Ueno Zoo & Ueno Park

Ueno Zoo & Ueno Park

Ueno Zoo, located in the sprawling Ueno Park, is Japan’s oldest zoo, opened in 1882. It’s home to over 3,000 animals from around the globe, including elephants, lions, and its most beloved residents — the giant pandas. The zoo is divided into East and West Gardens, connected by a monorail, and also features a petting zoo and a historic five-story pagoda. Surrounding Ueno Park is a cultural hotspot with art museums, a tranquil pond, and cherry blossoms in spring that attract visitors from all over Japan.

Travel Tips

  • Visit early in the day for active animals and fewer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a museum or temple inside Ueno Park.
  • Check the cherry blossom forecast if visiting in spring.
  • The zoo is divided into East and West Gardens, connected by a monorail.
  • Ueno Park is free to enter and offers beautiful walking paths and cultural sites.

Opening Hours

  • Zoo: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
  • Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)

Check the official website for holiday hours and special events.

Ticket Price

  • Adults: ¥600
  • Children (0–12): Free

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Ueno Park itself is free to enter.

FAQ

Ueno Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including Japan’s famous giant pandas, and is part of Ueno Park.
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