Ueno Zoological Gardens (Ueno Zoo) Famous for Cute Panda

Ueno is famous for its nature-rich parks and an area under the elevated tracks filled with drinking establishments. Due to its proximity to central Tokyo and excellent accessibility, many tourists visit Ueno along with Asakusa.

The Ueno area is home to many Shinto shrines with long histories - facilities of Japan's ancient religion "Shinto" - and spots surrounded by nature. Within Ueno, the symbolic Ueno Onshi Park houses numerous shrines and museums, bustling with tourists and locals from morning until night.

Among the vast park's attractions, the most popular is Tokyo's most famous zoo, "Ueno Zoo." As an animal enthusiast who has visited multiple times, I will comprehensively introduce how to fully enjoy Ueno Zoo in one day and share all its highlights.

Ueno Zoo: Tokyo's Most Popular and Nationally Renowned Zoo

Ueno Zoo is not only the most popular zoo in Tokyo but also ranks first in visitor numbers among all zoos in Japan. Despite being in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, it houses over 300 species of animals.

With popular animals including Giant Pandas and the "Children's Zoo" where visitors can interact with guinea pigs and rabbits, it's especially beloved by families. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ueno Zoo is synonymous with Ueno tourism, making it an unmissable spot for animal lovers visiting the area.

Continuously Growing in Popularity Since Its Opening in 1882

Ueno Zoo, Japan's first zoo, opened in 1882. It experienced significant development after receiving its first Giant Pandas in 1972.

Currently, as Japan's representative zoo, it houses over 300 species. Through breeding and caring for various animals - from popular to rare species from around the world - it promotes the importance of animal conservation.

Enjoyable All Day Thanks to Its Vast 14-Hectare Grounds

Ueno Zoo boasts an impressive 14-hectare area surrounded by lush greenery. It's home to approximately 300 species and 3,000 animals, offering an outstanding viewing experience.

The zoo grounds include numerous restaurants, snack areas, and benches for resting. Visitors can enjoy the zoo all day at a relaxed pace while taking breaks.

The Zoo Is Divided into East and West Gardens

The zoo is split into East and West Gardens, with about a 10-minute walk between them. The East Garden houses gorillas, elephants, and tigers, while the West Garden is home to pandas, giraffes, and shoebill storks.

For the best experience at Ueno Zoo, it's recommended to visit both gardens.

3 Highlights and Attractive Points of Ueno Zoo

Animals Are Kept in Near-Natural Environments

At Ueno Zoo, animals are kept in conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats. Generally, animals in zoos may become less active and exercise less since they don't need to search for food. To address this, Ueno Zoo has installed play equipment and created ways for animals to forage for food within their enclosures.

The animals use the play equipment as substitutes for activities like climbing trees in the wild, allowing visitors to observe their natural behaviors. Through watching animals in these near-natural environments, both children and adults can learn about their natural habits and behaviors.

For example, gorillas are kept in groups within landscapes that mirror their natural habitat. Ueno Zoo is highly recommended for anyone interested in observing authentic animal behavior.

Home to Over 300 Species and 3,000 Animals

As of September 2024, Ueno Zoo houses over 3,000 animals from approximately 300 species. Since 1982, marking its 100th anniversary, the zoo has been promoting the "Zoo Stock Project" aimed at animal protection and breeding of rare species.

As a result, Ueno Zoo exclusively houses certain unique animals like the aye-aye (a primate) and the fossa (related to mongooses). This makes it a perfect destination for families and animal enthusiasts wanting to see rare creatures.

Affordable Entry Prices and Full-Day Entertainment

Ueno Zoo offers affordable admission prices and entertainment for an entire day. As of September 2024, the entrance fees are:

Adults (High school and above): 600 yen
Seniors (65 and above): 300 yen
Junior High School Students: 200 yen
Elementary School Students and younger: Free

The zoo also offers a re-entry system. If you want to leave and return later, you can request a re-entry pass at the information desk.

This makes it an ideal spot for families looking for affordable tourist attractions.

Well-Equipped Dining Areas and Cafes

Source: Tokyo Zoo Net

While you can exit and re-enter for lunch outside, the zoo offers attractive restaurants and cafes within its grounds. There are two fast-food establishments and two indoor restaurants where you can relax and dine.

My personal recommendation is "Saruyama Kitchen" located in the East Garden. Here, you can enjoy your meal while observing Japanese macaques in their habitat.

7 Most Popular Animals at Ueno Zoo and Their Captivating Features!

The Symbol of Ueno Zoo: "Giant Pandas"

In the West Garden of Ueno Zoo, you can find the male "Xiao Xiao" and female "Lei Lei," twin pandas born in 2021. Xiao Xiao has a green line on his back, while Lei Lei doesn't. Their fluffy fur and round bodies are captivating to watch as they move around.

However, as of September 2024, only Lei Lei is on public display. While Xiao Xiao is not regularly exhibited, you might be lucky enough to see him on cooler days. The sight of the twins playing together is absolutely adorable.

To see the pandas, visitors must join a dedicated viewing line. During my visit, the line was too long to wait. If you want to avoid long queues, try visiting right when the zoo opens.

The "Shoebill Stork" - The Stationary Bird

In the "African Animals" section of the West Garden, you'll find the Shoebill Stork, known for its stationary nature. Of the 12 Shoebills in Japan, Ueno Zoo houses the largest number with four birds.

