It’s golden week, which gives us time to check out some Tokyo attractions. Ueno park is a large, public park in the Taito ward of Tokyo; home to the National Museum, the Tokyo University of the Arts, and the Ueno Zoo. Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo, first opening back in 1882.
Koinobori hang at the entrance of the zoo in preparation for Children’s Day.
First up are the bird pens.
It must be feeding time. Whatever bird of prey lives here receives a lovely meal of mice and chicken heads.
Warning signs posted throughout the zoo reveal the true predators of the park. I guess crows know distracted zoo-goers are easy marks.
The panda up and about wandering around its habitat.
Meanwhile, the tiger settles in for a nap.
This monkey chills while doing a split between two branches.
A facility for nocturnal animals lets you see night owls like this small, wild cat.
Little guys like this also stay inside away from large crowds and noise.
American black bears have to work for their food, which is hidden in various places around the habitat.
Similarly, the Asian black bear stretches and climbs for carrots and other vegetables.
The famous Snowy owl doing its trademark O RLY pose.
Seals soak up some sun on the rocks before jumping back into the pool.
An elephant dusting itself for some natural sun block.
Some prairie dog pups playing with older members of the family.
This little monkey holds onto the sign announcing the birth of his new brother, sister, cousin, or… some relative. Not too happy about the newcomer it seems.
That’s all for this trip, now back to Ueno station. Lots of buses in this area have a retro facade.
Ueno Zoo makes for a good day out. The holidays made today a little crowded, but that’s not really an issue until you want something to eat or drink. You should check out the zoo and Ueno park as a whole, it has a lot to offer. Just watch out for the crows.