All Reviews of Tennoji Zoo

Tennoji Zoo was originally just one stop on our trip, but it ended up being one of the biggest surprises in Osaka! It’s right in the city, so getting there is super convenient. With about 170 species and 1,000 animals, it’s much bigger than I expected.

What impressed me most was that the animals all seemed well cared for. Their spaces were roomy, and the grounds were clean and well maintained, without the usual zoo smell. We took our time walking around and saw giraffes, polar bears, penguins, and lions. Before we knew it, we had spent several hours there.

If you’re traveling independently in Osaka and want a spot that both adults and kids will enjoy, Tennoji Zoo is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

If you're staying in Tennoji while visiting Osaka, I really recommend spending half a day at Tennoji Zoo!

I thought it would just be a small city zoo, but it was much bigger than expected. There’s a great variety of animals, from giraffes and lions to penguins and polar bears.

The layout is easy to follow, so you don’t have to keep backtracking, and it makes for a really comfortable visit. The grounds are also kept clean and tidy.

It’s great for families with kids, and also perfect for anyone who enjoys taking a slow walk while looking at animals. If you have enough time, I’d recommend setting aside 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace. You definitely won’t get bored!

This zoo has a long history, but many of the facilities feel old and outdated. The animals don't seem to have enough space to move around, and some of the cold-climate animals lose their energy in the hot summer. I felt sad for them!

The ticket is only 500 yen, so it's really not expensive at all. I definitely didn't regret going in—in fact, I thought it was a great deal.

The animals are super friendly, and you can see them up close. It's really exciting.