Tennoji Station Police Box

The Tennoji Station Front Police Box, nicknamed the “Zō-san Kōban” (Elephant Police Box), is located right outside Tennoji Station. If you exit at Abenchika Exit 4, it is directly in front of you. Because Tennoji Zoo is nearby, it is thought that the police box was designed in this playful style. From the front, the pattern looks like an elephant’s trunk and two small round shapes resemble eyes; from the side, ear-like elements are visible. It looks like a cute elephant from multiple angles, which is why locals commonly call it the “Zō-san Kōban.” Inside it functions as a normal police box, so viewing is essentially from the outside only. Located near the entrance of Tennoji Park, it is also popular with children visiting the park. Some people don’t even realize it is a police box at first because the elephant design stands out so much. While it may not be a standalone sightseeing destination for most, many people stop by when visiting Tennoji Park or Tennoji Zoo.