Ueno Zoo — Attraction in Tokyo

DO NOT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would give this zoo zero stars if I could. It was cheap and animals are cute, so of course it’s going to attract people. I didn’t do my research beforehand and I should have. The problem is as so many have said, the zoo takes almost NO effort to mimic an animal’s natural habitat, and the animals are neglected.

Most of the animals are kept in brown pens that have dirt on the ground, a water bowl, and a small space they can get away to… which is the bare minimum for what an animal needs to survive physically (stay alive) but not in a healthy way. For example, Emu’s need a large space to run & love to take dips in water. The emu at this zoo was kept in a tiny pen with no water for them to swim in… and a few trees thrown into the enclosure. It had a line of feathers missing from its head to it’s back - unclear if due to disease or stress plucking or what. And there was only one Emu, when they are pack animals and do best in pairs or small groups (and watched during mating season to prevent aggression to other males).

Two of the pheasants were standing at the back of their enclosure, facing the door and pecking at it, trying to get it to open. The horses weren’t groomed/had no room to move about because again they were in a too small enclosure for their size, and the goat looked sick/frail - with its belly caving in like it hadn’t eaten in a few days. The red pandas were literally walking around their enclosure in circles, and someone commented “they are walking around and around and around.” Not for fun but just out of sheer stress.

The enclosures were dirty, so much so that the pandas weren’t black and white but brown and black from all the dirt and dust. It was honestly the saddest, least maintained, and neglectful zoo I have ever been to. Those animals should be living a life way better than that. And zoos can be a hopeful inspiring place to go when the animals are in environments that mimic their natural habitats and receive the care that they deserve… it’s a shame this one leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth.

AT PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN JAPAN: I KNOW OUTSIDER OPINIONS AND OPINIONS THAT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN AREN’T LISTENED TO THAT MUCH, BUT LITERALLY THE WHOLE KAWAII CULTURE IS CUTENESS, SO ADVOCATE TO UPGRADE THIS ZOO AND CHANGE THE POLICIES AROUND ANIMAL WELFARE HERE SO THE ANIMALS CAN THRIVE AND BE CUTE. WHAT’S THE POINT OF CUTE PLUSHIES IF THE ANIMALS THEY ARE BASED ON ARE SUFFERING...

Ueno Zoo (Tokyo)

Ueno Zoo is a historic zoo located in Tokyo’s Ueno district, a cultural area full of attractions like Ueno Park, temples, and museums. The ticket costs only 600 yen (about 3.51 CHF / 3.64 EUR) and can be purchased online by scanning the QR code at the entrance. The website can be switched to English and you’ll receive a QR code to present at the gate. The zoo is open 9:30–17:00, last entry at 16:00.

The zoo is divided into two main areas: one with large animals like elephants, tigers, monkeys, and buffaloes; the other with pandas, penguins, nocturnal animals, reptiles, and exotic birds. The space is well-maintained, clean, with shaded paths, benches, and food areas. There’s also a beautiful pond with an island full of birds—like something out of a movie.

Pandas are the main attraction. You must queue separately for the male and female panda. It’s not too long a wait, but I recommend going early in the morning, before the crowds arrive (especially school groups). A fun detail: many Japanese panda fans show up dressed almost entirely in black, carrying huge cameras and lenses. When the panda does something funny, they all react in sync. Very unique to witness.

Some of the most interesting animals include: • Penguins • Shoebill (a prehistoric-looking bird) • Nocturnal animals visible under infrared lights • Prairie dogs, frogs, amphibians, and more

I’m not usually a fan of zoos, but this one gave me a new appreciation for the diversity of animal life. I saw creatures I’d never seen in person before. Unfortunately, I didn’t finish the full visit because later in the day it got really crowded and there were lines for nearly everything.

Overall, it’s absolutely worth it: the price is low, the animal variety is great, and it’s well-organized. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers—just go early and...

Recommend to take a time for spending there whole day to get more nature touch, exploring all animals and relax with food, children.

Ueno Zoo Itinerary 9:00 AM – Arrive at Ueno Station

Take the Park Exit and walk ~10 minutes to the zoo. Grab a quick coffee/snack from nearby cafes if needed. 9:30 AM – Enter Ueno Zoo (Opening Time)

Entry Fee: ¥600 (Adults) 0-12 year children free Annual entrance ticket also seem worthy Tip: Buy tickets online or use a vending machine to skip lines. Morning in the East Garden Focus on the more iconic animals early before it gets crowded.

9:30 - 10:30 AM – Giant Pandas

Head straight to the Panda Forest (very popular, short wait if early). 10:30 - 11:30 AM – Big Mammals

Visit Elephants, Tigers, and Gorillas. The tiger and gorilla habitats are particularly well designed. 11:30 - 12:00 PM – Small Mammal House & Bird House

Great variety, indoors, nice cool break if it's hot. 12:00 - 1:00 PM – Lunch Inside Zoo: Café Cameleon has basic Japanese food and snacks. Outside Option: Exit temporarily and eat in Ueno Park cafés or the food court at Ueno 3153 building (try tonkatsu or ramen). Afternoon in the West Garden 1:00 - 2:00 PM – Zoo Monorail Ride (if operating)

Optional but fun short ride between East and West Gardens. Otherwise, just walk (~5-7 min). 2:00 - 3:00 PM – Reptile House, Penguins & Japanese Animals

Relaxed pace, especially if you're with kids or tired from walking. 3:00 - 4:00 PM – Wrap-up & Souvenirs

Visit the gift shop for cute animal-themed items. Take a break on benches or inside rest areas.

Tips Check weather, bring or rent stroller, rest often, wear comfort shoe and hat.snacks for child but we eat at there as photo...