Tokyo's Top Zoos: Explore 3 of the Best

While Tokyo is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling urban landscape, it's also home to a variety of lush, wildlife-filled oases – its zoos.

Though there are more zoos scattered throughout Tokyo, the following three stand out as some of the city's finest wildlife destinations.

1. Ueno Zoo

Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo, opened its doors on March 20, 1882. Its prime location makes it an accessible spot for both tourists and locals. In 2006, it welcomed approximately million visitors.

Located amid Tokyo's sprawling urban landscape, Ueno Zoo offers surprising space for both visitors and animals. Home to iconic species like tigers, gorillas, and hippos, it also hosts rarities such as the African okapi and the elusive Japanese giant salamander. While some enclosures could use improvements to feel more natural, Ueno Zoo is a solid example of an urban wildlife park.

The park's monorail, more of an entertainment feature for families than a practical transport option, was the first of its kind built in Japan.

Trivia: Ueno Zoo is one of the few zoos where visitors can taste the same food as the animals. The 'Momoko Healthy Lunch' mirrors the diet of the zoo’s lowland gorillas, served in human-friendly portions.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park 9-83, Taito-ku, +81 (0)3 3828 5171

2. Tama Zoological Park

Located just an hour west of central Tokyo by train, Tama Zoo is famous for its expansive, realistic animal habitats. At about four times the size of Ueno Zoo, it features spacious enclosures spread over a large hill, turning a visit into more of an adventure hike than a simple walk. For those preferring less exertion, shuttle buses are available to take you around.

Tama Zoo is split into four distinct zones: Asiatic Garden, African Garden, Australian Garden, and the Insectarium. Notable attractions include an orangutan skywalk where the apes swing from enclosure to enclosure, and a Lion Garden where visitors can take a ride on an armored bus through the lions' territory, with meat hanging from it to entice the big cats.

The tiger enclosure is also a must-see. It features a giant cat toy made of ropes and tires, which visitors can shake to tempt the tigers into pouncing. Just be careful, as the big cats sometimes yank the toy so hard you might be lifted off the ground yourself! It’s not something you’d expect to see in countries with strict liability laws.

And don’t forget to watch out for the peacocks! Roaming freely throughout the park, they are the true masters of the zoo, as the entire space is their domain.

Trivia: The Insectarium’s Butterfly House is a highlight, especially in winter when you can experience a slice of summer in the large, tropical greenhouse full of colorful butterflies.

Tama Zoo: Hodokubo 7-1-1, Hino-shi, +81 (0)42 591 1611

3. Mother Farm

Now, this isn’t a typical zoo, nor is it located right in Tokyo.

Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Chiba, about two hours from Tokyo, Mother Farm is more of a countryside escape than a quick city attraction. But that’s part of its charm—ideal for a day trip rather than a brief visit.

Promoted as an entertainment farm, it's more of a vibrant countryside fair than a typical zoo. With an abundance of flowers and decorative trees, including stunning plum, azalea, and cherry blossoms, the site also features an amusement park, expansive flower gardens, orchards, and various farming areas home to a range of animals like cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, ostriches, and more.

The focus here is on hands-on experiences, such as milking cows, horseback riding, sheepdog herding, and watching the daily duck parade. There’s also the option to pick fresh fruit and vegetables from the farm.

For a unique dining experience, enjoy freshly prepared sheep meat at the Mongolian barbecue restaurant on-site, but perhaps leave a little space between your visit to the grazing animals and your meal.

Trivia: It’s the only place near Tokyo where you’ll get to witness a thrilling pig race.

Mother Farm: Takura 940-3, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, +81 (0)439 37 3211

How to get there: From Tokyo Station, take the Sazanami express to Kimitsu Station, then transfer to the Kimitsu Bus (reservation required). Alternatively, take a JR train from Chiba Station to Sanukimachi Station, and switch to a local bus heading to Mother Bokujo.

Hiroko Yoda is a renowned author, known for books like 'Yokai Attack! The Japanese Monster Survival Guide,' 'Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws,' and 'Yurei Attack! The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide.'