Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo, officially the Tokyo Metropolitan Ueno Zoological Gardens, is the oldest zoological park in Japan, founded in 1882 and located within Ueno Park in the heart of Tokyo. As a landmark institution of Japanese natural history and science, the zoo has played a central role in wildlife education and conservation in Japan for nearly 150 years. The zoo is home to approximately 3,000 animals representing around 350 species, with its giant pandas — on long-term loan from China — being the zoo’s most famous attraction and consistently drawing enormous crowds. The grounds are divided into two interconnected sections housing mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic species, connected by an elevated monorail that offers a scenic overview of the park. Ueno Zoo participates in international conservation and breeding programmes, including efforts to protect endangered Asian and African species. Educational programmes and school excursions make the zoo one of the most frequented zoological sites for Japanese children. Its historical significance, central location, and diverse collection make Ueno Zoo an essential part of Tokyo’s cultural and scientific landscape, attracting more than three million visitors each year.