Ueno Zoo Everything You Need To Know In 2021

Ueno Zoo: A Historic and Diverse Wildlife Sanctuary

Ueno Zoo, located in the heart of Tokyo, is Japan's oldest and most famous zoo, offering a unique blend of education, conservation, and recreation. Founded in 1882, it has grown to become a flagship of the Japanese zoo world, home to over 3,000 animals from approximately 300 different species.

Location and Access

Ueno Zoo is situated within Ueno Onshi Park, making it easily accessible by various train lines, including JR Lines, Tokyo Metro, and the Keisei Line. Visitors can reach the zoo by taking the train to Ueno Station and then walking through Ueno Park to the zoo's main gate.

Operating Hours and Admission

The zoo operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with ticket sales ending at 4:00 PM. It is closed every Monday, except when Monday is a public holiday or Tokyo Citizen's Day, in which case it closes on Tuesday. Additionally, the zoo is closed from December 29 through January 1. Admission prices are 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for seniors, and free for children under 12 years old.

Layout and Exhibits

Ueno Zoo is divided into two main sections: the East Garden and the West Garden. The East Garden is home to popular exhibits such as the Giant Panda enclosure, Gorilla Woods, Tiger Forest, Elephant Forest, and Bear Hill. The Polar Bear and Seal Ocean exhibit is also located here.

The West Garden, situated on the shores of Shinobazu Pond, features animals of African origin, including giraffes, hippos, and the shoebill. This area also includes the Children’s Zoo, where visitors can interact with animals, and the Small Mammal House, showcasing nocturnal animals.

Notable Attractions

• Giant Pandas: Ueno Zoo is one of the few zoos worldwide to house these charismatic creatures and has played a significant role in panda conservation efforts.
• Polar Bears: The Polar Bear area offers a glimpse into the lives of these Arctic animals.
• Tiger Forest: This exhibit is home to stunning Sumatran tigers.
• Gorilla Woods: This section allows visitors to experience the thrill of facing gorillas nose-to-nose.
• Vivarium: Completed in 1999, this reptile and amphibian house features rare species of fishes, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and frogs.

Historic Structures

The zoo includes several historic structures that add a unique Japanese touch. The Five-storied Pagoda, built in 1631 and rebuilt after a fire, was given to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1958 and is now managed by Ueno Zoo. The tea ceremony house, built in the 17th century to entertain Shoguns, still stands as a historic structure within the zoo grounds.

Conservation Efforts

Ueno Zoo is committed to conservation and breeding programs for endangered species. It has successfully bred rare species such as aye-ayes and pygmy hippos through international cooperation with zoos like Beijing Zoo and San Diego Zoo.

Visitor Experience

Visitors can enhance their experience by taking a 45-minute guided tour, which introduces various themes such as the eating habits and daily lives of the animals. The zoo also offers a monorail connecting the East and West Gardens, although this service is subject to change.

Facilities and Services

• General Information Center: Provides assistance for lost items and missing children.
• Coin Lockers and Stroller Rentals: Available for visitor convenience.
• Nursing Space: Provided for families with young children.
• Dining Options: Visitors can bring their own food and drinks or purchase them from the zoo's dining options.
• Souvenir Shops: Two shops are available where visitors can buy souvenirs.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive early, especially on weekdays, to avoid crowds in the East Garden.
• Navigation: Grab a free park map at the entrance to plan your visit effectively.
• Feeding Times: Check the map for feeding times of certain animals, such as the Pallas’s Cat and Meerkats.
• Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs for visually impaired visitors.
• Trash Disposal: Properly dispose of trash to maintain the zoo's cleanliness and ensure animal safety.