Getting to Know Japan's Oldest Zoo: Ueno Zoo
Christopher HarleyWhen you want to go to a zoo in the Tokyo area, your best option is Ueno Zoo. Located in Ueno Park quite close to the station, it is the oldest zoo in Japan.
Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan and one of Ueno's greatest attractions. The zoo began as a collection of wild animals affiliated with the National Museum of Natural History and first opened as a public zoo on March 20, 1882. The zoo has expanded significantly since then and is now home to over 3,000 animals and 400 different species. The attraction of Ueno Zoo, however, is the pandas, also because they have successfully reproduced. Ueno Zoo is actively committed to the conservation of wild animals.
The zoo is divided into two sections, a west and an east park, each with different animal species. The two areas are connected by a bridge. To the east are the pandas, Asian elephants, large numbers of bears and larger mammals like gorillas, tigers and lions. In the west area there is a petting zoo and a reptile and amphibious house. This area also focuses on animals from Africa: rhinos, hippos, giraffes and zebras.
A five-story pagoda and a tea house from the 17th century round off the visit to the zoo and give this historic zoo a typically Japanese touch.
JR Ueno Station is a 5 minute walk from the Main Gate entrance and Benten Gate entrance. The Benten Gate can also be reached from Keisei Ueno Station (4-min) and Subway Ueno Station (8-min). The western Ikenohata Gate can als be reached from Nezu Station (5-min).
When you want to go to a zoo in the Tokyo area, your best option is Ueno Zoo. Located in Ueno Park quite close to the station, it is the oldest zoo in Japan.
Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is one of the most surreal zoos you will ever experience. It’s like a world of magic. Within the zoo you will find two sections, East and West, where the animals are divided which makes it easier to co-ordinate.
Ueno Zoo #1 - Cute Grass Eaters: About 400 species of animals live in the oldest zoo in Japan, Ueno Zoo (established in 1882).
Ueno Zoo #2 - Beautiful Birds: Ueno Zoo has about 500 species of amazing birds.
After 60 years of service, Ueno Zoo's monorail closed down on Thursday 31st October 2019. A bus service will replace the monorail until a decision is made on whether or not to renew the rail service.
Ueno Zoo #3 – Various Monkeys: There are 8 gorillas in Ueno Zoo. They look a bit fierce, but actually, they are vegetarians and quite calm.
Ueno Zoo 4 – Cool Meat Eaters: Tigers, Sun bears, Polar bears, Seals, Meerkats, and Lesser pandas (red pandas)
Ueno Zoo, located within Ueno Park, covers over 14.3 hectares and is home to more than 2,600 animals.
NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO is conveniently located in the midst of the electric town Akihabara, also known as the capital of manga and anime. In addition, this neighborhood has an abundance of tech shops, maid cafes and a variety of restaurants. With just a 6-minute walk away from Akihabara station, it provides easy access to explore other areas nearby such as Ueno and Asakusa. This hotel embodies the rich cultures of music, art and food. Nohga’s concept of music is derived from Akihabara’s local history, starting as a district of radio and wireless component merchants in the late 1920s. The artistic and luxurious space throughout the hotel is achieved by featuring art and amenities designed in collaboration with craftsmen from around Japan. As for the food menu, it’s seasonal fresh ingredients are sourced domestically. The glasses and dinnerware served are collaborations with stores in the surrounding area. All 120 non-smoking guest rooms feature an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, in-room safety box, mini fridge, USB plugs, free Wi-Fi, a high-quality bluetooth speaker and flatscreen TV with original music and film. The lounge area and a compact 24-hour gym can be found near the reception on the second floor. Services include laundry (from 2,750JPY) and a 24-hour front desk with a check-in time of 3PM and check-out time of 11AM. For sightseeing you can rent a Tokyobike for the day (2,000 JPY/day) to explore the vicinity.
