Ueno Zoological Gardens
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Convinient and cheap | There are zoos in other countries |
| Combine with other attractions nearby | Nothing unique to this zoo in Japan |
Ueno Zoological Gardens (more commonly just Ueno Zoo), is Japan’s oldest zoo and also houses the first monorail built in Japan. You can read more about the history of the zoo here. The bottom line is that it’s a zoo. There isn’t a “must see” attraction outside of special events. However, the around Ueno Zoo contains a lot of interesting places to visit, so combing a trip to the zoo with other attractions is recommended.
NOTE: The zoo can get crowded at times. Check the Crowdness Map and decide for yourself when best to go. The convinience of the zoos location (nearby many other attractions) means you can drop in at a time when the crowds are limited.
Access to Ueno Zoological Park
Access to the Zoo is very simple. There is a Ueno Park Exit in Ueno Station that will take you directly to the Zoo through Ueno Park. When Japan recommends entry via the Benten gate or main gate. There is nothing of interest near the Ikenohata gate.
Planning your day around Ueno Zoological Gardens
Ueno Zoo is located close to other attractions, all with easy access from Ueno Station. There are so many places to visit that you can easily spend an entire day just in and around Ueno Park.
Shinobazu Pond
Ueno Park
Tokyo National Mueseum (link)
National Museum of Nature and Science
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
National Museum of Western Art
Gojoten Shrine / Hanazono Inari Shrine
Eating in and around the local area
When Japan recommends heading back towards Akihabara for lunch or dinner. Most of the restarants and places to eat are located in and around the Ame Yokocho, which is a bustling market street other so packed with visitors that it can be a challenge to walk at anything other than a snails pace. Check out the main page of the Ame Yokocho here for recommendations.
Locations 30 minutes walk from Ueno Zoological Gardens
Asakusa is a busy tourist district with notable temples and shopping strips selling traditional goods. It is a 30 minute walk. Just point yourself in the direction of the Skytree and keep walking. (directions). The walk will also take you via the Kappabashi Dougu Street, which has a number of shops selling Japanese cooking goods, including the plastic food used in shops to show off their cuisine to prospective customers
Akihabara is a popular tourist spot for anime fans and computer nerds. Don’t forget to try out a cream or sweet bean Taiyaki on the way, they are a delicious sweet treat.
There is a When Japan walk that will take you around Akihabara, Ueno and Asakusa.
