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. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes Guide breaks down the best options for families. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
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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: ¥ – Adults ¥600, teens ¥200; kids under 12 free.
- 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
Best Time to Visit Ueno Zoo with Kids
The best time to visit Ueno Zoo with kids is in the morning during spring or autumn, when the weather is comfortable and the crowds are lighter. Morning visits also give you a better chance to see the animals active before they rest in the afternoon.
Spring brings cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, making the zoo feel extra festive, while autumn adds colorful foliage along the walking paths. Summer afternoons can be hot and crowded, but shaded areas and misting stations help. Winter mornings are quieter, though some animals may be less active in the cold.
Arriving early not only helps you avoid long lines at the panda exhibit but also lets children explore at their own pace before school groups and tours arrive.
How Long to Spend at Ueno Zoo with Kids
Plan to spend about 2–3 hours at Ueno Zoo with kids, which is enough to enjoy the highlights like the giant pandas, the small-animal house, and the children’s zoo at a relaxed pace. Families who want to see multiple animal feedings, explore both the East and West gardens, or take a break in Ueno Park may want to stretch their visit closer to half a day.
For toddlers and younger kids, a shorter visit of 1.5–2 hours works best, focusing on the most exciting exhibits. School-age children may enjoy exploring more sections and the playground areas, while older kids who are animal lovers can easily spend longer wandering and observing at their own pace.
How to Get to Ueno Zoo with Kids
- By Train: Main Gate – 5 min from JR Ueno (Park Exit); Benten Gate – 5 min from JR Ueno (Shinobazu Exit), 4 min from Keisei Ueno, 8 min from Tokyo Metro Ueno (Ginza/Hibiya), 10 min from Ueno-okachimachi (Oedo); Ikenohata Gate – 5 min from Nezu (Chiyoda).
- 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.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba; don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather adventures, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural fun. Families planning a longer stay will love our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary, which balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly hidden gems. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Ueno Zoo in Tokyo
A trip to Ueno Zoo is often the highlight of a family day out, but Ueno Park is filled with other attractions that make it easy to create a full itinerary. Here are some of the best family-friendly spots within walking distance:
- National Museum of Nature and Science – A favorite with kids, featuring dinosaurs, space exhibits, and plenty of hands-on learning. It’s the perfect pairing with the zoo for a full day of discovery.
- Tokyo National Museum – Families can explore samurai armor, ancient pottery, and Japanese treasures in an engaging, approachable way.
- Ueno Park – The heart of the area, with playgrounds, open lawns, and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms in spring and lotus ponds in summer. Great for stroller walks or picnics.
- National Museum of Western Art – A smaller museum that introduces kids to masterpieces from artists like Monet and Van Gogh without being overwhelming.
- Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko Market) – A bustling street market near Ueno Station, perfect for grabbing kid-friendly snacks, fruit, or fun souvenirs after your zoo visit.
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. For the latest updates on animals, events, and schedules, you can also check the official Ueno Zoo website
A: Ueno Zoo is located in Ueno Park, in Tokyo’s Taito Ward. The main entrance is about a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, making it one of the most convenient family attractions in the city.
A: Ueno Zoo admission costs ¥600 for adults and ¥200 for children ages 13–15. Kids under 12 enter for free, making it budget-friendly for families. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or vending machines near Ueno Park.
A: Ueno Zoo is 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 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. The wide variety makes it one of Tokyo’s most exciting animal parks.
A: Yes, Ueno Zoo is stroller-friendly. The paths are mostly wide and flat, making it easy to navigate with young children. On busy weekends, a baby carrier may be more convenient for infants in crowded areas.
A: Visiting Ueno Zoo with kids usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Families with toddlers may prefer shorter visits, while older kids often enjoy exploring both the East and West Gardens at a slower pace.
A: Small snacks and drinks are allowed at Ueno Zoo, but full meals are best enjoyed in the picnic areas of Ueno Park just outside the zoo. Families can also find food stalls and cafés nearby for kid-friendly dining.
A: The best time to see Ueno Zoo’s pandas is early morning when the gates open. Pandas are most active before naptime, and visiting early helps avoid long viewing lines.
A: Ueno Zoo is a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit). It is also accessible via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Hibiya Line at Ueno Station, or from Keisei Ueno Station.
A: Yes, Ueno Zoo is worth visiting with kids. The panda exhibit, interactive petting area, and central location inside Ueno Park make it one of Tokyo’s top family attractions.
A: Ueno Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals across 300 species, from giant pandas and polar bears to native Japanese wildlife like cranes and tanuki. It’s Japan’s oldest and most diverse zoo.
A: Ueno Zoo covers 14.4 hectares (35.6 acres) inside Ueno Park in central Tokyo. The grounds are split into East and West Gardens, linked by a pedestrian bridge, and the former zoo monorail has been permanently decommissioned.
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 ~
