Where You Can Meet Pandas, Explore Global Wildlife, and Learn About Conservation
🐼 Ueno Zoo – Tokyo’s Oldest Zoo with Pandas, Culture & Nature
Where You Can Meet Pandas, Explore Global Wildlife, and Learn About Conservation
🌟 What is Ueno Zoo?
Ueno Zoo (上野動物園) is Japan’s oldest and most famous zoological park, founded in 1882 and located within Ueno Park.
It’s home to over 350 animal species from around the world — including Tokyo’s star residents, the giant pandas.
The zoo is divided into two zones (East & West), connected by a unique monorail, and offers a perfect blend of fun, education, and nature for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
🔭 Why Visit Ueno Zoo?
- 🐼 Giant Pandas: See Xiang Xiang & her family — Japan’s most beloved animals
- 🦁 Global Animal Exhibits: Lions, tigers, elephants, penguins, polar bears & more
- 🦍 Gorilla Woods & Tiger Forest: Thoughtful enclosures mimicking wild habitats
- 🐒 Monkey Mountain & Japanese Animals: Native species like macaques and red-crowned cranes
- 🚋 Zoo Monorail: A fun mini train connecting East and West gardens
- 🧒 Petting Zoo & Kids’ Farm: Interactive areas for children to learn about animals
📸 Featured Zones
| Zone/Area | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Panda House (East Garden) | The top attraction – arrive early to avoid long lines |
| African Savanna Zone | Giraffes, rhinos, hippos in open-air enclosures |
| Gorilla & Tiger Area | Large, shaded enclosures with enrichment activities for animals |
| Reptile & Amphibian House | Snakes, lizards, frogs, and giant turtles |
| Children’s Zoo (West) | Goats, sheep, guinea pigs & educational animal interactions |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (16–64) | ¥600 |
| Seniors (65+) | ¥300 |
| Students (13–15) | ¥200 |
| Children (under 12) | Free |
🕒 Open: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
🗓️ Closed: Every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
🎫 Tickets available at the gate or online via Tokyo Zoo Net Ticket
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 🐼 Panda exhibit is the most crowded — go right after opening for shorter wait times
- 🍱 Bring your own lunch or buy from food stalls near the West Garden
- 🚼 Very family-friendly: stroller rentals, nursing rooms, rest areas available
- 📷 Photography is allowed (no flash, no tripods near pandas)
- 💳 Tickets are affordable and cash or card accepted
🚉 Access
- Ueno Station (JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya) – Park Exit, 5 min walk
- Keisei Ueno Station – 2 min walk
- Zoo located inside Ueno Park, East Gate is closest to panda exhibit
🍱 Nearby Food Options
1. Park Side Café
- 🌿 Relaxed terrace seating with lunch plates & desserts
- 📍 Near Shinobazu Pond, 7 min walk from zoo exit
2. Ueno 3153 Building Restaurants
- 🍣 Sushi, ramen, fast food — quick bites for families
- 📍 Just outside the zoo’s main gate
3. Zoo Food Kiosks (Inside)
- 🥪 Hot dogs, curry rice, ice cream & drinks
- 📍 Located in both East and West Gardens
🔁 Sample Plan: “Family Day at Ueno Zoo”
🕐 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- 🐼 Head straight to Panda House right at opening
- 🐘 Visit elephants, giraffes & lions in Savanna Zone
- 🍱 Enjoy lunch at zoo café or bring a bento for picnic areas
- 🦍 Walk through Gorilla Woods & Tiger Forest
- 🐐 Let kids interact at Children’s Zoo in West Garden
- 🛍️ Stop by Zoo Shop for panda souvenirs before exiting
📍 Address & Contact
Address
9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Phone
📞 +81-3-3828-5171
Official Website
https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/