Ueno Zoological Gardens, Tajima Travel Guide

4.3 (34326)

Discover diverse wildlife in the heart of Tokyo at Japan's oldest zoo, home to pandas, tigers, and more, within the beautiful Ueno Park.

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Ueno Zoological Gardens

Established in 1882, Ueno Zoological Gardens is Japan's oldest and most visited zoo, home to over 3,000 animals representing around 300 species. Located in Ueno Park, the zoo is split into two main sections, the East and West Gardens, offering a diverse wildlife experience, from giant pandas to Sumatran tigers.

A brief summary to Ueno Zoological Gardens

9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Uenokoen, Tokyo, 110-8711, JP
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Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ueno Zoological Gardens.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
Check the official website for feeding times and temporary exhibit closures.
Visit the pandas first thing, as the lines can get long.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking between the East and West Gardens.
Take advantage of the English maps available near the main gate to navigate the zoo efficiently.

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Getting There

Public Transport

Ueno Zoological Gardens is easily accessible via public transport. From JR Ueno Station's Park Exit, it's a 5-minute walk to the main gate through Ueno Park. Alternatively, you can reach the Benten Gate (West Garden entrance) with a 4-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station. Subway Ueno Station (Ginza/Hibiya Line) is an 8-minute walk, and Ueno-okachimachi Station (Oedo Subway Line) is a 10-minute walk to the Benten Gate. A single subway fare in Tokyo typically costs between ¥170 and ¥320 depending on the distance. JR train fares are similar, starting around ¥140. Keep in mind that purchasing a day pass might be cost-effective if you plan to use public transport extensively.
Walking

From within Ueno Park, follow the signs directing you to Ueno Zoo. The main entrance is a short walk from most areas of the park. The path is well-paved and relatively flat, making it an easy walk. There are no specific costs associated with walking, as Ueno Park is free to enter. However, be aware that the park can be crowded, especially on weekends, so allow extra time to navigate through the crowds.

Discover more about Ueno Zoological Gardens

Ueno Zoological Gardens, or Ueno Zoo, opened in 1882 as Japan's first modern zoo. Situated within the expansive Ueno Park in Tokyo, the zoo has grown into a flagship institution, dedicated to wildlife conservation and public education. The 14.3-hectare (35-acre) zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around 300 different species.The zoo is geographically divided into the East and West Gardens, connected by the Aesop Bridge. The East Garden features iconic species, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, and western lowland gorillas. The West Garden showcases the African Savannah exhibit, housing giraffes, hippos and more, as well as a vivarium with reptiles and amphibians. A Children's Zoo allows visitors to interact with domestic animals.Ueno Zoo has a long history of receiving animals from abroad and participating in breeding programs. Giant pandas have been a main attraction since 1972, symbolizing the zoo's commitment to conservation. The zoo actively works to create environments that mimic the animals' natural habitats, though some older enclosures remain. Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the diverse exhibits and learning about wildlife from around the world.