Pandas of Tokyo | Our Complete Ueno Zoo Experience

Our visit to Ueno Zoo was one of those rare travel moments that felt truly historic.

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Ueno Zoo is Tokyo’s oldest zoo, first opened in 1882, and has been welcoming visitors for more than 140 years. Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a place where history, education, and wonder quietly coexist.

One of Ueno Zoo’s most beloved attractions is its giant pandas. The resident twin pandas, Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, were born here in June 2021 and quickly captured the hearts of visitors from around the world. Their names carry gentle meanings — Xiao Xiao translates to “Little Little,” while Lei Lei means “Bud” or “Flower Bud,” symbolizing new life and growth.

As their time in Japan comes to an end (they are scheduled to return to China at the end of January 2026), we waited in a long — but beautifully organized — line to make one of the final viewings before closing. Along the way, we were guided through panda history with signs and photos showcasing the panda families that came before them, turning the wait into an unexpectedly meaningful experience.

Inside the exhibit, we were lucky enough to see Lei Lei, calmly enjoying a bamboo lunch while visitors quietly took in the moment. The viewing was brief, but unforgettable — a rare chance to see a true celebrity up close during a special moment in time.

Beyond the pandas, our afternoon at Ueno Zoo was filled with colorful surprises. We admired striking exotic birds, spotted a red panda enjoying its own late lunch, and explored the small mammals house, where we saw a dwarf mongoose and a Ryukyu flying fox. We then visited Everly’s favorites — flamingos and penguins — before ending our visit at the monkey exhibit, featuring the white-mantled black colobus and the unforgettable De Brazza’s monkey.

It was a quick, educational, and joyful visit — but the highlight was without question seeing Lei Lei in person.

A moment in time… and a memory we’ll always carry with us.

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