The Tokyo Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo, dating back to 1882. Located in downtown Tokyo, the zoo is not only a popular attraction but also serves as a wildlife conservation and education facility, successfully breeding many endangered species.
The Chinese giant pandas are the zoo’s most famous residents, having been exhibited since 1972. The zoo participates in a breeding program with other major zoos worldwide, including Beijing and San Diego Zoos. Over the years, it has successfully bred several endangered species, such as aye-ayes and pygmy hippos.
A highlight of the zoo is its magnificent five-story pagoda, which adds a distinctly Japanese touch. Originally built in 1631, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires and other damage. Another popular attraction is the monorail, along with a children’s petting zoo, where kids can interact with animals up close.
Some of the zoo’s most popular animals include pygmy hippos, gorillas, penguins, aardvarks, sloths, various species of monkeys, and the crowd-favourite Asiatic elephant. The zoo is also home to several species of bears, including polar bears, Hokkaido brown bears, sun bears, and Japanese black bears.
The zoo is open six days a week from 10:00 AM and is closed on Mondays (or on Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday).
Access:
Getting to Ueno Zoo is easy from anywhere in Tokyo. It is located in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, just a 5–10 minute walk from:
- JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line)
- Tokyo Metro Ueno Station (Ginza Line G16 or Hibiya Line H17)
- Tokyo Metro Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line C14)
- Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Main Line)
For more information visit http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/
