Kyoto City Zoo improves access convenience via Kyoto City Subway's Keage Station with the new opening of "Higashi Entrance" (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

"Higashi Entrance," or a new east gateway to Kyoto City Zoo in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, opened on July 6. This improves access to the zoo as it's only a five-minute walk from Kyoto City Subway's Keage Station. A cafe and an exhibition facility also opened at the same time. This makes Kyoto City Zoo more convenient and friendly.

This new entrance is the fifth part of the complete renovation project based on the new zoo concept. This has been under development since last fall in order to increase the number of the subway visitors and attract tourists visiting the Okazaki area to the zoo.

Higashi Entrance is located along Shirakawa Street and is covered with a roof of solar panels. Coinciding with its establishment, a cafe where people can buy souvenirs and an exhibition hall of photos and panels opened nearby. Additionally, a breeding facility for "Tsushima wildcat," where breeding is scheduled for this coming fall, was built. The areas throughout Higashi Entrance use wood such as Kitayama cedar, providing a peaceful atmosphere.

That day, following the commemoration ceremony, visitors came to the facilities around the Higashi Entrance one after the other. A man from Shimogyo Ward, who visits Kyoto City Zoo with his family every few months, said delightedly,"I appreciate that we can have meals at this beautiful facility. I want to come here by subway next time."