Tokyo｜A gift from the urban jungle: A battlefield a hundred years ago turned into Ueno Zoo

During the Meiji Restoration 150 years ago, Ueno Park was an ancient battlefield of the Boshin War. Later, at the suggestion of a Dutch doctor, Emperor Taisho named it Onshi Park and handed it over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for management. The entire Ueno Park covers an area of ​​530,000 square meters, which is about the size of two Daan Forest Parks. Ueno Zoo is only one of its activity areas, covering an area of ​​140,000 square meters, which is about one-tenth of the Mucha Zoo. However, it once set an astonishing record of four million annual visitors. Among the attractions are the adorable pandas. The popular panda Xiangxiang returned to China two years ago. Her parents Lili and Zhenzhen also returned to China in September last year due to health problems. Our current signature giant pandas are the twin boy and girl Xiaoxiao and Leilei. You will be mesmerized just by watching their adorable appearance while eating. Visitors line up in limited numbers to enter the panda house, then observe and take photos in front of the glass window. The next group has to be replaced every three to five minutes, which shows how popular they are. This oldest zoo in Japan is divided into the East Garden and the West Garden. There are other animal stars, including polar bears, flamingos, and super cute penguins. The area surrounding the Shinobazu Pond in the Western Garden is also an important spot for appreciating the beauty of flowers. The white and aqua blue hydrangeas in early summer also bring a touch of coolness to the park. 🚗The transportation is also very convenient. From JR Ueno Station, you can walk from the Shinobazu Exit to Bentenmon in four or five minutes; or walk from the Park Exit to the main gate in five minutes. If you take the Chiyoda Line, you have to walk from Nezu Station for five minutes and enter from the Ikenotsuhata Gate. 📍Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711 Japan #2月好地方2025