Just a short distance southeast from the bustling Namba area in southern Osaka, you’ll discover the district known as “Shinsekai.” This area, home to the Tsutenkaku Observatory, exudes a different atmosphere compared to Dotonbori.
- Shinsekai, Osaka: Osaka’s Shinsekai: The New World
“Dennoji Zoo in Osaka”
Heading east from Osaka’s Shinsekai district leads to the Dennoji area, where you can find the Dennoji Zoo, a park where various animals are gathered. While safari-style zoos are more popular these days than traditional zoos, Osaka offers a zoo with a vibe similar to Seoul Grand Park’s zoo in South Korea.
“Free Admission to Dennoji Zoo with the Osaka Amazing Pass”
The reason I visited Dennoji Zoo in Osaka was quite simple—I was using the Osaka Amazing Pass, and this facility allows free admission for pass holders.
“Opened in 1915, the Third Zoo in Japan”
Dennoji Zoo, opened in 1915, was the third zoo to open in Japan. It houses animals such as lions, chimpanzees, koalas, penguins, and more, and it boasts a considerable size.
The zoo is divided into sections like the Reptile Zone, African Savannah Zone, Lion Square, Koala Building, Tropical Rainforest Zone, Aviary, and more.
“Observing Hippos Swimming in Water at the Zoo”
One of the highlights of the zoo is the opportunity to observe hippos swimming in water. Unfortunately, during my visit, the hippos were asleep, and I could only see their hind legs lying down from a distance, leaving me a bit disappointed.
Apart from hippos, you can also see other animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, and even penguins that supposedly live in Antarctica.
“Bird Garden: A Place to Meet Various Birds”
There’s also a section called “Bird Garden,” where you can find a large aviary with a net-covered ceiling. Here, you can get up close to various birds.
This place offers a larger scale than expected for viewing multiple animals in one spot. To explore efficiently, it’s essential to check the map and plan your route to avoid overlapping.
Moreover, the zoo is naturally connected to the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and the Keitakuen Garden. Both of these places also allow free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass, making it a convenient route to explore starting from Tsutenkaku in Shinsekai.
Without the pass, an admission fee is required, which is approximately 500 yen per adult, equivalent to about 5,000 won.
“Dennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan”
- Address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0063, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6771-8401
- Website: Link
- Operating Hours: 9:30 – 17:00