AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Tucked inside the leafy expanse of Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Inokashira Park Zoo (officially Inokashira Nature and Culture Park) is a compact, family-friendly zoo that pairs animal encounters with art, gardens, and a gentle walk through what remains of Musashino's old-growth forest. At just 400 yen for admission, it's one of Tokyo's best-value afternoons out.↗↗
The zoo houses roughly 160 species of animals spread across two zones—the Main Zoo and the Aquatic Life Park—along with a sculpture garden holding some 200 works by Seibo Kitamura, a reconstructed poet's study, wildflower and camellia gardens, a petting corner, and a small amusement area for children.↗↗
Good to know
- Zoo
- Opening hoursVaries by day
- 1 kmfrom Musashino center
- Wheelchair accessentrance
- Parking
- Good for kids
- Restroom
- 4.2 / 57,793 reviews
- Musashino
A Zoo Built Around Japanese Nature
Unlike the big city zoos that showcase exotic megafauna, Inokashira Park Zoo leans into its surroundings. The Main Zoo focuses on creatures native to Japan's hills, forests, and rivers. The star attraction for families is the Squirrel Trail, a walkway through the canopy where Japanese squirrels scamper just overhead and beside you—close enough to watch them pause, crunch, and dart away. The Monkey Hill presents a troop of Japanese macaques in an open-air enclosure, and the Flying Fox House lets you peer at large fruit bats roosting in dim tropical light.
