Tobu Zoo
A hybrid destination featuring a zoo with rare animals and an amusement park with thrilling rides, plus seasonal attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter ride waits
Tobu Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter ride waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hybrid destination featuring a zoo with rare animals and an amusement park with thrilling rides, plus seasonal attractions.
"A worthy place to visit with rare and wonder living things, huge rollercoasters, and game zones."
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the zoo and amusement park areas. Prioritize comfort!
Arrive Early ⏰
Beat the main crowds and get a head start on enjoying the attractions and animal exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Tigers
Zoo Area
See the rare and powerful white tigers, the iconic symbol of Tobu Zoo. A must-see for animal lovers.
Kawasemi Roller Coaster
Amusement Park
Experience the thrill of this over-water roller coaster, designed for swift, exciting movements.
Interactive Forest
Zoo Area
Get up close with animals like alpacas and snowy owls. Feeding and photo opportunities available.
Winter Illumination
Throughout the Park
During winter, the park transforms with stunning LED light displays and music. A magical evening experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Comfortable Shoes & Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the zoo and amusement park areas. Prioritize comfort!
Arrive Early ⏰
Beat the main crowds and get a head start on enjoying the attractions and animal exhibits.
Check Ride Height Requirements
Ensure kids meet the height requirements for thrill rides before queuing up.
Bring a Tent for Breaks ⛺
Families can bring small tents to set up for breaks and lunch in the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the zoo and amusement park areas. Prioritize comfort!
Arrive Early ⏰
Beat the main crowds and get a head start on enjoying the attractions and animal exhibits.
Check Ride Height Requirements
Ensure kids meet the height requirements for thrill rides before queuing up.
Bring a Tent for Breaks ⛺
Families can bring small tents to set up for breaks and lunch in the park.
Hydrate in Summer 💧
Moisture mist machines are available throughout the park to help cool you down on hot days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Tobu Zoo to be a clean and spacious park offering a good mix of zoo animals and amusement rides. While some feel the zoo exhibits could be more numerous, the improvements over the years are noted. The park is particularly praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and seasonal events like the winter illumination.
"Nice experience. Clean and spacious. Lots of walking. Very few exhibits but not bad."
Vern Seebara
"Taken on January 2024
Approximately 120 species, a total of 1200 animals, including a rare species of white tigers live in the zoo. You can have exciting experiences, such as feeding the animals and interacting with the small animals.
From scary rides to heartwarming family attractions, there are more than 30 kinds of attractions for every visitor to enjoy all day.
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SUMMER in Saitama - Quick link to the best summer events and places to visit in Saitama, near Tokyo!
One of Saitama’s best known: Tobu Zoo and amusement park
White tiger Tobu Zoo
I’ve brought the kids to Tobu Zoo a few times over the years. Our initial visit was about seven years ago and we weren’t as impressed with the zoo side on that first visit. However, they have improved the zoo over the years and we have grown to like it enough for the very occasional visit. But I personally wouldn’t put it in “the best of Saitama” list by any means.
Our kids are a better age for Tobu Zoo now that we have no-one in nappies. I feel it is a zoo best suited to children upwards of preschool age. It is quite large, but not nearly large enough for the amount of animals they have. If you concentrate your visit to the zoo side it is certainly manageable. Accordingly, this post introduces only the zoo with only a little about the amusement park, summer pool and seasonal events.
Tobu Zoo opened in 1981 as the 80th anniversary project of Tobu Railway. It is a popular hybrid theme park, comprised of a zoo, an attraction park and a swimming pool in an area of 530,000 sq. meters. There are so many ways to have fun, because of all the different kinds of activities and highlights packed into one space! You can either take it slow while watching the animals or enjoy all the different attractions. Everybody, from children to adults, can surely have a great time visiting this park.
(Source: 東武動物公園)
White Tiger: Symbol of Tobu Zoo
The symbol of Tobu Zoo is the white tiger. These white tigers, native to India, are so rare that there are only 30 of them in all Japan. Exhibited in a glass cage, go take a look at the powerful white tiger.
(Source: 東武動物公園)
From Fierce to Fluffy
You can see all kinds of animals, from fierce, wild ones with dynamic movements to small, fluffy creatures that will soothe your mind when you see and touch them. Popular activities are the alpaca's snacking time (additional fee applies) inside the "interactive forest" or picture-taking with the snowy owl.
(Source: pixta)
Over 35 Attractions
At Tobu Zoo, there are over 35 attractions of various kinds, from thrilling rides to mellow rides that can be enjoyed by children. No matter your age, you can spend an entire day without getting bored!
(Source: 東武動物公園)
Roller Coaster "Kawasemi" and "Regina"
Signature attractions are the over-water roller coaster Kawasemi (kingfisher) and over-water wooden roller coaster Regina. The up-and-down swift movements of Kawasemi is indeed just like a kingfisher. On Regina, which means the queen of fear, you can experience the typical rocking of a wooden ride and a thrill you cannot experience elsewhere.
(Source: pixta)
Heartful Land
This area inside the attraction park is themed after a lively farm, where humans and animals live together in harmony. The area is like a charming world out of a picture book, with "Mr. Coquette's seeding airplane" and "Pirate Butahige's spinning tugboat".
