Ueno Zoo, Tokyo - I recently took my first trip to Japan and I thought it would be a good time to give film a go for the first time too! After I landed at Haneda, I had about 6 hours to kill before I was allowed to check into my room so I took a trip to Ueno Zoo. I've never had the opportunity to photograph Pandas properly before so it was a HUGE surprise to not only see these, but to only be about 15ft away from them, able to get such clear photos. I captured a mixture of digital and analogue shots of these fantastic bears, and I'm really pleased that the film shots came out as well as they did.
1 / 10

Ueno Zoo Tokyo

4.2
·38k reviews·Taito City, Japan

Japan's oldest zoo, home to iconic pandas and nestled within Tokyo's cultural hub, Ueno Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Ueno Zoo, Tokyo - I recently took my first trip to Japan and I thought it would be a good time to give film a go for the first time too! After I landed at Haneda, I had about 6 hours to kill before I was allowed to check into my room so I took a trip to Ueno Zoo. I've never had the opportunity to photograph Pandas properly before so it was a HUGE surprise to not only see these, but to only be about 15ft away from them, able to get such clear photos. I captured a mixture of digital and analogue shots of these fantastic bears, and I'm really pleased that the film shots came out as well as they did.

Ueno Zoo Tokyo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Japan's oldest zoo, home to iconic pandas and nestled within Tokyo's cultural hub, Ueno Park.

4.2
(38k reviews)

"The OLDEST ZOO in Japan and it SHOWS, but still a must-visit for pandas!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended

Beat the crowds by visiting on a weekday. Weekends and free admission days get extremely busy.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

The zoo is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 39,604 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Pandas

Giant Pandas

Panda House

Catch a glimpse of Tokyo's beloved giant pandas, a major attraction for visitors of all ages.

Monkeys & Primates

Monkeys & Primates

Primate House

Observe a diverse collection of monkeys and other primates in their habitats.

Five-Story Pagoda

Five-Story Pagoda

Ueno Park

A historic landmark offering a glimpse into Japanese architecture amidst the zoo's greenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Ueno Zoo is Japan's oldest, so expect crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the longest queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Free admission days can be exceptionally busy, so plan accordingly if you aim for those. Reddit

Beyond the Animals

While the animals are the main draw, Ueno Park itself is vast and home to several museums. If you're short on time, prioritize the zoo or choose one museum to explore thoroughly. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (weekdays)
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
Free admission, very busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The OLDEST ZOO in Japan and it SHOWS 😔 📍 Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan I’m a full-time animal artist 🌈 I visit lots of zoos & aquariums for inspo and vlog my experiences for my “FIELD TRIP” series! Follow...
@cloriscreates
85.6K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended

Beat the crowds by visiting on a weekday. Weekends and free admission days get extremely busy. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

The zoo is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking. TikTok

Replying to @Heba Nimer Ueno is the place to go for shopping on a BUDGET in Tokyo. I found so many high-quality items for such a great price. I’m talking items from $5 to $20 so that was incredible. T...
@thequeentiwa
54.6K likes • 681.6K views
It's actually very cold 🌬️ #ueno #tokyo #explorejapan #travelgram
livionala
272 likes • 0 views

⏰ Allocate Enough Time

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see the main attractions, more if you want to explore Ueno Park. Reddit

🚫 Check Opening Days

Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays after holidays, as museums might be closed. Reddit

Dont go to the zoo in Japan 😭 #Japan #Zoo #Ueno
@justyutajp
29.7K likes • 1.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended

Beat the crowds by visiting on a weekday. Weekends and free admission days get extremely busy. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

The zoo is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking. TikTok

⏰ Allocate Enough Time

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see the main attractions, more if you want to explore Ueno Park. Reddit

🚫 Check Opening Days

Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays after holidays, as museums might be closed. Reddit

🛍️ Ueno for Budget Shopping

If you love shopping, Ueno offers great deals on clothing and goods. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(38k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ueno Zoo is a historic and beloved institution, praised for its iconic pandas and accessible location within Ueno Park. While some visitors note its age and the potential for crowds, it remains a popular and worthwhile destination for families and animal enthusiasts. The surrounding Ueno area also offers excellent budget shopping opportunities.

"LOVED OUR TIME HERE! Place is well maintained and even though we went during the summer, they have enough places where you can sit and cool down for a bit. Animals look well taken care of, too!

There was a line to see the pandas but it was organized! Definitely enjoyed the visit, despite needing to walk lots! 😆"

Kaybi

"We visited Ueno Zoo in Tokyo for the second time, and it remains one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo is spacious, with animals living in sizeable open areas instead of small cages. We especially enjoyed watching the polar bear and penguins outdoors during winter, which feels more natural than viewing them in an indoor cold room. The zoo itself is set within a large park, with the city’s urban skyline as a backdrop, making the walk very pleasant. However, the panda experience was disappointing—after a 30-minute queue, visitors get only a few minutes with limited views."

NG BB

"Ueno Zoo is a great place to visit, especially for families and animal lovers.
The zoo is spacious and has a wide variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas. It’s located inside Ueno Park, so you can enjoy nature too. Some areas may feel a bit old, but overall it’s fun and educational. Worth a visit if you’re in Tokyo!"

Tantii Utarii

What People Like

Iconic giant pandas
Historic charm
Accessible location

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Older facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ueno Zoo is easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Line to Ueno Station. The zoo is a short walk from the station. TikTok

Yes, Ueno Zoo is located within Ueno Park, which also houses several museums like the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Reddit+1

From Narita Airport, take the Keisei Skyliner to Keisei Ueno Station, which is a convenient option. Alternatively, the JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station is also feasible. TikTok

Absolutely! Suica and Pasmo cards are widely accepted on most trains and buses in Tokyo, making your journey to Ueno Zoo seamless. TikTok

While there are parking facilities in Ueno Park, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transportation is generally recommended for easier access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission for adults is typically around 600 JPY. Prices can vary, so it's always best to check the official Ueno Zoo website for the most current information. Reddit

For regular visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, on free admission days or during peak seasons, it's advisable to check if reservations are recommended or mandatory to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Yes, Ueno Zoo sometimes offers free admission days, often on specific dates like Greenery Day. These days are extremely popular and can lead to very long queues. Reddit

Ueno Zoo typically opens around 9:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, with last entry usually an hour before closing. Hours can change seasonally, so confirm on their official website. TikTok

The Japan Rail Pass generally covers JR train travel to Ueno Station but does not typically offer discounts on Ueno Zoo admission itself. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The giant pandas are a major highlight. Other popular animals include polar bears, tigers, lions, and various primate species. TikTok

Yes, Ueno Zoo has a petting zoo area and a variety of animals that appeal to children. The zoo's layout is generally manageable for families. TikTok

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Ueno Zoo to see the main exhibits. If you plan to explore Ueno Park extensively, you might need a full day. Reddit

Yes, there are several food stalls and cafes within Ueno Zoo offering snacks and light meals. You can also find more dining options in Ueno Park and the surrounding area. TikTok

The zoo is generally accessible, with paved paths. However, some older areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to check with the zoo for specific accessibility information. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The panda enclosures, the various animal habitats, and the historic five-story pagoda in Ueno Park offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check the zoo's official rules regarding photography equipment to ensure compliance. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting and potentially more active animals. Weekdays will also mean fewer people in your shots. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoos and public parks due to safety and privacy concerns. TikTok

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