Inokashira Park Zoo Tokyo
A charming, family-friendly zoo in Tokyo's Inokashira Park, offering close encounters with small animals and a beautiful natural setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Inokashira Park Zoo Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-friendly zoo in Tokyo's Inokashira Park, offering close encounters with small animals and a beautiful natural setting.
"Beautiful little park and zoo. Like an oasis in the middle of the city."
🎯 Free Entry for Kids!
Children aged 0-12, junior high students, and those with disabilities (plus one companion) get free admission! 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the two zoo sections and the park. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 7,597 reviews
Type
Zoo
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Squirrel and Small Mammal Encounters
Squirrel Cage
Get up close with adorable squirrels and other small Japanese mammals in an immersive habitat. A unique, hands-on experience!
Aquatic Life Park
Across the bridge
Explore diverse aquatic creatures and enjoy a peaceful walk through this section of the zoo.
Botanical Garden & Sculpture Garden
Throughout the park
Wander through lush greenery and admire art installations, offering a tranquil escape within the zoo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Relaxing Visit
Combine with Ghibli Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry for Kids!
Children aged 0-12, junior high students, and those with disabilities (plus one companion) get free admission! 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the two zoo sections and the park. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture cute animals and beautiful park scenery. The squirrel cage is a favorite for photos! :camerawithflash:
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
To fully enjoy both sides of the zoo and the park, plan for at least a few hours. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry for Kids!
Children aged 0-12, junior high students, and those with disabilities (plus one companion) get free admission! 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the two zoo sections and the park. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture cute animals and beautiful park scenery. The squirrel cage is a favorite for photos! :camerawithflash:
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
To fully enjoy both sides of the zoo and the park, plan for at least a few hours. :stopwatch:
📍 Combine with Ghibli Museum
The zoo is right next to the Ghibli Museum. Book Ghibli tickets far in advance! 🎥
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Inokashira Park Zoo as a charming, affordable oasis with a relaxed, local feel. Many highlight the intimate animal encounters, especially the squirrel cage, and the beautiful surrounding park. While not as extensive as larger zoos, its accessibility and family-friendly nature make it a delightful outing.
"Lovely local zoo with both land and aquatic sections. Squirrel habitat is adorable! We spent a couple of hours there enjoying both sides of the zoo, and it's an easy walk to the Ghibli Museum."
Gayle Nicoll
"Beautiful little park and zoo. Like an oasis in the middle of the city. Not Tokyo. But Kichijoji. More like a town vibe.
There are two parts to the zoo on either side of the road. They even have some larger mammals like an elephant. Although I haven’t seen the elephant. But most animals are badgers or squirrels. Very cute. You can enter the squirrel cage and absence them closely."
Christian Breitkreutz
"Nice place for kids. Convenient in terms of transportation and price. You can take bus from Kunitachi station, Chofu station or Mitaka station and get down right in front of the zoo. Perfect for a day out!"
Taufika Anee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Inokashira Park Zoo via train to Kichijoji Station, which is a short walk from the park. Alternatively, buses are available from Kunitachi, Chofu, or Mitaka stations, often stopping right in front of the zoo. 🚌 🚂
Yes, it's very accessible by public transport. Kichijoji Station is served by JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line. Buses also provide convenient access from surrounding areas. 🚌 🚂
Kichijoji Station is the most convenient train station, offering easy access to both the park and the zoo. :station:
While there are parking lots near Inokashira Park, they can be limited and expensive. Public transportation is generally recommended for visitors. 🚗
The zoo is located right next to the Ghibli Museum, making it very easy to visit both on the same day. A short walk connects them. 🚶
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is very affordable. However, children aged 0-12, junior high school students, and individuals with disabilities (plus one companion) receive free entry. 🎟️
Advance booking is generally not required for the zoo itself, unlike the nearby Ghibli Museum. You can usually purchase tickets at the entrance. 🎟️
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. 🕐
Yes, Inokashira Park itself is free to enter and explore. The zoo and aquatic life park have a separate, affordable admission fee for most visitors. 🏞️
The Japan Rail Pass is for JR train lines. While you can use JR to get to Kichijoji Station, the pass does not cover admission to the zoo itself. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo features a variety of animals, including many small mammals like squirrels and badgers, as well as aquatic life. They also have larger animals like an elephant. :mammal: 🐟
Yes, the zoo has a popular squirrel cage where visitors can enter and observe squirrels up close. :squirrel:
The zoo is divided into two main areas across the road from each other. One side focuses on land animals, while the other features aquatic life and more parkland. 🗺️
Absolutely! It's a family-friendly destination with free entry for young children, interactive animal areas, and plenty of space to roam. :child:
Inokashira Park offers swan boat rides on the pond, beautiful walking paths, a botanical garden, a sculpture garden, and is adjacent to the Ghibli Museum. ⛵ 🎨
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and a small shop within the zoo where you can purchase snacks and drinks. ☕
Picnics are generally welcome in Inokashira Park, but check specific rules for the zoo area. There are many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Kichijoji area. :sandwich:
The Kichijoji area surrounding the park is known for its diverse dining scene, offering everything from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. 🍜
📸 📸 Photography
The squirrel cage offers fantastic close-up shots. The aquatic park and the park's natural scenery, especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, are also very photogenic. 📷
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo and park. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions. :iphone:
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and zoos to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and animals. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. :noentrysign:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit