Ueno Zoological Gardens, Tokyo Travel Guide

4.3 (34326)

Discover diverse wildlife at Japan's oldest zoo in Ueno Park, Tokyo, featuring pandas, tigers, and a five-storied pagoda.

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Ueno Zoological Gardens

Established in 1882, Ueno Zoological Gardens is Japan's oldest and most famous zoo, located in the heart of Tokyo's Ueno Park. Home to over 3,000 animals representing around 300 species, the zoo offers a blend of education, conservation, and recreation.

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.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially at the panda viewing area.
Download a map of the zoo beforehand to plan your route and locate specific animals or exhibits.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you could easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the extensive grounds.
Stay hydrated, especially on hot days, by bringing your own drinks or purchasing them from vending machines and shops inside the zoo.
Check the zoo's website for any special events, closures, or changes to the opening hours before your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

From JR Ueno Station's Park Exit, Ueno Zoo is a 5-minute walk. Upon exiting the station, Ueno Park will be directly in front of you. Walk straight through the park towards the zoo's Main Gate. Alternatively, from Keisei Ueno Station, it's a 4-minute walk to the Benten Gate (West Garden entrance). There are signs in English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish to help you navigate.
Public Transport

Ueno Zoo is accessible from multiple stations. From Tokyo Metro Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Line), it's about a 9-minute walk. From Ueno-okachimachi Station (Oedo Subway Line), it is about a 10-minute walk. From Ueno-okachimachi Station, you can also take a Toei bus from 上野松坂屋前 to 池之端二丁目, which takes 15 minutes and costs ¥210. After arriving at any of these stations, follow the signs to Ueno Park and then to the zoo.
Taxi

A taxi from Ueno Station to Ueno Zoo takes only a few minutes. The taxi fare from Ueno-okachimachi Station to Ueno Zoo is between ¥1,100 and ¥1,400. Tell the driver you want to go to Ueno Zoo (上野動物園, Ueno Dōbutsuen) in Ueno Park. Note that there are no dedicated parking lots for the zoo. If driving, use nearby paid parking.

Discover more about Ueno Zoological Gardens

Ueno Zoological Gardens, or Ueno Zoo, is a 14.3-hectare (35-acre) zoo managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Ueno Park. Opened in 1882, it is Japan's oldest zoo and one of the first modern zoological parks in Asia. The zoo is divided into two main sections: the East Garden and the West Garden, connected by a bridge and a monorail. The East Garden features animals like Asian elephants, gorillas, and Sumatran tigers, as well as the popular Monkey Mountain. The West Garden houses animals from the African continent, including giraffes, hippos and kangaroos, plus the Vivarium (Reptile and Amphibian House) and the Small Mammal House with nocturnal animals. The zoo is actively involved in wildlife conservation and breeding programs, cooperating with domestic and international agencies. Ueno Zoo is renowned for its giant pandas, which have been a symbol of friendship between China and Japan since 1972. Other must-see animals include polar bears, shoebills, and various native Japanese species. The zoo also features historical structures such as the Five-Storied Pagoda of Kaneiji Temple, a reminder of the area's past as part of a large temple complex.