Ueno Zoo, Tokyo

The Ueno Zoo鈥擩apan鈥檚 oldest zoological park鈥攈as been the wildest hangout spot in Tokyo since 1882. Spanning a sprawling 35+ acres, this animal kingdom is home to over 2,600 furry, scaly, and feathered residents. Back in the day, its inhabitants were tucked away in traditional cages, but times have changed鈥攏ow, they lounge in habitats that mimic their natural environments (because animals also like a room with a view).

For decades, the zoo played host to some of Japan鈥檚 most famous guests鈥攇iant pandas from China! From 1972 to 2008, these black-and-white celebrities attracted crowds from far and wide. While the pandas may no longer be around, there鈥檚 no shortage of fascinating creatures. Ever seen a long-fingered "aye-aye" lemur? How about a two-toed sloth on its own very slow adventure? Or the majestic Sumatran tiger, reigning over the Tiger Forest? Speaking of forests, the Gorilla Woods is another must-see, where these powerful primates put on a show鈥攚henever they feel like it...

For those who enjoy the nightlife, the Mammal House is the place to be, featuring a collection of nocturnal creatures that thrive in the dark. Meanwhile, the Vivarium offers a front-row seat to the world of reptiles and amphibians鈥攂ecause some people prefer their animals cold-blooded.

The zoo isn't just about exotic species; it's also got a soft side. Shinobazu Pond provides a safe haven for the endangered Japanese cormorant, while the petting area lets kids (and kids at heart) get up close with friendly farm animals. Goats, anyone?

And for history buffs, the zoo has a little something extra鈥攖wo architectural treasures hiding in plain sight. First up, the five-story Kanei-ji Pagoda, the last surviving piece of a once-grand temple complex. Then there鈥檚 the elegant Stone Tea Ceremony House, a throwback to the days when the Tokugawa Shogunate鈥檚 elite gathered for refined tea and, no doubt, high-society gossip.

So, whether it's wildlife, history, or just a sloth taking its sweet time that sparks your interest, the Ueno Zoo can be equally entertaining. Step inside and get ready for a wilder side of Tokyo!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Ueno Zoo
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Ueno Park Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Ueno Park Walking Tour

Ueno Park is Tokyo鈥檚 ultimate mashup of history, nature, and culture! It started as part of the powerful Kanei-ji Temple during the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. Back then, samurais roamed and shoguns ruled the country. In the 1870s, as Japan embraced modernization, the area was gentrified, turning into a public park. Today, it's a major attraction for travelers craving both a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Ginza Shopping Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

Yanaka Walking Tour

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With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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But before it became Japan鈥檚 trendsetting capital, Shibuya had a different kind of ruling class鈥攖he Shibuya clan. Back in the 1160s, they ran this... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

View all walking tours in Tokyo, Japan

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