(Source: 東武動物公園)
Illumination in Winter
The Tobu Zoo Winter Illumination held during winter holds the second spot out of all the illumination in Saitama prefecture. A fantastic, lively atmosphere is created using projections of giant shapes created using LED lights and cylinder-shaped LED effects, music, screens and light."
Bhaswati Biswas
"I went with friends there for illumination. Unfortunately, there was no bus at all from 17:00 so we had to walk for a while and we were alone on the street at that time which scared us, afraid if we were lost or something.
The ticket cost about 1300 yen if I'm not mistaken, and you get 200 yen off the next time you come to see the illumination again, so make sure to not throw away the ticket if you plan to go again.
Because of the access, there were not many people there and we didn't have to wait to ride an attraction. Oh, you can buy the pass for all attractions or you can buy ticket inside and just ride ones that you would like to ride. There are many ticket machine inside, so no worries. They have lots of toilet too, very convenient. I recommend this place if you want to see beautiful illumination without many people so you can take photos as much as you can, as long as you are willing to walk a bit to reach the zoo from the train station."
Trisa Pradnja Paramita
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tobu Zoo is accessible via Tobu Skytree Line from Asakusa Station to Tobu Dobutsu Koen Station. The park is a short walk from the station. Some visitors have noted that buses can be infrequent after evening events, so plan your return trip accordingly.
Yes, Tobu Zoo offers a large parking space for visitors. This can be a convenient option if you are traveling by car.
The park is quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must. Consider a map upon arrival to plan your route between the zoo and amusement park sections.
While there are food stalls and gift shops, some visitors mention bringing their own food and even small tents for breaks, suggesting it's permissible and a good idea for families.
Absolutely! Tobu Zoo is a popular day trip destination, offering a full day of activities with its combination of zoo, rides, and water park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but one visitor mentioned a cost of around 1300 yen for the winter illumination, with a discount for return visits. It's best to check the official website for current admission fees for the zoo and amusement park.
Yes, there are many ticket machines inside the park, so you can purchase tickets for individual rides or passes as needed.
You can typically buy a pass for all attractions or purchase individual ride tickets. This flexibility allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and by attraction. It's recommended to check the official Tobu Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on park hours and specific attraction operating times.
While tickets are available at the park, booking in advance might be beneficial during peak seasons or for special events to ensure entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Tobu Zoo houses approximately 120 species and 1200 animals, including the rare white tigers. You can also find a variety of other animals, from fierce wild creatures to small, touchable ones.
Signature attractions include the over-water roller coaster 'Kawasemi' and the wooden roller coaster 'Regina'. There are over 35 attractions in total, catering to all ages.
Yes, Tobu Zoo features a water park with a wave pool and water slides, making it a great destination for summer fun.
The 'Interactive Forest' is an area where visitors can have close encounters with animals, such as feeding alpacas or taking photos with snowy owls.
While it offers attractions for all ages, some visitors feel it's best suited for children preschool age and older, due to the size and nature of some exhibits and rides.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of any specific signage. One visitor noted strict instructions against taking photos showing tattoos.
The white tiger enclosure, the 'Heartful Land' themed area, and the illuminated displays in winter offer great photo opportunities. The roller coasters also make for dynamic shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but avoid using flash as it can disturb them. Some interactive areas might have specific photo policies.
Visiting on weekdays or arriving early can help you get clearer shots without many people in the background. The winter illumination is noted as being less crowded, ideal for photography.
While not explicitly mentioned, drone usage is typically restricted in most theme parks and zoos for safety and animal welfare reasons. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless stated otherwise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing a small tent is a game-changer for families, providing a dedicated space for breaks and picnics. This allows kids to rest and recharge between exploring the zoo and enjoying the rides. The park's moisture mist machines are also a lifesaver on hot summer days, keeping everyone cool and comfortable. Don't forget to check height requirements for rides to avoid disappointment.
🎢 Thrill-Seekers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots, consider visiting on weekdays or arriving early to avoid crowds. While photography is generally permitted, always be mindful of signage, especially around animal enclosures and specific attractions. The park's diverse offerings ensure a range of photographic opportunities, from wildlife close-ups to dynamic ride action and enchanting light displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hybrid Experience: Zoo Meets Amusement Park
The zoo section is noted for its improvements over the years, making it more engaging for families. Popular activities include feeding sessions and close encounters in areas like the 'Interactive Forest'. On the amusement park side, signature rides like the 'Kawasemi' roller coaster provide exciting experiences. The park also features a water park with a wave pool and slides, making it a popular summer destination.
Beyond the core attractions, Tobu Zoo also hosts seasonal events, such as the highly-rated Winter Illumination, which transforms the park into a magical wonderland with LED lights and music. This multi-faceted approach to entertainment solidifies Tobu Zoo's reputation as a versatile destination for a full day of fun.
Navigating Tobu Zoo: Practicalities and Tips
For families, a clever tip is to bring a small tent. This allows you to create a comfortable resting spot, have lunch, and take breaks throughout the day, especially with younger children. In the summer, the heat can be intense, but the park is equipped with moisture mist machines strategically placed throughout to help visitors cool down.
When it comes to tickets, you have the flexibility to purchase an all-attraction pass or buy individual ride tickets from numerous machines within the park. This allows you to customize your spending and experience. For those attending evening events like the Winter Illumination, be aware that public transport might become less frequent after hours, so planning your departure is advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit