Ueno Zoo

This is Japan’s first ever zoo, founded in 1882. Despite its urban setting in the heart of Tokyo, it still keeps a lush, natural environment as well as about 3,000 different animal friends of some 300 different species.

The grounds are divided into two major areas: East Area and West Area. As for the giant pandas everyone’s talking about, these can be seen in the West Area, at two spots within Panda Forest.

Upon entering the main gate, you’ll first come across the East Area. On the left is the Japanese animal area where you can see the Five-Storied Pagoda, a nationally important cultural property, along with Japanese animals such as Hokkaido deer and Japanese serow. In this same area you’ll also find classics like elephants, tigers and bears.

As for the West Area, here’ll you find not only the famed giant pandas at Panda Forest, but other animal friends like the Shoebill, which hardly moves, and the Japanese macaque, commonly known as the “snow monkey”.

For an extra barrel of fun, a colorful bout of bird-watching awaits you at Shinbazu Pond during the months of late July to early August each year, just as the lotus flowers come into full bloom. Don’t forget Children’s Zoo Step, where you can see the pens of small animals and farm animal friends up close.