Tokyo's Green Oasis: A Stroll Through Ueno Zoo

From pandas to polar bears, a day filled with adorable discoveries

🌿A Wildlife Kingdom in the Heart of the City

Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station's Park Exit, Ueno Zoo might surprise you with its modest and quiet entrance. You might even wonder, "Is this really a zoo?" But as soon as you step through the gates, you're greeted by a sprawling green garden and a multitude of animals.

Established in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Japan's oldest zoo, home to over 300 species of animals. It's a popular destination for families, but solo travelers will also feel perfectly at ease exploring the grounds.

🐼Highlight ① – Ueno's Star Attraction: The Giant Panda

The first stop for most visitors is the Panda House. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Li Li or Xiang Xiang munching peacefully on bamboo. The sight is nothing short of serene. While the line can be long, it moves quickly, and you'll typically get in within 20 minutes.

🐾 TIP: Pandas are most active between 10–11 AM, so plan your visit accordingly!

🐘Highlight ② – Western Garden: The Large Animal Zone

The western section of the zoo features popular animals like elephants, tigers, gorillas, and giraffes. A particularly memorable moment is when a gorilla approaches the glass enclosure—it's both thrilling and touching! The elephant area has been renovated, offering a spacious environment where you can often see them enjoying water play.

The polar bear exhibit is another must-see. Watching them swim gracefully underwater feels like a scene straight out of a nature documentary—refreshing and adorable.

🦁 TIP: Check the timetable at the entrance for animal behavior commentary sessions.

🐤Highlight ③ – Eastern Garden: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Animals

The Bird House, filled with the chirping of various birds, offers a tranquil escape, while the reptile house evokes the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. There's also a "Children's Zoo" area where you can interact with small animals like rabbits, hedgehogs, and ferrets—perfect for families with kids, but equally enjoyable for solo visitors seeking a calming experience.

🍱Food & Relaxation Spots

The zoo features a simple food court and vending machines, along with plenty of benches scattered throughout. Many visitors bring their own lunch for a picnic-like experience. Alternatively, you can grab snacks from nearby convenience stores or cafes within Ueno Park.

🍙 TIP: Panda-themed lunch boxes are available at the gift shop—great as souvenirs!

🎟️Admission & Operating Hours
• Admission: Adults ¥600 / Middle school students ¥200 / Elementary school students and younger: Free
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
• Location: JR Ueno Station Park Exit → 5-minute walk

📌Recommended Itinerary
Entrance → Panda House → Western Garden (Large Animals) → Lunch → Eastern Garden (Small Animals) → Gift Shop

🎁Travel Reflection
Meeting pandas, gorillas, and polar bears in the heart of the city felt like reconnecting with old friends who silently soothe your weary soul. Ueno Zoo is more than just a place for adorable encounters—it's a serene haven for quiet healing.