Tama Zoo Africa Fair, Nov 22–23: Stage Times, Stamp Rally and Tips

Tama Zoological Park (多摩動物公園) in Hino, western Tokyo, is holding the 12th Tokyo Metropolitan Zoos Africa Fair (第12回都立動物園アフリカフェア) on Sunday, November 22 and Monday, November 23, 2026. Embassies and Africa-related groups join the zoo to introduce the wildlife, tourism and culture of African countries, and to share how wild animals there are being protected.

Expect embassy booths selling specialty goods, live African music and a dance stage you can join, a zoo-wide stamp rally with a free shoulder bag for early finishers, and serval face painting for kids. Monday is a national holiday, so the fair makes an easy family outing over the holiday weekend. Here is the timetable for each day, what to do first, and what changes if it rains.

Africa Fair at a glance

The zoo itself is worth the trip. Its grounds are four times the size of Ueno Zoo, and many animals live in open enclosures divided by moats instead of cages. Animals that form herds in the wild are kept in groups where possible, so you often see them behaving naturally.

Timetable for Nov 22 and Nov 23

The two days have different programs. Sunday has the opening ceremony and most of the stage events, while Monday has the dance stage and an earlier start for the booths.

A panel exhibition on East Africa runs for longer, from November 5 to December 1, so you can see it even if you visit before or after the fair weekend.

Stage shows and the opening ceremony

All three stage programs take place at the Watching Center entrance (ウォッチングセンター入口). If it rains, they move inside the Animal Hall (動物ホール). The stage area is outdoors and has a limited number of benches, some of them priority seats, so visitors are asked to share.

Opening ceremony with Osman Sankon (Nov 22, 12:50–14:00)

Representatives of the participating countries and invited guests open the fair, and guest Osman Sankon (オスマン・サンコン) gives a talk. The ceremony starts at 12:50 with an African music performance, so arrive a little early to catch the opening.

BALANGOMA concert (Nov 22, 14:15–15:00)

BALANGOMA was formed when Masaya Onishi, who studied music in Kenya, met Benoit Mirogo, a traditional musician from Burkina Faso. Their set mixes instruments from East and West Africa, with strong rhythms and easygoing melodies. The Japanese title of the show is 躍動のアフリカン・リズムを楽しむ！

Waka Waka Africa dance stage (Nov 23, two shows)

Waka Waka Africa (ワカワカ アフリカ) is a band whose members come from different parts of Africa. Their show is built for audience participation, so small children and adults alike can clap and dance along. Shows run at 12:30–13:15 and 13:45–14:30, which makes it easy to fit one in around lunch.

Embassy booths: African Discovery

The booth area, called African Discovery (アフリカン・ディスカバリー), lines the walkway that leads on from the Main Gate Plaza (正門前広場). Embassies and organizations working on Africa-related projects introduce wildlife and travel information, and many sell specialty products from their countries. Booths from Tama Toshi Monorail and Tokyo-related organizations are also planned.

If shopping is your main goal, Monday gives you two more hours with the booths.

Stamp rally, face painting and other activities

Tips for planning your visit

• Pick your day by the stage. Sunday has the opening ceremony, the BALANGOMA concert and face painting. Monday has the Waka Waka Africa dance shows and booths from 9:30.
• Start the stamp rally early. The bags go to the first 800 finishers each day, and the route takes you into the Africa area, so it fills a good part of your visit.
• Face painting has only 150 spots. If your kids want it, head to Hayashi Plaza close to 13:00 on Sunday.
• Check the weather. Stages move to the Animal Hall in rain, but face painting is cancelled.
• Look at the official page on the morning you go. The bead workshop times and the venue map are still to be announced.
• Keep your phone charged. A full day of animal photos and maps adds up. Our guide to d VALUE PASS and free ChargeSPOT power bank rentals explains one way to avoid a dead battery.

Looking for more weekend ideas around Tokyo? We have also written about the Musashino Art University Festival, the Setagaya Tamagawa Fireworks and the Shibaura Canal Festival with its free canal cruise. For discounted tickets to other attractions, see our write-up of the Asoview Asobitsukushi Campaign.

FAQ

When and where is the Africa Fair?

November 22 (Sun) and 23 (Mon, national holiday), 2026, at Tama Zoological Park, 7-1-1 Hodokubo, Hino, Tokyo.

Do I need to pay extra for the fair?

The announcement does not list a fee for the fair itself or for zoo entry. The bead accessory workshop is stated as free. Check the Tama Zoological Park website for admission before you go.

How do I get the stamp rally bag?

Pick up a stamp sheet at the special booth near the Watching Center, collect every stamp around the Africa area and the fair venue, and the first 800 finishers each day receive an original shoulder bag.

What happens if it rains?

The opening ceremony and both music stages move inside the Animal Hall. Face painting is cancelled in rain.

Which day should I go?

Go on Nov 22 for the opening ceremony with Osman Sankon, the BALANGOMA concert and face painting. Go on Nov 23 for the Waka Waka Africa dance stage and booths that open from 9:30.

Official information

• Tama Zoological Park: Africa Fair event page (Japanese)
• Press release from the Tokyo Zoological Park Society (Japanese)

Details may change. Always check the official Tama Zoological Park website for the latest information before your visit.