Tama Dōbutsukōen Station

Tama Dōbutsukōen Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions in Tokyo

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station, nestled in Tokyo’s western Tama region, is more than a mere transit point—it’s the principal gateway to the renowned Tama Zoological Park and a hub for family-friendly exploration. Jointly operated by the Keio Corporation’s Dōbutsuen Line and the Tama Toshi Monorail Line, the station provides seamless access to verdant landscapes, educational attractions, and modern suburban communities. Its history, from ancient settlements to the post-war Tama New Town development, reflects Tokyo’s commitment to sustainable urban growth and accessible recreation.

This guide equips you with essential details on Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station’s operating hours, ticketing, facilities, accessibility, and the best attractions nearby, including Tama Zoological Park and Keio Rail-Land. Whether you’re planning a family excursion, a solo nature trip, or a cultural outing, use this resource to maximize your visit. For real-time updates, always consult the Keio Corporation, Tama Toshi Monorail, and Tama Zoological Park official websites.
(Go Tokyo, Japan Travel)

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station railway and monorail station in Hino Tokyo Japan

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station exterior view with railway and monorail in Hino Tokyo

Entrance of Tama-Doubutsu-Kouen Station of Tama Intercity Monorail in Hino city, Tokyo, Japan

Tama Monorail train cars painted with lion designs at Tama Dobutsu Kouen Station

Kyoto-style renga stone token with Japanese characters

Historical Background and Station Development

The Tama Region

The Tama region’s history spans from Jomon-era settlements through centuries of rural agriculture to its transformation into a modern suburb. The 1960s Tama New Town project redefined the area, introducing planned green spaces and vital infrastructure to meet Tokyo’s growing post-war population (Japan Travel).

Station Construction and Role

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station was established to serve both local residents and visitors to the area’s major attractions.

Keio Dōbutsuen Line: Opened in 1964, offering ground-level service.
Tama Toshi Monorail Line: Opened in 1998, providing elevated, panoramic transit across the region (Mapa Metro).

Station Details and Visitor Information

Station Hours and Ticketing

Hours: Open from around 5:00 AM to midnight; check Keio and Monorail timetables for exact times.
Tickets: Purchase at automated machines or counters. Suica and PASMO IC cards accepted.
Attraction Tickets: Zoo and Rail-Land require separate admission, available at respective entrances.

Accessibility and Facilities

Barrier-Free: Elevators, escalators, wide gates, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms throughout the station.
Amenities: Restrooms (with baby-changing stations), coin lockers, waiting areas, vending machines, and nearby eateries (Japan Travel).
Information: Multilingual signage (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean), staffed counters during peak hours, and digital displays for tourist information.

Travel Tips

Peak Periods: Weekends and holidays are busiest—arrive early for a smoother experience.
Photography: The elevated monorail platform offers panoramic views ideal for photos.
Luggage: Coin lockers support visitors with baggage or extended stays.

Station Architecture and Layout

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station features a dual-structure design:

Keio Dōbutsuen Line: Ground-level island platform.
Tama Toshi Monorail Line: Elevated island platform approximately 15 meters high, offering scenic vistas (Mapa Metro).
Covered Walkways: Efficient passenger flow and weather protection.

Connectivity and Access

From Shinjuku: Keio Line to Takahatafudō, transfer to Dōbutsuen Line (about 40–50 min, ~540 yen).
From Tokyo Station: JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa, transfer to the monorail (about 1 hour, ~950 yen).
IC Cards: Suica and PASMO simplify transfers and fare payment.

Nearby Attractions

Tama Zoological Park

Overview: One of Japan’s largest zoos (52 hectares), with immersive habitats for animals from Asia, Africa, and Australia. Highlights include the walk-in aviary, Koala House, and Insectarium.
Hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), closed Mondays (or next day if Monday is a holiday), and New Year’s holidays.
Admission: Adults ¥600, teens ¥200, seniors ¥300, children under 12 free (Tama Zoo Official Site).
Accessibility: Shuttle buses, accessible paths (some hilly areas), restrooms, and lockers.
Events: Seasonal exhibits and guided tours—check the zoo’s site for the latest.

Keio Rail-Land

Overview: Railway museum with historic train cars, simulators, and model railway exhibits.
Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays (or next day if Monday is a holiday).
Admission: Free (Keio Rail-Land Official Site).
Who Should Visit: Families, train enthusiasts, and history buffs.

Tama Kyūryō Prefectural Natural Park

Description: 21-minute walk from the station; offers hiking, picnicking, and nature photography.

Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Temple

Significance: A 25-minute walk; a historic Buddhist temple, hosting festivals and featuring traditional architecture.

Meisei University

Role: Adds an academic atmosphere to the station area; located 10 minutes on foot.

Practical Visitor Information

Facilities: Restrooms, lockers, and dining options at main attractions.
Transportation: Local buses and taxis supplement rail access.
Parking: Paid lots and bicycle parking available (Japan Travel).
Weather: Spring/autumn are most comfortable; summer can be hot, winter may limit outdoor exhibits.

Accessibility Features

Elevators & Escalators: Connect all station levels.
Tactile Paving: For visually impaired visitors.
Restrooms: Universal design, with handrails and baby-changing areas.
Support Services: Staff assistance for passengers with disabilities; priority seating on trains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the operating hours of Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station?
A: Approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, matching train schedules.

Q: How do I buy train and attraction tickets?
A: Use machines or counters at the station for transit; buy attraction tickets at entrances or online.

Q: Is the station and zoo accessible for wheelchairs/strollers?
A: Yes; elevators, ramps, and accessible paths are provided (note: the zoo has some hilly areas).

Q: Are coin lockers available?
A: Yes, at the station and attractions.

Q: Can I use Suica/PASMO IC cards?
A: Yes, for all rail lines and most local buses.

Q: Are guided tours offered at the zoo?
A: The zoo hosts seasonal tours and events—check their official site for details.

Sustainable Urban Development and Regional Significance

The station exemplifies Tokyo’s approach to sustainable growth: integrating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly design, and modern infrastructure to serve both residents and visitors. Its dual-line interchange and thoughtful layout have catalyzed residential, commercial, and recreational development in the Tama region (Go Tokyo).

Summary and Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Check official sites for up-to-date hours and events.
Arrive Early: Especially on weekends and holidays.
Explore Beyond the Zoo: Visit Keio Rail-Land, local parks, and temples.
Accessibility: Facilities support travelers with mobility needs.
Stay Informed: Download travel apps like Audiala for real-time updates and route planning.

Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station is the ideal launchpad for exploring Tokyo’s western suburbs—where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities converge.

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