Ueno Imperial Gift Zoo

Ueno Imperial Gift Zoo

Ueno Imperial Gift Zoo is located in Ueno, Taitō, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. Established in 1882, it is the oldest and most famous zoo in Japan. Combining leisure and sightseeing, wildlife conservation, and public education, it is a pioneer in the Japanese zoo industry and has received widespread acclaim from visitors across the country.

Ueno Imperial Gift Zoo is situated within Ueno Park, covering an area of 14.3 hectares. The land was originally part of the Japanese imperial family's estate until it was gifted to Tokyo City by Emperor Taishō in 1924—hence the name “Imperial Gift.” The zoo’s dedicated staff have created thoughtful exhibits such as the “Gorilla Woods” and “Tiger Forest,” which are designed to mimic natural environments and provide animals with comfortable, wild-like living conditions. Currently, the zoo is home to around 2,600 animals of 460 species from around the world, including zebras, Japanese macaques, red-crowned cranes, white-tailed sea eagles, penguins, and giant pandas, all living freely and happily. It attracts over 3.5 million domestic and international visitors each year.

At Ueno Imperial Gift Zoo, visitors can not only observe the daily lives and behaviors of animals up close but also learn a great deal about wildlife conservation, making it especially popular among students and parents.

Ueno Zoo

Must-visit reason: Japan’s most beloved zoo

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Japan

Prefecture/State: Tokyo Metropolis

City: Taitō