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Ueno Zoo

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Ueno Zoo

Japan’s first zoo, with a rich history.

4.24 17

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Japan’s first zoo, founded in 1882. Located in central Tokyo, this urban zoo preserves a natural setting and is home to around 300 species and 3,000 animals. Surrounded by greenery, the spacious grounds are divided into East and West Gardens, where everything from famous favorites to rare animals is kept in habitats designed to feel close to the wild.

When you enter through the main gate, you’ll first reach the East Zoo area. On the left, the “Japanese Animals Area” features a five-story pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and you can see Japanese wildlife such as Ezo sika deer and Japanese serow in one spot. The East Zoo also has elephants, bears, tigers, and more.

In the West Zoo, you can meet the famously motionless shoebill and animals like ring-tailed lemurs.

Also, at Shinobazu Pond-where lotus blossoms are at their best from late July to early August-you can spot a variety of birds. At the Children’s Zoo “Step,” you can get up close to animals through exhibits featuring small creatures and farm livestock.

Highlights

  • Japan’s first ever zoo, now home to about 3,000 animal friends of some 300 different species.
  • In addition to Japanese, park maps are also available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
  • It’s not just the animals, other draws to this zoo include the historic Five-Storied Pagoda and the lotus flowers in Shinobazu Pond.
  • The Vivarium (Amphibians and Reptile House) in the West Area periodically hosts special exhibitions.
  • Wheelchair rental is available. (Free, first-come-first-served basis)

Photos

  • A Powerful Polar Bear

    A Powerful Polar Bear

  • The immovable bird, Shoebill, is known to draw a crowd.

    The immovable bird, Shoebill, is known to draw a crowd.

  • Pygmy hippo taking a break

    Pygmy hippo taking a break

  • Entrance (Benten Gate)

    Entrance (Benten Gate)

  • The best time to see the lotus flowers in Shinobazu Pond is usually from late July to early August

    The best time to see the lotus flowers in Shinobazu Pond is usually from late July to early August

  • The Five-Storied Pagoda of the old Kanei-ji Temple

    The Five-Storied Pagoda of the old Kanei-ji Temple

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

In addition to Japanese, park maps are also available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Refer to the official website for the maps. Signage is mainly in English, Chinese, and Korean (English only in some places).

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Mobile broadband services
・au Wi-Fi SPOT
・Wi2 300
・Softbank Wi-Fi spot
・WiMAX
・WiMAX2＋
・FREE Wi-Fi ＆ TOKYO
※Please refer to the official website for detailed information on available areas.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

They are located at two places: East Garden Stroller Rental and in front of the West Garden Benten Gate.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

What about any additional questions?
A

Please see the official website.
https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/faq.html

Reviews

17

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 賴梅
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    Overall, this is a classic Tokyo spot. Even if you're not a huge animal lover, it's definitely worth visiting at least once.

  • 林偉堂
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    I was surprised to see rare and endangered animals like polar bears and Asian elephants at Ueno Zoo. My kids absolutely loved it! There's so much fun stuff to see, eat, and do inside!

  • Maria Lee
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    There are so many different animals inside. You could spend the whole day here and never get bored.

  • 劉淑萍
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    When I visited Ueno Zoo, I happened to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I was so happy!

Details

Name in Japanese
上野動物園
Postal Code
110-8711
Address
9-83 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3828-5171
Closed
Mondays (Following day if Monday is a holiday), December 29th to January 1st
※Subject to change.
Hours
9:30am - 5:00pm (Last admission 4:00pm)
※Subject to change.
Admission
Adults: 600 yen, Seniors (65 and above): 300 yen, Junior high school students: 200 yen (Free for students living/studying in Tokyo), Elementary students and below: Free
※Free Admission Days: March 20th, May 4th, October 1st. Junior high school and younger students get free admission on May 5th, while guests aged 60 or older and one accompanying guest get free admission September 15th-21st.
Access
Main Gate:
About 5-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line Ueno Station Park Exit.
Benten Gate:
1) 5-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit.
2) 4-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station.
3) 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station.
4) 10-minute walk from Toei Subway Oedo Line Ueno-okachimachi Station.
Ikenohata Gate:
5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted
※Check the official website for more details.
Official Site
Official Site (English)
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