Oakwood Premier Tokyo comes from a brand of standout luxury hotel & service apartments right at the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. It is located in the business hub of Marunouchi with JR Tokyo Station in close proximity. This will allow guests and travelers to easily access the city's extensive transport network and visit various landmarks such as Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Shopping District. Boasting 123 luxurious apartments on the upper floors of a multi-serviced complex, each room offers a magnificent view of the city, not to mention all furnished and a fully-equipped kitchen set which is rarely seen in your everyday service apartment. Without doubt, these spacious tranquil retreats are curated to give you the amenities and services of a luxury hotel and a feeling of home. They are good options for both business executives and leisure travelers from one night of a short-stay to a few weeks/months of mid-to-long-term stay.
Located right next to Shinjuku Chuo Park, THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku is a modern hotel with an exceptional design and easy access to the nearby Shinjuku train station and the Meiji Shrine. The 14-story hotel building was renovated and reopened in August 2018 as THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku . The western-style rooms offer a park view on the top floor as well as a newly opened terrace suite. The spacious atrium design offers a relaxed atmosphere and connects the restaurant, bar, lounge and lobby with one another. One of the highlights of THE KNOT is the delicious dishes. There are six areas in which food and drinks are offered. From the grill area to high-quality black tea and fresh bread, everything is on offer.
Bunny Cafe Moff Rell in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward offers a chance to interact with adorable rabbits. You can make reservations for the cafe by phone, or you can visit and pay at the store before entering. The cafe provides 30- and 60-minute courses, and you can play with or feed the bunnies. If you are unsure about how to treat the rabbits, don't worry! The staff members will kindly explain everything to you. Minimum age is 10 years old.
Ayam-YA is a certified halal ramen restaurant found in the Okachimachi area of Tokyo, between Asakusa and Ueno, and not far from Assalaam Mosque. A sister branch in Kyoto also exists.
PIZZERIA & BAR NOHGA is an all day dining restaurant interpreting a fusion of “Spanish Italian” cuisine and has a kitchen to table design. There is a casual bar area and restaurant where you can take a peek inside the open kitchen whilst enjoying your meal. Visit the cafe for a range of coffees and teas along with an offering of tapas snacks and seasonal desserts. The cafe also offers an assorted dessert and all-you-can-drink cafe set. Breakfast takes on the art of sharing, where a range of platters are combined with focaccia and your choice of eggs cooked your way. Coming for lunch? Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads. Each lunch menu is accompanied with homemade soup, iced tea and focaccia. Dinner time offers a range of exquisite tapas and pizzas that can also be shared. Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00, Lunch 11:30 - 14:30, Cafe 14:30 - 18:00, Dinner: 18:00 - 23:00 with last order at 10pm.
The National Museum of Western Art is the premier public art gallery in Japan specializing in art from the Western tradition. The museum is in the museum and zoo complex in Ueno Park in Taito, central Tokyo. It received 1,162,345 visitors in 2016. Wikipedia
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan is a renowned concert hall located in Ueno Park, the green heart of Taito Ward. The hall opened in 1961 as a hub for arts and culture and has since played host to numerous operas, ballets, and classical concerts by both Japanese and international artists. The building itself is a feat of modern architecture and was designed by architect, Kunio Maekawa. The main hall, which features opera, ballet, and orchestral performances, is an impressive five stories high and contains 2,303 seats. Its modern interior is visually stunning, and its acoustics are world-renowned. The smaller recital hall, located on the second floor, has 649 seats and hosts almost daily chamber music concerts and recitals. In addition to its performance halls, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan is also home to an extensive music library, meeting rooms, rehearsal rooms, a restaurant, a cafe, a gift shop, and a Japanese goods and accessories store. In theme with its mission to promote the arts, the facility holds multiple workshops, competitions, and professional development programs to encourage and facilitate artistic learning.
The National Museum of Nature and Science is in the northeast corner of Ueno Park in Tokyo. Opened in 1871, it has had several names, including Ministry of Education Museum, Tokyo Museum, Tokyo Science Museum, the National Science Museum of Japan, and the National Museum of Nature and Science as of 2007. [Wikipedia]