From Takahata Fudoson Temple to Tama Zoological Park

History and Regional Charm

To the south of Hino City, the Tama Hills stretch out. At their base sits a historic temple, and nestled within the hills' natural environment is a zoo.

Takahata Fudoson Temple, officially named Takahatasan Myooin Kongo-ji Temple, is a special head temple of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism. Since ancient times, it has been counted as one of the three great Fudo temples of the Kanto region, and it is also known as the family temple of Hijikata Toshizo of the Shinsengumi.

Tama Zoological Park opened on May 5, 1958. It is the first zoo in Japan to adopt the principle of viewing animals without fences. On its 3rd anniversary, an animal parade went as far as Takahata Fudoson Temple.

This itinerary allows you to visit the temple in the morning and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the zoo, just one train station away. The main highlight of the day is the zoo.

Key Highlights

• ​Takahata Fudoson Temple​​: The Fudo-do Hall, relocated and rebuilt at the foot of the hill in 1342, along with the Niomon Gate built shortly after, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The temple introduces the Fudo-do Hall as the oldest cultural property building in Tokyo. The five-story pagoda, standing 39.8 meters tall, was built in the style of the early Heian period.
• ​Lion Bus at Tama Zoological Park​​: In May 1964, it began operation as a safari-style exhibit, allowing visitors to view the inside of the lion enclosure from a bus. The zoo describes it as the world's first. There are periods when operation is suspended.
• ​Skywalk and Koalas at Tama Zoological Park​​: Orangutans cross a rope set approximately 15 meters high by brachiating from arm to arm. In the Australian Garden, the highest elevation point within the park, you can see koalas and kangaroos.

Recommended Route and Required Time

The estimated time required is about 6 hours. Takahata Fudoson Temple is a 5-minute walk from Takahatafudo Station on the Keio Line and Tama Monorail. Pass through the Niomon Gate and proceed to the Fudo-do Hall, characterized by its strongly curved roof and deep eaves. Be sure to explore the five-story pagoda and the Dainichi-do Hall with its "roaring dragon" ceiling. A bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo also stands within the temple grounds.

After your visit, return to Takahatafudo Station. Tama-Dobutsukoen Station is one stop away (3 minutes) on the Keio Dobutsuen Line, or two stops away (4 minutes) on the Tama Monorail. From the station, it is a 1-minute walk to the zoo.

Since the zoo is located in a hilly area with many steep slopes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Walking just one loop around the grounds takes 2 to 3 hours. The Asian Garden extends back along the stream from the main gate, and deep inside at the highest elevation lies the Australian Garden. Climbing to the top of the slope to the right of the main gate brings you to the Insectarium, and beyond the ridge lies the African Garden. A free shuttle bus circulating through the Asian Garden can be boarded in front of the Siberian crane enclosure, approximately 100 meters inside the main gate. Exhibits may be suspended due to the animals' health or weather conditions, with notices posted on the park's official website.

Summary of the Experience

Visit a hall relocated nearly 700 years ago, and observe animals in their natural state in open enclosures separated by moats instead of cages. Because the temple and zoo are just one train stop apart, you can enjoy a full day without spending much time in transit. Visiting Takahata Fudoson Temple during the Hydrangea Festival in June or for the monthly temple fair held on the 28th is also recommended.