Ueno Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Ueno Zoo?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free, touch animals in STEP area, ride the short monorail, use child toilets, and attend keeper talks, yet long panda queues may strain patience of energetic kids.
Positives:
- Free child admission: Kids under 12 enter free, reducing family costs.
- Hands-on animal interaction: The touch area lets children safely meet small animals.
Challenges:
- Crowds at panda exhibit: Queues form quickly, expect waits during midday.
- Limited seating in dining areas: West Garden cafeteria seats fill up at lunch hours.
What is Ueno Zoo?
- A 19th-century zoological park in Tokyo’s Taito ward, established in 1882 as Japan’s oldest zoo
- Home to over 400 species of animals, including giant pandas, elephants, lions and polar bears
- Comprises specialized facilities—a reptile house, nocturnal house and aquarium—alongside a historic five-story pagoda
What is so special about Ueno Zoo for with kids?
- Panda Pavilion with early-morning visits to avoid lines
- Hands-on experience at Children’s Zoo STEP area
- Fun monorail ride connecting East and West Gardens
- Close-up viewing in Gorilla Woods and Tiger Forest
- Free lawns and picnic spots around Shinobazu Pond
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see main exhibits, join touch areas, and rest.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ueno Zoo
Panda Pavilion:
Watch giant pandas in a Sichuan-style enclosure.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and get clear views.
Children’s Zoo STEP:
Touch small animals like guinea pigs and mice.
Tip: Check the program schedule at the info desk and reserve spots in advance.
Zoo Monorail Ride:
Hop on the monorail between East and West Gardens.
Tip: Buy tickets at the station; children’s seats fill up fast.
Gorilla Woods & Tiger Forest:
See gorillas and tigers up close on raised platforms.
Tip: Go when animals are most active around feeding times (check schedule).
Shinobazu Pond Lawns:
Let kids run on open lawns near the pond.
Tip: Pack a picnic blanket for a snack break under shaded trees.
When is the best time to visit Ueno Zoo (Tokyo, Japan)?
In spring, cherry blossoms around Shinobazu Pond burst into bloom. Arrive before 10:00 to enjoy quieter paths and better photo spots.
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Reviews of Ueno Zoo (Tokyo)
Fatiha
Im skeptical if the animals are getting the right environment and food to thrive. On such a hot day there was no proper cooling system and i felt like the animals had not much space to move around esp the elephants. Honestly didn’t really wanted to support such zoo where they feel so restricted i honestly felt bad. The zoo itself was fun and esp cheap for the amount of things you can see inside. L...
Isabelle
As an Australian I felt so sad for these animals. Back home our zoo has massive enclosures where the animals can feel at home whereas this zoos enclosures were so small. I could see some animals seemingly wishing to not be there or beyond bored to the point they were just resting. Didn't seem that there was much else to do. Great food and cheap entrance but please take better care of these animals...
Patrick Roring
Very nice zoo. Great place to see animals we can’t find where we came from in Indonesia. Notably the Pandas, seals, the penguins, secretary bird, gorillas, bison and polar bear. In the hot Japan summer, we could stay cool along the tracks as the place has lots of big trees around and as it is on the hill side has some cool wind.
Alejandro Lleras
Gotta Love the panda! The size of the zoo is absolutely wonderful. You can do this Zoo without getting exhausted and see some truly spectacular animals (panda, gorillas, Sumatra tiger, various eagles, flamingos...). Very easy to navigate, very family friendly and very affordable (children enter free!).
Sara Mitchell
Loved Ueno Zoo. Awesome gem in the middle of Tokyo. Heaps of animals to see, so allow plenty of time. We spent 4 hours just walking around seeing everything. Not too far to walk from train. We didn't pre purchase tickets, just bought them at the front gate. Very quick and easy. The pandas were my husbands favourite. But it got a little crazy seeing the male panda as there was no line up, just peop...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2×600yen) | JPY 1,200 |
| Monorail ride (2 adults + 2 kids) | JPY 460 |
| Lunch at cafeteria | JPY 2,000 |
| Lockers and misc. | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,860 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Ueno Zoo
- Arrive early: Enter at opening time to beat crowds at popular exhibits.
- Use the zoo map app: Download 'Tokyo Park Navi' to navigate exhibits with kids.
- Reserve touch sessions: Book Children’s Zoo touch-area slots at the info desk first.
Map of Ueno Zoo
Address: 9-83 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
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About Ueno Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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