Ueno Zoo

Great day at the Ueno Zoo! Plenty of exhibitions, gift shops, food courts, and creative backdrops for photo ops. The zoo was clean and the bathrooms were even cleaner. Fortunately, today the animals were visible and in plain sight, not hiding and/or sleeping. The forecast was sunny with temps in the low 60s, making the stroll thru the park a pleasant one. The wait for the pandas was 90 mins, so we passed. (Argh!!) We did, however, see many other animals such as elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, a Galapagos tortoise, a crocodile, a polar bear, a black bear, a tiger, a bison, and a rhino. Overall, a great day. Highly recommend, especially if you have young children.

A very good zoo right in the middle of the city. I bought tickets online ahead of time, but there was still a massive line. The wait wasn't too long, as it was efficient. The zoo was easy to navigate with their map. Some of the animals did not have a whole lot of room to move around, like the giraffes, unlike other zoos like Taronga in Sydney. The staff are lovely and the food options are great in Saruyama Kitchen.

Such a wonderful zoo! We arrived a few minutes before opening and had no trouble getting tickets. Most of the animals were out and visible. Everything was well organized and clean. I highly recommend going to see!!

Here’s a detailed review of Ueno Zoo (上野動物園) in Tokyo — what’s good, what’s not-so-good, and whether it’s worth a visit. What’s Good / Strengths 1. Very Central & Accessible • Ueno Zoo is located in Ueno Park, right in central Tokyo, making it super easy to get to.  • Close to major transport hubs.  2. Relatively Low Cost • Entrance fee is modest (for Tokyo) — good value for what you get.  • For budget travelers or families, it’s quite affordable.  3. Wide Variety of Animals • Around 300+ species.  • Key attractions include: giant pandas, big mammals like tigers, gorillas, polar bears, and more.  • There’s also a section for nocturnal animals, reptiles, etc.  4. Historical / Cultural Value • Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo, founded in 1882.  • The zoo’s layout splits into East and West areas.  • It had a monorail connecting the two zones, though the monorail was permanently closed as of December 2023.  5. Good for Families / Kids • Many visitors say it’s a great place to take children.  • With a variety of animals, children can be engaged for several hours.  ⸻ Criticisms / Drawbacks 1. Animal Welfare Concerns • Many recent reviews (e.g., on TripAdvisor) criticize the small, outdated enclosures.  • Some report animals pacing, showing stress.  • In some reviews, larger animals (like bison or giraffes) are said to be in cramped or cement-heavy habitats.  • According to some Reddit users: “The polar bear broke my heart … pacing back and forth … the door to the water part was closed …”  “The chimps looked completely broken and depressed … single animals on their own.”  • Another visitor: “I recently visited Ueno Zoo … the contrast was shocking … very few proper enclosures … the gorilla looked like it had completely given up.”  2. Overcrowding & Short Viewing Time for Key Animals • The panda viewing is quite regulated: long lines, and very limited time.  • In some reviews, people mention waiting 40 minutes for only about a minute to see a panda.  • Because of the zoo’s layout and popularity, you might not be able to see everything unless you plan for 2-3 hours.  3. Heat / Weather Considerations • On very hot days, some exhibits may be uncomfortable — for both visitors and animals.  • Shade / shelter for animals may be limited in some enclosures per visitor reports.  4. Aging Infrastructure • Some enclosures feel “old” or not very natural — more like traditional zoo cages than modern, enriched habitats.  • The now-defunct monorail was once a quirky, fun way to move around — its absence means more walking now.  5. Ethical / Emotional Weight • For visitors who are sensitive to animal welfare, many reviews describe the experience as “depressing” or emotionally difficult.  • Some feel that the zoo’s low cost comes at the price of not investing enough in animal enrichment.  ⸻ Verdict: Is It Worth Visiting? Yes, but with important caveats: • Worth it if: • You’re visiting Ueno Park anyway (since the zoo is right there), and want to squeeze in an educational, family-friendly outing. • You like zoos and want to see a wide variety of animals, including pandas. • You appreciate the historical aspect of the zoo (oldest in Japan, classic layout). • Maybe skip / be cautious if: • You’re very concerned about animal welfare — many recent reviews suggest that some enclosures are not great. • You expect modern, spacious, “eco-zoo” style habitats — Ueno Zoo is more traditional. • You’re visiting in very hot weather and want a more comfortable, well-shaded experience. ⸻ Tips if You Go • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines, especially for the pandas. • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — walking around the zoo can be tiring, especially in summer. • Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see most of the zoo comfortably. • Consider combining your zoo visit with other nearby Ueno Park attractions (museums, temples). • Be respectful: follow zoo rules, don’t tap on glass, and don’t try to feed the animals.

The hidden place for you to pray for passing exams and for good health. 2 gods in one place. Goshuin also available but limited to Friday and Saturday. Sometimes the old lady not even there so best of luck. Best part of this place is so little tourists, very peaceful. Have table and long bench for you to write your wishes on wooden signs to hand on the wishing board hangers. I come here during every Tokyo trip to wish for my son’s success in his studies.

Massive zoo with most animals you can think of! Very well kept and clean, feels like a lush garden hence why they call it the zoological gardens. Very reasonably priced at ¥600 for an adult. I went later in the day so a lot of animals were inside while their main areas were being cleaned, but you could still see them all in indoor areas which was convenient! Multiple entrances, I used one that had a ticket kiosk and a gentlemen was kind enough to assist just in case. Favorite was the golden pheasant—absolutely awesome!

I will admit, it’s stunning inside. I just wish the animals had larger enclosures. Once in a lifetime to see a panda ands very family friendly. Get there early! Lines grow fast! We were first in and it was still a wait for the pandas.

I've been dying to see this place because they got Pandas. We were able to see it but unfortunately they were sleeping so we didn't see much. Plus the line was very long. Since it is summer, much better to bring some umbrellas and other things that can make you feel cooler, else you might have a heat stroke. Really recommended to go here by Oct or November where it is slightly cold. Aside from the heat, the place is really good! There were maps everywhere so you won't be lost. The animals were very highly maintained. The entrance fee is not that expensive as well! It's a very nice experience!!