Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is a municipal zoo in Tokyo located within Ueno Park and is the oldest zoo in Japan, established in 1882. It is one of the city’s major zoological attractions and houses hundreds of species.

The zoo is arranged into two main sections, the East and West Gardens, with animal exhibits ranging from giant pandas and primates to birds, reptiles and large mammals across those areas. Visitor amenities include educational displays, feeding schedules and seasonal programming, with accessibility from central Tokyo.

Opened in 1882 as Japan’s first zoo, Ueno Zoo has expanded and modernized its facilities over many decades while maintaining its central role in Tokyo’s public and educational life. Exhibits and exhibits’ designs have evolved to emphasize conservation, husbandry and visitor education.

The zoo sits inside Ueno Park in Taito ward, within central Tokyo, adjacent to museums, temples and major rail links including Ueno Station.

• Age and location: Japan's oldest zoo, opened in 1882, and located inside Ueno Park in central Tokyo, making it easily accessible by public transport.
• Layout and panda exhibit: The grounds are divided into East and West Gardens linked by paths and transport routes, with the giant panda exhibit located in the East Garden.

What to See #

• East Garden: East Garden contains the giant panda exhibit and several of the zoo's primate and small mammal houses, concentrated near the park-facing entrance.
• West Garden: West Garden hosts larger mammals and birds and provides more open enclosures and grassy areas for species such as elephants and big cats.