Ueno Zoological Gardens: Tokyo's Oldest Zoo
Discover diverse wildlife at Japan's oldest zoo in Ueno Park, Tokyo, featuring pandas, tigers, and a five-storied pagoda.
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
- +813-3828-5171
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
きささげの木
0.2 km
Explore Ueno Park, a historical landmark in Tokyo, where nature, culture, and history harmoniously intertwine for an unforgettable experience.
Gokokuin
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Experience tranquility at Gokokuin, a beautiful Buddhist temple in Tokyo's Uenokoen, perfect for cultural exploration and serene reflection.
Ueno Park, Statue
0.5 km
Explore Ueno Park, where history and nature blend beautifully in Tokyo, featuring the iconic Saigo Takamori statue amidst stunning landscapes.
Statue of Saigo Takamori
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Discover the majestic Statue of Saigo Takamori in Ueno Park, a historical landmark that embodies Japan's rich samurai heritage amidst stunning natural beauty.
Tokyo Tourist Information Center Keisei Ueno
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Tokyo at the Keisei Ueno Tourist Information Center, your essential starting point for exploring the city's treasures and hidden gems.
Cenotaph for the Tokyo Raid
0.6 km
Explore the Cenotaph for the Tokyo Raid, a serene memorial in Ueno Park honoring the resilience of Tokyo's spirit during World War II.
BINGO!
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Ameyoko Shopping District
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Nichika Shrine of Enju-ji Temple
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Discover tranquility at Nichika Shrine of Enju-ji Temple, a serene Buddhist temple in Tokyo's enchanting Yanaka district, rich in culture and natural beauty.
Higashi-Ueno Koreantown
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Obake kaidan
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Teppanda
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Experience the essence of Japanese cuisine at Teppanda in Ueno, Tokyo, where culinary artistry meets a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Nezu Shrine
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Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street
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Akihabara Gachapon Hall
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Unmissable attractions to see
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
0.1 km
Explore the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – a cultural treasure trove of traditional and contemporary art in the heart of Ueno Park.
Ueno Park
0.1 km
Explore Ueno Park, a stunning blend of nature, culture, and history in the heart of Tokyo, perfect for tourists seeking relaxation and inspiration.
Ueno Daibutsu
0.2 km
Discover Ueno Daibutsu in Tokyo, a captivating cultural landmark featuring a grand bronze Buddha statue amidst the tranquility of Ueno Park.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine
0.2 km
Discover a golden Edo-era shrine in Ueno Park, honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu and offering blessings for success, health, and longevity.
Hanazono Inari Shrine
0.3 km
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The National Museum of Western Art
0.3 km
Explore Western art masterpieces in a Le Corbusier-designed UNESCO World Heritage building in Tokyo's Ueno Park. Collection includes Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall
0.3 km
A landmark concert hall in Ueno Park, Tokyo, renowned for its modernist design and exceptional acoustics since 1961.
National Museum of Nature and Science
0.3 km
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Tokyo National Museum - Kuroda Memorial Hall
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Ueno campus, Tokyo University of the Arts
0.4 km
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Kiyomizu Kannon-dō Temple
0.4 km
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The Ueno Royal Museum
0.4 km
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International Library of Children's Literature, National Diet Library
0.4 km
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Tokyo National Museum
0.5 km
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Shinobazunoike Benten-do
0.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Inshotei
0.2 km
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Oto-Oto Ueno bamboo Garden
0.4 km
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Tokori Ueno Bamboo Garden
0.4 km
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Torimitsukuni Ueno
0.5 km
Experience authentic yakitori at Torimitsukuni Ueno – where every skewer tells a story of flavor in Tokyo's cultural heart.
Tokyo Sundubu Ueno-no-mori Sakura Terrace Branch
0.5 km
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Kinojiya
0.5 km
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KEEP&TOUCH
0.7 km
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Kurofunetei
0.7 km
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BINGO TACOS KITCHEN
0.8 km
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at Bingo Tacos Kitchen in Bunkyo City, Tokyo - a taco lover's paradise!
燒肉
0.8 km
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肉と酒 グリルハウス アメ横酒場 上野
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HALAL SAKURA
1.1 km
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Nikutei Futago
1.3 km
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Unagi Sumiyaki Hitsumabushi Minokin
1.4 km
Experience authentic hitsumabushi at Unagi Sumiyaki Hitsumabushi Minokin – where tradition meets flavor in the heart of Tokyo.
Sultan Akihabara
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tokyo National Museum Museum Shop
0.4 km
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Atre Ueno
0.5 km
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GIFT KEISEI JAPANESE SOUVENIR Ueno Station Store
0.6 km
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Ueno LOFT
0.6 km
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Ueno Marui
0.6 km
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Japanese souvenir store ~YOSHIKIRI~
0.7 km
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UENO YAMASAN No2
0.7 km
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フリークマーケット
0.7 km
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フリークマーケット
0.7 km
Explore the lively フリークマーケット in Ueno, Tokyo—your destination for unique clothing, accessories, and an unforgettable shopping experience.
MAGAZINES 上野広小路店
0.8 km
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Ueno Ameyokocho Nezu Shoten
0.8 km
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Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
1.0 km
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PEARL SEIWA
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EL BODY PIERCING Okachimachi
1.2 km
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2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
1.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Auditorium - Japanese Whisky, Cocktail & Good music Bar 上野
0.6 km
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The World End Irish Pub
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HUB Ueno Shinobazu St.
0.7 km
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BAR COCKTAIL WORKS 上野
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HUB Ueno
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Samurai
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The Warrior Celt
0.8 km
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Luke
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Music Bar Ten Years
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Shot Bar AI
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STANDING BAR PARE 晴
0.9 km
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Rock Bar Sakebi
1.1 km
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BAR SOMETHIN’
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SAKE MARKET Akihabaraten
1.7 km
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Akihabara Dear Stage
1.7 km
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