Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo opened on January 1st, 1915 and had its 100th anniversary in 2015. Almost 170 species and 1000 animals are kept in about 11 hectares of the zoo. In the reptile house, "Ifar," and in “African Savanna Zone” where hippopotamus, giraffes, and lions live, the ecological exhibition introduces reproduced scenery of animals’ habitats as closely as possible.
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!









