Ueno Zoo is a beloved institution, but it’s not exactly a must-see if you have limited time in Tokyo. Go only if you really care about giant pandas.
Ueno Zoological Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
Ueno Zoo in Ueno-koen Park is the oldest zoo in Japan. It’s a beloved institution, not least because it is home to giant pandas from China. 2018 was also the first time in 29 years that there had been a panda cub born in the zoo resulting from natural mating, making it a rather momentous occasion.
Of course, with over 3000 animals from over 400 species gathered at the zoo, ranging from flamingos to pangolins to pygmy hippos, visiting the zoo isn't all about the pandas. The zoo is a firm favorite with families, and weekends at the zoo are particularly lively.
There are three days a year when Ueno Zoo opens its doors to the public for free: 20 March (Ueno Zoo’s Anniversary Day), 4 May (Greenery Day), and 1 October (Tokyo Citizen’s Day). If you don’t mind braving the crowds, try visiting on one of these days.
English name:
Ueno Zoological Gardens
Japanese name:
恩賜上野動物園
English address:
9-83 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8711
Japanese address:
〒110-8711 東京都台東区上野公園9-83
Opening hours:
9:30am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
Adults: 600
65 years old and over: 300
Junior high school students: 200
Elementary school students and younger: free
Nearest Transport:
Train: 5-minute walk from the Park exit of Ueno Station.
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 2 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Ueno Zoological Gardens on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3828-5171
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Ueno Zoological Gardens is located in Tokyo's Ueno district. See our complete list of things to do in Ueno, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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