It’s a Zoo in Tokyo!
While Tokyo can be a crazy place to visit and the crowds can be overwhelming at times - it' really not a zoo! However, if you are looking for a zoo of a more traditional kind, Tokyo has some that are well worth a visit.
Ueno Zoo was established in 1882 and is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located near Ueno Station, the zoo covers 35.2 acres and is home to over 2600 animals from 464 different species. Kids will enjoy a ride on the zoo's monorail or a visit to the petting zoo. Open 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily, except Mondays.
Inokashira Park Zoo has an area where red-crowned cranes and Yaku deer range freely and it is also home to a variety of Japanese species as well as an Asiatic elephant and tropical birds. Open 9:30AM to 5:00PM daily, except Mondays or Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday. Located a ten minute walk from JR Kichijoji Station, the Inokashira Park Zoo is a short train trip from Shinjuku or Shibuya.
If you are looking for animals of a different sort why not make the short trip to Tokyo Sea Life Park where fish and aquatic life abound? See hammerhead sharks, penguins and learn more about the creatures that call Tokyo Bay home. Open 9:30AM to 5:00PM daily, except Wednesdays of Thursday if Wednesday is a national holiday and between December 29th and January 1st. Located a short walk from Kaisai Rinkai Koen Station on the Keiyo Line, which is about fifteen minutes by train from Tokyo Station.
These three destinations will be a hit with anoimal lovers and kids of all ages so take a break from the Shrines and Temples and learn a little bit about the wildlife that is native to Japan and Asia.