Tennoji Zoo Night Zoo 2026

The attraction is the change from an afternoon zoo visit to an evening walk, with time to observe how the animals behave as the light changes. The nocturnal animal house, Penguin Park & Sea Lion Wharf, Reptile House Ifar, Southern Hemisphere House and Polar Bear Coast have published viewing times until 19:45. In September and October, the bird areas, small-animal house, monkey and baboon house, bear house and indoor chimpanzee room close at 18:00; in August, that group closes at 18:30. Outdoor chimpanzees go indoors at 15:30 even on Night Zoo dates. A stamp rally runs on all 14 Night Zoo dates, with stamp stations around the grounds. On 17 and 18 October only, the animal-search BINGO adds a separate activity: find LED animals hidden among the illuminations on the lawn beside the multipurpose plaza, from 17:00 to 19:45. Completing BINGO earns a prize. The illuminations also operate on the other Night Zoo dates, but the BINGO activity does not.

Reservation

Reservation is usually not required

Tickets / booking

Regular admission is ¥800 for adults, the rate in effect from 1 July 2026, and ¥200 for elementary and junior-high pupils who do not qualify for Osaka City’s exemption. Preschool children enter free. Eligible Osaka City pupils, Osaka City residents aged 65 or older and holders of specified Japanese disability certificates can receive exemptions with the required proof; check the visitor guide for the exact eligibility rules. The ¥1,000 adult ticket includes an optional donation. Buy an ordinary admission ticket at the Tenshiba or Shinsekai gate, or through the zoo’s WEB ticket page. The current Night Zoo notice uses these gate and online tickets; it does not specify a separate night surcharge or a night-only reservation. Advance online purchase is recommended for busy weekends and holidays. WEB tickets are valid for one month after purchase and cannot be cancelled for personal reasons. If you intend to leave and return, speak to gate staff before exiting.

Price note

Regular adult admission ¥800; elementary/junior-high pupils without an Osaka City exemption ¥200; preschool children free. Proof-based exemptions apply. Donation-inclusive adult ticket ¥1,000 is optional.

Access

Tennoji Zoo is at 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka. For the Tenshiba gate, use JR or Osaka Metro Tennoji Station, or Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station. For the Shinsekai gate, use Osaka Metro Dobutsuen-mae or Ebisucho, or JR/Nankai Shin-Imamiya. The zoo gives a 5–10-minute walk from these stations, or 10–15 minutes on the elevator routes. Choose the gate that suits your onward journey, and allow time for the station walk after the 20:00 closing.

Rain

Weather and animal health can change or cancel parts of the programme or shorten viewing hours. The indoor giraffe house is generally used for rain or other special circumstances, so do not count on it as an additional indoor attraction. Recheck the zoo’s current notices if weather will determine whether you go.

Crowds

Visit the 18:00-closing areas first on September and October dates, then move to the areas open until 19:45. The lion viewing area can develop a queue; joining a line does not extend viewing beyond closing time. Last entry to the zoo is 19:30 and the grounds close at 20:00. Restaurants finish at 19:30, while some food trucks finish at 16:30, so plan food before the final part of the visit.

Nearby spots

The two gates connect the visit with Tenshiba and Tennoji on one side, and Shinsekai on the other. Choose food or a neighbourhood walk on the side of your intended return station. Alcohol cannot be brought into the zoo, and entry after drinking is prohibited; do not schedule drinks before your zoo visit.

Itinerary hint

Choose one of the 14 published dates and arrive before the early animal-house closures. Start with the bird, monkey or bear areas that interest you, then follow the later viewing timetable as the grounds light up around 17:00. Add the stamp rally along your route; reserve time for BINGO only if visiting on 17 or 18 October. Before setting out, consult the zoo’s 2026 Night Zoo notice for the programme, its weekly event notice for changes, and its visitor and WEB ticket pages for admission, gate access and re-entry arrangements. Check your chosen railway’s return services separately.