Ueno Zoological Gardens

Address:
Ueno Zoo,
9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku,
Tokyo 110-8711,
Japan
Phone:
03-3828-5171
Established in 1882, Ueno zoo is the first modern zoo in Japan. It has grown over the years, expanded its area, and been a forerunner in the Japanese zoo world. Located amid the downtown Tokyo, Ueno Zoo not only provides recreation, but also plays an essential role in wildlife conservation and public education. In an effort to breed endangered species, the zoo completed the "Polar Bear and Seal Ocean" and "Panda Forest".
Ueno Zoological Gardens is the first modern zoo in Japan. Founded in 1882, it has grown over the years, expanded its area to 14.4 ha (35.6 acres) and been the flagship of the Japanese zoo world. Now it's home to over 3,000 animals from 300 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 1972, the first giant pandas arrived from China at Ueno Zoo. We have been cooperating with Beijing Zoo (China) and San Diego Zoo (US) in the breeding of wild giant pandas. After Ling Ling's death in 2008, Ri Ri and Shin Shin arrived at the zoo in 2011. Shin Shin gave birth to Xiang Xiang in 2017, and to twins Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao in 2021. Xiang Xiang and the parents were returned to China in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
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 1631, rebuilt after destruction by fire, and in 1958 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.
Aye-ayes are quite rare species, which came to Ueno Zoo as a part of international breeding cooperation. We have succeeded in breeding of aye-ayes as well as pygmy hippos, which are also endangered in the wild.
In the Small Mammal House, you'll find the wonder of nocturnal animals.
In 1999, the Vivarium (Reptile and Amphibian House) has been completed, where world's rare fishes, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and frogs can be seen in the green house.
Shinobazu Pond in the West Area is a unique habitat for wild common cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo, which once were seen everywhere in Japan, but now are endangered.