Ueno Zoo

...is much like any other zoo, I would guess. Crowded with school groups (ours was one of them!) and families, I was a little overwhelmed on this my first visit. But we will definitely have to go back when Todd and Sophie can go, too.
There is a little amusement park right outside the entrance to the zoo and Will was distracted by it so the first part of the visit was a little strained as he screamed to go ride the rides instead of seeing the animals.
But much of the exhibits are more accessible than what I’m used to, if a little less natural.
I want to go back and explore the whole area: the museums and other parks.

Living in Japan, I get a lot of people trying to speak to me in English. I had an experience at the Ueno zoo with Shin.

Shin is a takoyaki maker. I happened to be walking by when I got a very jubliant ‘hello’ from him. In one breath he introduced himself and asked how I was doing without waiting for a response.

I didn’t buy takoyaki from him, but I’m sure it was delicious. If you go, tell him that Beth says hello. He wont know what you’re talking about, but maybe you’ll get some free takoyaki (doubtful, but you never know)

And yes, this zoo is amazing. You should definitely go if you have half a day in Tokyo.

I grew up going to Ueno. I would go almost daily – my other childhood favorite was the Mitsukoshi Department Store pet store. But the zoo was really a highlight. I loved watching the small water turtles in the pond and of course the pandas. I loved seeing the zoo in the distance and walking through the gates. I felt like every animal was my favorite and could watch them daily and not get tired of them. I still go back when I am in Japan and though some improvements have been made, I do wish the animals had more room. I am just as interested in the zoo visitors as the animals. Japanese are interesting to watch at the zoo, a bit more reserved and seem to watch more closely what the animals are doing. I lived in Japan during childhood, and the Ueno Zoo was one of the few places I remember seeing so many Japanese adults laughing out loud.