Ueno Zoo: The Panda Queue and Our Experience

Our October 2025 visit to Ueno Zoo, with current visitor information and practical planning tips.

Our visit

Ueno Zoo was pleasant, but for us it did not offer anything distinctive enough to justify a large part of the day. We waited about 50 minutes to see one of the two giant pandas then kept at the zoo, only to find it asleep.

In retrospect it became a funny memory, but it is also a useful reminder that not every famous attraction suits every family. We would rather preserve the experience honestly than turn it into an automatic recommendation.

What to know

The situation has changed since our visit. As of August 2026, the zoo states officially that it no longer keeps giant pandas. Panda Forest currently includes animals such as red pandas and pheasants, so visitors should not arrive expecting to see a giant panda.

Planning the visit

The zoo is large and divided into several areas, so consult the current map and exhibit information before visiting. If a zoo is not a priority, the surrounding Ueno Park and museums may be a better use of the time.

For a wider route beyond the cities, compare transport and car-rental options in advance and decide what the itinerary actually requires.