About Ueno Zoo
The entire area of zoo split into two sections - The East Garden and the West Garden and you can take a short monorail ride to reach from one garden to another. While visiting the east garden, you will be able to witness animals such as tigers, gorillas, Hokkaido brown bears, Ezo sika deer, Japanese serows, and rare birds. The East Garden also has the famous “Saruyama - Monkey Mountain”. Visit the West Garden to take a look at the aye-ayes, okapis, kangaroo, etc. and also visit the Vivarium and the Small Mammal House. A visit to this zoo is a must-visit experience during your Japan trip, especially for wildlife lovers and families.
Ueno Zoo Highlights
• Visit Ueno Zoological Garden, the oldest and most visited zoo in Japan, housing around 300 species and 3000 animals.
• Go to the East Gardens to take a look at the monkeys at the “Saruyama - Monkey Mountain” as well as other creatures.
• Explore the West Garden which includes the Small Mammal House and Vivarium along with other animals.
• Take a short ride in a monorail that connects the East and West garden and will give a unique perspective of the zoo.
• Go to the Children's Zoo where children can interact with and learn about farm animals.
How To Reach Ueno Zoo
1 By Car: The Ueno Zoo is located 21 km from the city centre, it will take 30 min via the Shutokōzoku 4-gō Shinjuku Sun/ Route 4 route.
2 By Bus: Take a bus to Toei Bus station which is 650 m away from the zoo. You can reach the zoo from the bus station with a 9-minute wal
3 By Train: Take a train to Ueno station which is 450.0 m away from the zoo. You can reach the zoo from the train station with a 6-minute walk
4 By Metro: Take a metro to Ueno station which is 450.0 m away from the zoo. You can reach Ueno Zoo from the train station with a 6-minute walk
Best Time To Visit Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is open year-round except for most Mondays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The zoo also remains closed from December 29 to January 1 for the New Year holidays.
1 Best Season: Spring (March to May): the best season to visit the Ueno Zoo is in Spring beginning in March and ending in May. During spring, the weather is mild and comfortable, and you will find the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, providing a stunning backdrop.
2 Best Day of the Week : The best days of the week to visit the Ueno Zoo are during weekdays from Tuesday to Thursday. These are the days when the crowd is less compared to other days of the week.
3 Best Time of the Day: The best time of the day is early in the morning, soon after the zoo opens. This is the time that all animals are awake and active. In the morning, the temperature is also more suitable for exploring the place.
Ueno Zoo Other Essential Information
- It is better to get a printed map with you to ensure that you may know which part of the zoo you are in and where you want to visit.
- It is prohibited to take your pets along inside the zoo, but assistance dogs such as service dogs, and guide dogs can enter the zoo.
- A visit to this zoo can be a charming and fun addition to your Japan honeymoon trip, especially if you and your partner enjoy wildlife and nature exploration together.
- It is better to visit the zoo early as some animals are not available after 16:30 as they go to their rooms to sleep.
- You will be able to purchase souvenirs from Little Truck in the East Garden and Petit Chameleon in the West Garden.
Watch the monkeys at the Monkey Mountain
While exploring the Ueno Zoo, one of the areas that you must visit is the “Saruyama”, the Monkey Mountain. It is Japan's oldest existing Monkey Mountain and the first of its kind. The mountain is a small enclosure where you will find more than 20 Japanese macaques. Watch these cheeky creatures climbing trees, eating, and playing with each other, making it a fun highlight of the Japan group trip.
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Check out the Giant Panda House
One of the most popular attractions of the Ueno Zoo is the Giant Panda House which is the home to two giant pandas, who were born in June 2021. Located right after the main entrance of the zoo, the house has a male panda, RiRi and a female panda, Shin Shin.
Visit the Gorilla Woods and the Tiger Forest
Feel thrilled coming face to face with two amazing wild animals - the Gorilla at the Gorilla woods and the tigers at the tiger forest. Watch the western Lowland Gorillas roam about in the area that has been designed to resemble their habitat. Take a look at the majestic Sumatran tigers as they growl and pace around in their area.
