Tennoji Zoo in Osaka

If you’re an animal lover or traveling with kids, you might want to check out Tennoji Zoo.

Located in the southern entrance to the city, this large animal exhibit can be reached by riding the Midosuji Subway Line to Dobutsuen-Mae Station. From Hotel Kinki, this is only a short trip to the other side of the city.

Admission to the zoo is 500 yen. The gates are opened at 9:30am and closed in the early evening. There is much to see at Tennoji Zoo, so you’ll want to set aside at least a half-day to check out the main attractions.

Over 300 species of animals live at the zoo. Some of the more popular animals can be found in the Savannah exhibit.

Kansai fashion is always interesting to watch as well :)

There are also many reptiles on display in an indoor exhibit.

After your trip to the zoo is complete, you might want to walk around Tennoji for a bit. This area of Osaka is infamous for being a little… poor. But it's a great opportunity to soak in some blue collar Kansai culture!