Tokyo zoo

Ueno Zoological Gardens is the oldest zoo in Japan. Founded in , it has grown over the years, expanded its area to Now it's home to over 3, animals from different species and provides visitors with learning experience about the diversity of animals as well as fun and enjoyment. In its long history, Ueno Zoo has received numerous animals from abroad. In , the first giant pandas arrived from China to Ueno Zoo.

In the "Gorilla Woods" and the "Tiger Forest," you experience the thrill of facing nose-to-nose with those amazing wildlife. In an effort to breed endangered species, we have organized nationwide and worldwide zoo networks and share experience and knowledge of animal husbandry and management. The Five-storied Pagoda and the tea ceremony house give the zoo a Japanese touch.

The pagoda was built in , rebuilt after destruction by fire, and in the owner, Kan'ei-ji temple, gave the pagoda to Tokyo Metropolitan Government, who assigned its management to Ueno Zoo.

The tea ceremony house was built to entertain Shoguns in 17th century, and it stills stands as a historic structure in the zoo ground. Okapis and aye-ayes are quite rare species, which came to Ueno Zoo as a part of international breeding cooperation. Located inside Ueno Park, this zoo is one of only three places in Japan where you can see adorable giant pandas. There are also specialized staff members called "animal commentators" dobutsu kaisetuin who offer a minute guided tour of the park in Japanese.

Who knows, maybe you'll learn something new about the giraffes, polar bears, capybaras and other different kinds of animals that fill Japan's oldest zoo! The koalas in the Australian Garden always draw a big crowd. There are a number of different ways you can amble through the grounds: your path may take you to creatures that appear in Japanese folklore like rabbits and tanuki, into a giant conservatory full of fluttering butterflies, or to beautiful views of a savanna—if you decide to take the Lion Bus!

Located in the grounds of western Tokyo's Inokashira Park, you can get up-close and personal with the animals at Inokashira Shizen Bunka-en, where you can hold guinea pigs at Guinea Pig Corner and have a close encounter with squirrels on the Squirrel Path.

Popular among families and couples, the park also has a mini-amusement park, a sculpture garden, and a small aquarium filled with fish. You are never far from a restaurant, snack stall, souvenir shop or toilet. Open 9. Hours are occasionally extended on special days.

Closed Monday, but open when Monday is a public holiday in Japan , in which case closed Tuesday. The Children's Zoo closes at 3. Admission yen adults years old , yen senior citizens , yen children years old. While the Ueno Exit is the most direct route, going out the Central Exit is recommended if you want to pick up English-language information about the Park beforehand. There is an information booth with English info at the entrance to the Park, but they don't really speak English. Ueno Station on the Ginza subway line.