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! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the two zoo sections and the park. :athletic_shoe:
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! :ticket:
👟 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! :ticket:
👟 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! :movie_camera:
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. :bus: :train:
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. :bus: :train:
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. :car:
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. :walking:
🎫 🎫 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. :ticket:
Advance booking is generally not required for the zoo itself, unlike the nearby Ghibli Museum. You can usually purchase tickets at the entrance. :ticket:
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. :clock:
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. :park:
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: :fish:
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. :map:
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. :boat: :art:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and a small shop within the zoo where you can purchase snacks and drinks. :coffee:
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. :ramen:
📸 📸 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. :camera:
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:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo's layout is easy to navigate, and the squirrel cage offers a unique, interactive experience that kids absolutely love. +1 Beyond the animals, the adjacent Inokashira Park provides open spaces for running around and enjoying the outdoors, with swan boat rides on the pond being a popular family activity. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore both sections of the zoo and enjoy the park. The zoo's open enclosures are also a plus, allowing for comfortable viewing for little ones. Consider packing snacks or enjoying the cafes nearby in Kichijoji for a full day of family fun.
💰 Budget Travelers
The general admission fee for adults is also very reasonable compared to other Tokyo attractions. Combine your visit with a picnic in the park or explore the many affordable eateries in the surrounding Kichijoji area. The accessibility via public transport also keeps travel costs down. It's a great way to experience a slice of Tokyo's nature and wildlife without breaking the bank.
🌸 Nature & Relaxation Seekers
+1 The zoo's design emphasizes natural habitats, and the botanical and sculpture gardens provide further opportunities for quiet contemplation and appreciation of nature and art. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll, enjoying the fresh air and observing the local flora and fauna. The relaxed atmosphere of Kichijoji complements the tranquil vibe of the park and zoo.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Kichijoji and Inokashira Park
surrounded by walking paths and lush greenery. It's a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy nature within the city. The zoo, while not as vast as some of Tokyo's larger zoological gardens, offers a unique and intimate experience. It's divided into two sections across a road, each with its own charm. The squirrel cage is a standout feature, allowing visitors to step inside and observe these energetic creatures up close, a highlight for many who visit.
+1Beyond the animals, the park boasts a botanical garden and a sculpture garden, adding layers of cultural and natural beauty to your visit. This combination of a charming park, a delightful zoo, and a relaxed atmosphere makes Inokashira Park Zoo a highly recommended spot for a peaceful day out in Tokyo.
A Family-Friendly Haven
The zoo's layout, with its distinct sections and engaging animal exhibits, keeps younger visitors entertained. The ability to get up close with animals, especially in the squirrel enclosure, provides memorable interactive experiences for kids. Beyond the zoo, Inokashira Park itself offers ample space for children to run around, play, and enjoy the outdoors. The swan boats on the pond are a classic family activity, and the general atmosphere of the park is welcoming and relaxed. This makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip where both parents and children can find something to enjoy.
Many reviews highlight the zoo's open design, noting that animals are not kept in cramped enclosures, which contributes to a more pleasant viewing experience for everyone, especially children who can observe the animals more comfortably.
Proximity to the Ghibli Museum
+1If you're planning to visit the Ghibli Museum, it's crucial to book tickets well in advance, as they are notoriously difficult to obtain and sell out quickly.
Many visitors choose to spend their morning at the Ghibli Museum and then transition to the zoo and park for the afternoon, enjoying the natural beauty and animal encounters. This combination offers a diverse experience, from the whimsical world of Ghibli to the serene environment of the park and zoo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit