The dome structure was designed specifically to allow butterflies to fly freely among visitors without the need for traditional enclosures.
The Paper Kite butterfly (Oogomadara) is the primary species in the exhibit and is noted for its slow, gliding flight pattern.
The garden maintains specific nectar-producing plants to sustain the butterfly population throughout the year.
Pupae are displayed in a specialized area where visitors can witness the emergence of butterflies from their chrysalis.
The exhibit includes a dedicated section for aquatic insects to show the diversity of insect habitats beyond the forest canopy.
The Insect Ecology Garden at Tama Zoological Park is a sprawling, glass-domed conservatory designed to simulate a natural forest environment for thousands of free-flying insects. It houses approximately 15,000 butterflies belonging to roughly 15 different species, including the large Oogomadara (Paper Kite) butterfly. The facility utilizes climate control to maintain a tropical atmosphere year-round, allowing for active butterfly observation even in cooler months. Beyond the dome, the pavilion includes educational displays detailing insect anatomy, life cycles, and the role of various species in the local ecosystem. The architecture emphasizes a seamless connection between the walking paths and the native vegetation where insects feed and congregate. Visitors can observe the complete metamorphosis cycle through transparent pupa viewing stations. The building functions as an integral part of the larger Tama Zoological Park complex located in Hino.
The central nectar-feeding station where large clusters of butterflies congregate, providing stable subjects for close-up photography.
Wear bright colors or floral patterns, as butterflies are often attracted to these and may land on you.
Move slowly and keep your eyes at varying heights to spot camouflaged insects on leaves rather than just those in flight.
Visit the pupa display first to understand the developmental stages before entering the main flight area.
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented lotions, as these can interfere with the insects' chemical signals and feeding behavior.
Closed on Wednesdays; if a public holiday falls on a Wednesday, the park remains open that day and closes the following Thursday.
Do not touch or attempt to catch the insects, and stay strictly on the designated pathways to avoid stepping on resting specimens.
