Ueno Zoo
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- JR Ueno Station · 5 min walk (JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line, JR Ueno-Tōkyō Line)
- Hours
- 9:30–17:00 (ticket sales and admission close at 16:00); closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) and Dec 29–Jan 1
- Admission
- ¥600 (adults 16–64), ¥300 (seniors 65+), ¥200 (junior high students 13–15; free for Tokyo residents/students), Free (children 0–12)
- Time needed
- 2.5–4 hours
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings at the 9:30 opening, before queues form and before animals are moved inside around 16:30
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Established in 1882, Japan's oldest zoo is a sprawling 35-acre park in the heart of Tokyo housing over 300 species. Visitors can see the famous giant pandas, explore the historic five-story pagoda, and take a scenic walk between the East and West gardens. It offers a unique blend of wildlife viewing and Japanese cultural history right inside Ueno Park.
What Japanese guides note
Visitors planning to see the West Garden exhibits often make the mistake of lining up at the East Garden Main Gate; arriving via Keisei Ueno Station to the Benten Gate or Nezu Station to the Ikenohata Gate eliminates extensive backtracking. Several animal species enter their indoor night quarters around 16:30, so arriving early is necessary to view outdoor activity. The facility allows re-entry on the same day, making it practical to break for lunch in Ueno Park or combine visits with nearby museums.
Details from local sources
- The historic suspension monorail connecting the East and West Gardens ceased operations in November 2019 and was officially abolished on December 27, 2023. [source]
- Admission is completely free for all visitors on March 20 (Zoo Anniversary), May 4 (Greenery Day), and October 1 (Tokyo Citizens' Day). [source]
- Visitors targeting the West Garden can enter through the Ikenohata Gate, located a 5-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. [source]
- Certain animals are moved into indoor night quarters starting around 16:30, rendering them unavailable for viewing during the final 30 minutes before closing. [source]
- Physical paper admission tickets purchased on-site do not expire and can be used on a future date if left unredeemed on the day of purchase. [source]
- The zoo grounds preserve historical cultural properties, including the 1639 Kan'ei-ji Five-Story Pagoda and the Kankan-tei tea pavilion reconstructed in 1878. [source]
Insider Tip
Enter through the Benten Gate near Shinobazu Pond to avoid the massive morning ticket lines at the main East Gate.
Frequently asked
Can I leave Ueno Zoo and re-enter on the same day?
Yes, same-day re-entry is permitted. Visitors must notify the gate staff before stepping outside to receive a re-entry pass or verification stamp, which must be shown upon returning with the original ticket. This allows guests to dine outside in Ueno Park and return before final entry at 16:00.
Is the monorail between the East and West Gardens operating?
No, the suspended monorail is permanently out of service. Operations were suspended in November 2019, and the line was officially abolished in December 2023. Visitors now travel between the East and West Gardens on foot across the Issoppu Bridge, which takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
What payment methods are accepted for admission tickets?
Automated ticket machines accept cash, while staffed ticket booths accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB), transit IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, and QR code payments including PayPay and Alipay. Transit IC cards cannot be recharged inside the zoo, so charge them prior to arrival.
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On the same walk
Photos
