up are the giraffes. They're incredibly tall, but you can't get too close, and the smell is no joke – so if you have a sensitive nose, I wouldn't recommend it! Still, it was my first time seeing such tall giraffes up close.
* If they are not outdoors, please see them in the indoor exhibition hall. Giraffes can be seen in the indoor exhibition hall from 4:00 PM.
After that, we saw other animal friends sporadically, but a lot of time had passed, so many animals had already gone inside to rest. Because of that, there were some animals we didn't get to see. ㅜㅜ Anyway, we snapped a few more photos and continued our stroll.
Pro tip: There's also a zoo shop (with merchandise and food) in the center of the zoo!
Just a heads-up that our animal friends need their rest too!~
( * Schedules may vary depending on circumstances.
It's recommended to check the website or a pamphlet before your visit.)
Polar Bear | 4:00 PM | Until 5:00 PM on Saturdays & Sundays in May and September |
Bird Paradise | ||
Jaguar & Wolf | ||
Hippopotamus, Sari, Lion | ||
Hongdo Raccoon Dog & Japanese Badger | ||
Amur Tiger | ||
| ||
Red Panda | 4:30 PM | Until 5:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays in May & September |
Aiper (Reptile Eco-Exhibition Hall) | ||
Monkeys, Baboons | ||
Nocturnal Animals | ||
Penguins, Sea Deer | ||
* Please note that animal viewing may be unavailable or closing times may change due to adverse weather conditions, animal health, or facility maintenance. * If they are not outdoors, please view them in the indoor exhibition hall. Giraffes can be seen in the indoor exhibition hall from 4:00 PM. |
Guess what? There are even meal and snack times for our animal pals!
( *Please note that schedules may change depending on circumstances.
We recommend checking the official website or a pamphlet before your visit.)
You can witness the lively sight of animals enjoying their meals during the designated feeding and snack times.
Time | Location | Meal/Snack Time | No. |
10:00 AM~ | Penguin Park | Bolt Penguin | 1 |
11:30 AM~ | Nocturnal Animal House | Nocturnal Animals | 2 |
2:00 PM~ | Hippo House | Hippopotamus | 3 |
2:00 PM~ | African Savannah | Savannah Herbivores | 4 |
1:30 PM~ | Jaguar House | Jaguar | 5 |
1:30 PM~ | Tiger House | Tiger | 6 |
* Each feeding/snack time lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes. * May be canceled or start times delayed depending on breeding conditions or animal health. * Not held on public holidays. |
You can also enjoy staff-guided observation times for Guinea Pigs (Tenziku-rat) and Sheep and Goats. Beyond that, look out for a variety of special events, including the limited-time Night Zoo, where you can catch a rare glimpse of nocturnal animals, and seasonal festivities! Be sure to check the official website before you visit!
Next Stop with the Osaka Amazing Pass: Tsutenkaku is Highly Recommended!
The route from Tennoji Zoo to Tsutenkaku, passing through Shinsekai Street, truly creates a perfect itinerary. Heads up: the Tower Slider experience can be a bit pricey for a single go, and I've heard the Tennoji Zoo admission fee has gone up recently...
Category | Tennoji Zoo | Tsutenkaku |
Amazing Pass Benefits | Entirely free admission on weekdays/weekends | Free observation deck access on weekdays (Note: Excludes weekends) |
Recommended Visit Time | Between 1 PM and 3 PM (Early afternoon) | Late afternoon ~ Sunset (Sunset and night view time) |
What to Enjoy | A healing stroll through a spacious natural park | Soaking in the vibrant retro streets and dazzling city views |
Honest Visitor Tips | Be aware of "wild" smells in certain areas (outdoor viewing recommended) | Tower Slider Recommended |
While paying full price for individual admissions might leave you feeling a bit shortchanged, I highly recommend the Amazing Pass! With just one pass, you get unlimited subway rides, optimize your travel routes, and enjoy both spots at an incredible value!
Don't stress over complicated travel plans! Just check out the attractions available with the Osaka Amazing Pass and get the absolute most out of your Osaka adventure! ♡
Or, if you prefer, I've also included a link to purchase Tennoji Zoo admission tickets directly, so feel free to check it out!
🙆♀️Why buying your Osaka Amazing Pass in advance is a brilliant idea!🙆♀️
✔️Skip the lines for paper tickets (hello, time savings!)
✔️Unlimited subway rides (across Osaka's subway network)
✔️Free admission to various tourist attractions and experiences
✔️Discounts at participating restaurants
- You can purchase yours instantly via the link below!
Grab your Osaka Amazing Pass here ▼▼▼
Direct link to purchase Tennoji Zoo admission tickets only ▼▼▼
Hope this was helpful! ♥
Follow me for more travel and restaurant tips~!
📍 Tennoji Zoo
1-108 Chausuyamachō, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063 Japan
📍 Tennoji Zoo Shinsekai Gate
1-108 Chausuyamachō, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063 Japan
📍 Tsutenkaku Observatory
1-chōme-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002 Japan
Adult admission is 800 JPY, and for elementary and junior high school students, it's 200 JPY. Children under elementary school age can enter for free. If you purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can enter Tennoji Zoo for free.
Tennoji Zoo operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. The zoo is closed every Monday.
Entering through the Shinsekai Gate is recommended for a smoother flow. You should expect to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for your visit. We recommend visiting around 1 PM or 2 PM to explore at a leisurely pace.
Polar bears can be viewed until 4:00 PM, and until 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays in May and September. If giraffes are not outdoors, they can be seen in the indoor exhibition hall from 4:00 PM.
Penguin feeding sessions start at 10:00 AM, and hippo feeding sessions start at 2:00 PM. Each session lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is not held on public holidays.
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