Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo, which opened in 1882 (Meiji 15), is Japan’s first zoo and is located within Ueno Onshi Park in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Covering an area of approximately 14.2 hectares, it houses and exhibits about 400 species and 3,000 animals, and has long been one of Japan’s most popular zoos, boasting the highest annual number of visitors in the country.

The grounds are divided into two areas, “East Garden” and “West Garden.” In addition to a wide variety of animal exhibits, the zoo is also known for its educational and conservation activities, as well as its historic buildings.

Zoo Layout and Main Exhibits
◆ East Garden
The East Garden is located on a small hill in Ueno Park and is a lush, green area surrounded by nature. It mainly features large animals, with highlights including:

Giant Panda House
When it comes to Ueno Zoo, the giant pandas are its most famous residents. Ueno Zoo was the first zoo in Japan to successfully breed giant pandas, and they can now be observed in “Panda Forest” in the West Garden.

Forest of Gorillas and Tigers
This facility, designed to evoke a tropical rainforest, houses western lowland gorillas and Sumatran tigers. The gorillas are kept in groups, and the zoo is actively engaged in breeding efforts.

Forest of Elephants
Asian elephants live freely in spacious outdoor enclosures and indoor exhibit areas. Visitors can also observe behaviors such as dust bathing and bathing in water.

Hill of Bears
Malayan sun bears, brown bears, and Japanese black bears are exhibited according to their natural habitats, with special arrangements that allow visitors to observe them hibernating in winter.

Sea of Polar Bears and Seals
Visitors can watch the dynamic underwater movements of polar bears, as well as seals swimming in the same polar environment. There is also an exhibit featuring willow ptarmigan.

Japan’s Wildlife Area
This area exhibits animals native to Japan, such as Japanese serow, Ezo deer, and varied tits. The displays are designed to resemble natural habitats and help visitors learn about animal behavior.

Historic Buildings
Scattered throughout the grounds are historic structures such as the Old Kaneiji Five-Story Pagoda (a National Important Cultural Property, viewable only from the outside), the Meiji-era teahouse “Kankan-tei,” and Japan’s first monkey mountain.

◆ West Garden
The West Garden is a scenic area located north of Shinobazu Pond and features a wide range of exhibits, from large herbivores such as giraffes and hippos to small animals and nocturnal species.

Panda Forest
Opened in 2020, this new facility recreates the ecosystem of Sichuan Province in China, creating a rich natural environment. The twin pandas born in 2021, “Xiao Xiao” and “Lei Lei,” also live here. The area also includes exhibits for red pandas and pheasants.

Small Mammal House
This facility exhibits more than 50 species of small mammals. Day-active animals are displayed on the ground floor, while nocturnal animals are exhibited in the basement, allowing visitors to learn about differences in behavior according to time of day.

Amphibian and Reptile House (Vivarium)
This exhibit introduces amphibians and reptiles from around the world, including snakes, crocodiles, Galápagos tortoises, and Japanese giant salamanders, in recreated habitats. Special exhibitions are also held in the jungle-like interior.

Forest of Aye-Ayes
This is the only facility in Japan that keeps aye-ayes. It recreates Madagascar’s natural environment, and ring-tailed lemurs can also be observed. The nocturnal activity of the aye-aye can be viewed in the indoor exhibit.

Children’s Zoo “Step”
This area allows children to learn about the importance of life and their connection with nature through close contact with and observation of animals. It offers hands-on educational programs such as guinea pig encounters and exhibits of livestock animals.

Giraffe and Hippo Area
This area exhibits large herbivores from Africa and South America, including giraffes, hippos, rhinos, and pygmy hippos. Rare birds such as the shoebill can also be seen.

Shinobazu Pond Area
Part of the natural Shinobazu Pond is included within the zoo grounds, where waterbirds such as cranes, pelicans, ducks, and gulls can be observed throughout the year.

Transportation and Facilities
Monorail (abolished in 2023)
A monorail approximately 300 meters long once ran between the East Garden and West Garden, with a ride time of about 1.5 minutes. Its cars, decorated with animal illustrations, were especially popular with children, but the service was officially abolished in 2023.

Education and Conservation Activities
Ueno Zoo is committed not only to animal exhibits but also to conservation, research, and education. Through breeding and protection of rare animals, including giant pandas, and through environmental education programs, it aims to help realize a society in which animals and humans coexist.