Look at the Small Mammals & Reptiles
Visit the Small Mammal House to see various small mammals, including red pandas, meerkats, and different rodent species. Proceed towards the Vivarium, the Reptile and Amphibian House where you will be delighted to look at some of the world’s rare fishes.
Get a glimpse of Japanese Architecture
Located inside the zoo are two beautiful structures which will give you a glimpse of Japanese architecture. The first one is the five-storied Pagoda which was built in 1631, destroyed by fire and then again rebuilt in 1958. This stunning structure is a significant highlight for those on a 6-Day Japan Tour, providing insight into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.
Tourism Board Alliances
Ueno Zoo FAQs
What are the opening hours of Ueno Zoo?
Ueno Zoo is open year-round, except for most Mondays, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed from December 29 to January 1 for the New Year holidays.
Can I explore Ueno Zoo with Japan tour packages starting from metropolitan cities in India?
Yes, Ueno Zoo is a significant part of numerous Japan travel itineraries from key Indian cities, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover Japan's oldest zoo while enjoying engaging wildlife and educational experiences right in the center of Tokyo.
Japan Tour Packages from Delhi – Experience Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan, and discover more than 300 species, including gorillas, tigers, and Hokkaido brown bears. Relish the iconic monorail ride connecting the East and West Gardens as you embark on your cultural adventure in Tokyo.
Japan Tour Packages from Mumbai – Uncover Ueno Zoo’s distinctive attractions such as the Saruyama - Monkey Mountain and rare animals like aye-ayes and okapis. This visit adds an exhilarating wildlife element to your Tokyo itinerary, ideal for animal enthusiasts.
Japan Tour Packages from Chennai – Enjoy a monorail ride across Ueno Zoo and delve into the East Garden filled with exotic creatures and the West Garden showcasing the Vivarium and Small Mammal House. This destination offers a lively wildlife experience to your Japan trip.
Japan Tour Packages from Bangalore – Ueno Zoo is included in your Tokyo journey, where you can observe Japanese serows, Ezo sika deer, and more in meticulously kept areas. It’s a soothing and informative outing for families and wildlife lovers alike.
Japan Tour Packages from Kerala – Delight in the serene environment of Ueno Zoo, featuring cherry blossom views in the spring and interactions with animals like kangaroos and brown bears. A stop at the Children's Zoo also makes this a fantastic family-oriented addition to the itinerary.
Japan Tour Packages from Kolkata – Visit Ueno Zoo’s East and West Gardens linked by a monorail, boasting interactive exhibits and over 3,000 animals. The zoo trip pairs wonderfully with cultural attractions in Tokyo, creating a well-rounded day excursion.
Can I visit Ueno Zoo with my family?
Absolutely, Ueno Zoo is an excellent destination for families, featuring attractions such as the Children's Zoo, boat rides on Shinobazu Pond, and lovely walking paths ideal for picnics and sightseeing.
Can I visit Ueno Park as part of a Japan South Korea tour?
Yes, Ueno Park can be included in a tour of Japan and South Korea, particularly during the cherry blossom season, allowing you to appreciate the sakura, visit Ueno Zoo, and discover the cultural sites in the vicinity.
What animals can I see at Ueno Zoo?
The zoo houses around 300 species of animals, including tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, snow owls, aye-ayes, and kangaroos, as well as several rare species.
How do I get to Ueno Zoo?
- By Car: It is 21 km from Tokyo city center, approximately a 30-minute drive.
- By Metro: Take the Hibiya or JR Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Ueno Station, which is only a 2-minute walk to the zoo.
- By Train: Ueno Station is 450 meters from the zoo, just a 6-minute walk.
- By Bus: Take a bus to Toei Bus Station, about 650 meters from the zoo.
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