Their popularity stems from their endearing appearance - staring with round eyes while remaining perfectly still. However, some visitors note that Ueno Zoo's Shoebills are surprisingly active. If you have time, it's worth settling down to observe them - you might get lucky and see them in motion!

The Rare Western Lowland Gorilla Family

Source: Nikkei Shinbun

The "Gorilla Woods" in the East Garden is home to a group of seven Western Lowland Gorillas. Ueno Zoo is one of only three zoos in Japan where visitors can observe gorilla parents living with their offspring, making it a special attraction.

The highlight is watching these magnificent creatures living peacefully in a near-natural environment. Surrounded by trees in a forest-like setting, these gorillas provide a heartwarming and therapeutic sight for visitors. As one of my personal favorites, I highly recommend taking time to observe them.

The Tallest Animal: "Giraffe"

In the "African Animals" section of Ueno Zoo's West Garden, you can find giraffes in their outdoor enclosure, viewable through fencing. Known as the world's tallest animals, these majestic creatures are a popular attraction at Ueno Zoo.

My personal recommendation is the viewing spot where you can observe giraffes eating from directly below - it's quite a unique perspective! Since 2020, Ueno Zoo has welcomed a baby giraffe, making it possible to see the charming parent-child duo.

The Impressive Monkey Mountain and Japanese Macaques

In the East Garden of Ueno Zoo, numerous monkeys live on Monkey Mountain. The Monkey Mountain is an artificial hill created to house groups of monkeys in the zoo, and Ueno Zoo's Monkey Mountain has over 90 years of history.

One of the main attractions at Ueno Zoo is watching the monkeys relaxing freely on their mountain. The highlight is observing their unique personalities - from young ones sunbathing to monkeys grooming each other, and others playing chase. Their various free-spirited activities are endlessly charming to watch.

The Endangered Sumatran Tiger

In the East Garden's "Tiger Forest," Ueno Zoo houses 4 of only 13 Sumatran Tigers kept in Japan. The Sumatran Tiger is classified as critically endangered, making any opportunity to see them incredibly precious.

With their distinct stripes and piercing gaze, Sumatran Tigers are especially popular among children. When you carefully observe them walking leisurely or calmly gazing into the distance, these seemingly fierce tigers might start to appear as cute as house cats.

The Unique Naked Mole Rat

Source: Official X

In the West Garden's Small Mammal House, you can observe naked mole rats living in colonies. Through acrylic windows and transparent tubes, visitors can watch their various activities, from playing to sleeping.

The naked mole rats' popularity stems from their unique appearance - minimal body hair, loose skin, and developed incisors. Their scurrying movements and eating habits are adorable, making them instantly appealing. Personally, I find it particularly endearing when several of them cuddle together while sleeping - definitely a sight worth noting.

Ueno Zoo Access & Basic Information

Address: 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Access:
- Main Gate: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station "Park Exit"
- Benten Gate: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station "Shinobazu Exit"
4-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
  8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Line Ueno Station
  10-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Ueno-Okachimachi Station
- Ikenohata Gate: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission and ticket sales at 4:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday or Tokyo Citizens' Day, closed the following day)
  Year-end holidays (December 29 - January 1)
Phone: 03-3828-5171
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/

3 Recommended Spots in Ueno Park to Enjoy Along with Ueno Zoo

National Museum of Nature and Science

Source:Wikipedia

The National Museum of Nature and Science is Japan's only comprehensive science museum, featuring exhibitions themed around nature and science technology. Just a short walk from Ueno Zoo, this museum offers an educational complement to your wildlife experience.

The exhibitions are divided into two buildings: the Japan Gallery and the Global Gallery, each introducing natural history and ecology. Regular experimental events and nature observation sessions are held, making it fun to learn about science and nature. 

The dinosaur skeleton specimens and taxidermied animals that look like they could be in movies are absolutely impressive, and they're one of my favorite points in this museum. It's a facility where both children and adults can learn while having fun.

Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, then Tuesday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 1)
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Source:Official website

The Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest and largest museum, featuring six exhibition buildings including the Honkan (Main Building) and the Toyokan (The East Museum). As of September 2024, it houses approximately 120,000 items, including 89 National Treasures, and many other historically valuable items are on display. 

The main building showcases Japanese art and crafts. Located near Ueno Zoo, it provides a perfect cultural counterpoint to your animal adventures.

What I find particularly attractive is the opportunity to learn about Japanese and Oriental history and culture. I highly recommend it to those interested in Japanese traditional culture and history.

Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (Open if Monday is a holiday, closed the following weekday), Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en

Ueno Tosho-gu Shrine

Source: Official website

Ueno Tosho-gu is a shrine located within Ueno Park. The existing building housing the sacred deity was built in 1651 and is considered historically significant. After visiting the diverse wildlife at Ueno Zoo, this shrine offers a peaceful spiritual experience.

The highlight is the splendor of the Konjikiden (Golden Hall), the building where the deity is enshrined. The golden-gleaming building is overwhelming just to look at. Also, light-up events are held every autumn, allowing visitors to appreciate the dignified appearance of the building. Since it's located within the park, please make sure to visit it along with Ueno Park.

Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Winter (October-February) 9:00-16:30, Summer (March-September) 9:00-17:30
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3822-3455
Official Website: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/