Tobu Zoo

Tobu Zoo is a hybrid leisure resort in Miyashiro Town, Minamisaitama District, Saitama Prefecture, combining a zoo, amusement park, botanical area, and a summer-only pool.

Covering a vast area of approximately 53–54 hectares (about 540,000 square meters), it offers a wide range of leisure experiences throughout the day in an environment surrounded by lush nature and water.

The park opened on March 28, 1981, as part of Tobu Railway’s 80th anniversary project.

For more than 40 years since then, it has been loved by many people across generations.

🐯 Zoo Area
The zoo area is home to about 1,200 animals representing roughly 120 species.

One of the most popular attractions is the rare white tiger, of which only about 250 are believed to exist in the world.

In November 2024, a white tiger cub was born for the first time in nine years, drawing major attention.

Visitors can also observe a wide variety of animals, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, hippos, and penguins.

Another major feature of the zoo is its extensive hands-on interaction experiences.

- At the “Interaction Animal Forest,” visitors can directly interact with goats, sheep, ring-tailed lemurs, and more.
- At the “Forest Interaction House,” visitors can hold chicks and guinea pigs (ticket-number system).
- Feeding experiences are also popular, with feeding events for elephants, white tigers, penguins, and others held on different days of the week.

In addition, the “Hotarium,” a facility where the glow of fireflies can be seen year-round, offers a magical atmosphere.

In summer and autumn, the “Night ZOO” is also held, attracting many visitors with the chance to see animals after sunset and enjoy special events.

🎢 Amusement Park Area
The amusement park area is divided into three zones: “Liberty Land,” “Pleasure Land,” and “Heartful Land.”

Each zone features unique attractions, making it enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.

Representative attractions include:

- New gliding water coaster “Kawasemi”: a thrilling coaster that glides over water.
- Water wooden coaster “Regina II”: a renewed and popular wooden coaster.
- Ferris wheel “Emma’s Cheese Windmill”: a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the seasonal flowers and the park.
- Carousel Water Lily: a colorful and elegant merry-go-round.
- Playful Goat Y’s Athletic Fortress: an athletic-style attraction that even small children can enjoy.

There are about 30 attractions in total, and they can be used with an unlimited-ride pass (Attraction Pass) or ride tickets.

It is designed so that families, couples, and groups of friends can all enjoy it to the fullest.

🏊‍♀️ Pool Area (Summer Only)
During the summer, the “Super Pool” opens.

It features a variety of water attractions, including a lazy river, slides, and a wave pool, and is crowded with many visitors every year.

There is also a children’s pool, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for families.

🌸 Plants, Nature, and Seasonal Events
The park is rich in nature, with cherry blossoms in spring, violas and roses in early summer, and autumn foliage in fall, while flowers bloom in every season.

The view from the Ferris wheel changes with the seasons, making it a popular photo spot as well.

A variety of events are held throughout the year.

- Summer: fireworks displays, Night ZOO
- Autumn: seasonal events such as the “Animal Interaction Festa”
- Winter: illumination event “TOBU Zoo Winter Illumination”

In particular, the winter illumination is one of the largest in the Kanto region, offering a fantastical world of light.

🚉 Access and Getting Around the Park
The nearest station is Tobu Dobutsu Koen Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.

It is about a 10-minute walk from the station, or about 5 minutes by direct bus from the station plaza.

Because the park is very large, it is recommended to use the park bus or the attraction “Taiyo no Megumi Railway Park Line” for easier movement.

This makes it possible to efficiently visit the zoo and pool areas.

🍔 Food and Souvenirs
At the park restaurants, limited menu items such as pancakes and hamburg steaks inspired by the white tiger are especially popular.

The shops also sell many animal-themed goods, including white tiger plush toys.

Choosing souvenirs is one of the pleasures of the visit.

Tobu Zoo is:
- a zoo where visitors can interact with about 120 species of animals,
- an amusement park with everything from thrill rides to a Ferris wheel,
- a summer-only Super Pool,
- and a multi-purpose leisure facility where seasonal nature and events are a major attraction.

Whether you visit with family, a partner, or friends, you can spend a memorable day here.

With its vast grounds and diverse activities, it is one of the premier leisure spots in the Kanto region.