Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens)

Opened in 1882, this was the first zoo to be established in Japan. There are about 400 different species and 3,000 animals kept in this zoo. The zoo is divided into two areas, the East garden where the popular giant pandas and the swimming polar bears can be seen, and the West garden where you can observe small animals like the aye-aye, which is rarely seen in Japan, and interact with guinea pigs and rabbits. At the Shinobazu Pond in the west part of the zoo, you can see various birds, and feel various animals living in the zoo very close by. Guided tours by led by expert staff are also held regularly. These tours will tell you about the diet of animals or how to distinguish a male from a female. It is a five minute walk from JR Ueno station Kouen exit.