Ueno Zoological Gardens 東京都恩賜上野動物園

A remarkable collection that runs from giant pandas to endangered turtles

As well as being Japan's first zoo, the Ueno Zoological Gardens (or simply Ueno Zoo) has achieved legendary status in Japan for its giant pandas and success at breeding them. Besides the giant pandas, you'll have the opportunity to see an extensive collection of animal species, from Sumatran tigers, to western gorillas, South American tapirs, and polar bears.

Home to 3000 animals from 300 different species, Ueno Zoo is Japan's first zoo, founded in 1882. The zoo, attached to the north of Ueno Park, is split into two sections, a west and east park with varying collections of animals. The two areas are connected by a bridge.

Asiatic elephants can be found in the east park, along with bears, gorillas, and tigers.

The west park focuses on animals from the African continent: rhinos, hippos and giraffes, and is home to the Small Mammal House and Reptile and Amphibian House.