Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo (上野動物園), officially known as the Ueno Zoological Gardens, is the oldest zoo in Japan and remains one of Tokyo’s most beloved family attractions. From giant pandas crunching bamboo to monkeys swinging overhead, every corner feels alive with energy. Families planning a visit will find that Ueno Zoo tickets are affordable, with admission giving access to a full day of discovery, from elephants and tigers to capybaras soaking in warm baths. Nestled inside Ueno Park, the zoo is both an animal adventure and a cultural journey for kids and parents alike.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place.
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Why Ueno Zoo is Great for Families with Kids
- The star attractions, giant pandas, make the visit instantly exciting for kids of all ages.
- Compact layout compared to many zoos, making it manageable for younger children.
- Special areas like the Children’s Zoo allow little ones to get closer to animals.
- Located inside Ueno Park, so families can combine the zoo with museums, playgrounds, or a picnic.
- Seasonal exhibits (like animals in warm baths during winter) create fun repeat-visit appeal.
Parent Insight: Zoos are more than animal exhibits, they’re opportunities for kids to build empathy and curiosity about the natural world. Encourage your children to slow down and watch how an animal moves or interacts. Those quiet observations can spark big questions that turn into meaningful learning moments.
Best Things to Do at Ueno Zoo with Kids
- Panda Forest: Watch the beloved giant pandas munching bamboo, often the highlight for kids.
- Children’s Zoo (Petting Area): Meet smaller animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
- Japanese Animal Zone: Spot native species like cranes, tanuki (raccoon dogs), and serows, giving kids a cultural connection to Japan’s wildlife.
- Elephant Forest & Gorilla Woods: Large enclosures where kids can see big animals up close.
- Seasonal Shows & Feeding Times: Depending on timing, kids can catch zookeepers sharing fun animal facts.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ueno Zoo with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – book tickets in advance or at the gate.
- Best Age Range: Ages 3+ (petting zoo for toddlers, big animals for older kids)
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, mostly flat paths; some areas may get crowded
- Rest Areas: Multiple benches, shaded spots, and indoor halls
- Food: Snack stands inside; better options for family meals in Ueno Park or nearby Ameyoko Market
How to Get to Ueno Zoo with Kids
- By Train: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit); also accessible from Ueno Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line.
- By Bus: Local buses stop around Ueno Park. Look for Ueno Koen as a landmark.
- Special Note: Ueno Zoo sits inside Ueno Park; allow time to walk through the park’s scenic paths (which kids often enjoy as part of the visit).
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Try copying the pandas! Sit down, munch on a snack, and pretend you’re eating bamboo. Bonus points if you can stay serious like the real pandas.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Ueno Zoo in Tokyo
- Luxury
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic – About 15 minutes by train. Rooftop views and family suites with easy access to Asakusa and Ueno.
- Mid-Range
- Hotel Wing International Select Ueno – Roughly an 8-minute walk. Comfortable family rooms and great location near Ueno Park.
- Budget
- APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae – Nearly a 3-minute walk from Ueno Station. Compact rooms, clean, reliable, and right next to Ueno Park.
FAQs: Visiting Ueno Zoo with Kids
Planning a trip to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan? These family-focused FAQs cover location, hours, panda viewing tips, stroller access, and more.
A: Ueno Zoo is located inside Ueno Park in the Taito Ward of Tokyo, Japan. The main entrance is a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, making it one of the most accessible family attractions in the city.
A: Ueno Zoo tickets cost about ¥600 for adults, ¥200 for children ages 13–15, and are free for kids under 12. Family visitors can buy tickets at the entrance or through vending machines near Ueno Park.
A: Ueno Zoo is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. The zoo is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday). Always check the official website for seasonal schedule updates.
A: Ueno Zoo is famous for its giant pandas, but families can also see elephants, tigers, gorillas, polar bears, capybaras, and native Japanese species like cranes and tanuki.
A: Yes, Ueno Zoo is stroller-friendly with wide, mostly flat paths. Some areas get crowded on weekends, so a baby carrier may be easier for infants.
A: Most families spend 2–4 hours at Ueno Zoo, depending on how many exhibits they want to see. Families with toddlers often take shorter visits, while older kids may enjoy exploring both East and West Gardens.
A: Small snacks and drinks are allowed, but full meals are best enjoyed in Ueno Park’s picnic areas just outside the zoo. Food stalls and cafés are available nearby for family-friendly dining.
A: The best time to see Ueno Zoo’s pandas is early morning when the gates open, as they are most active before naptime and the viewing lines are shorter.
A: The zoo is a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit). It’s also accessible via Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Lines at Ueno Station, or Keisei Ueno Station.
A: Yes, Ueno Zoo is one of Tokyo’s top family attractions. Its panda exhibit, interactive petting area, and central location inside Ueno Park make it a must-visit for kids of all ages.
Until Next Time…
A visit to Ueno Zoo is more than a checklist of animals, it’s a chance to laugh at pandas, marvel at elephants, and share quiet moments watching creatures from around the world. For families, it’s a day where kids’ curiosity leads the way and parents can rediscover the joy of wonder through their children’s eyes.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
