Tokyo Day Trips

As spring thankfully arrives, it’s time to abandon the confines of the indoors and embrace the glorious outdoors before that stifling summer heat reclaims the land. One great way to enjoy the fresh air while entertaining the family is to take them out to one of the city’s zoos. There are six to choose from, and they all have recently reopened on March 22nd. Ueno Zoo Let’s start with Japan’s oldest – and probably most famous – Zoo. Established in 1882 and situated and land bequeathed to the city by the Imperial family right in the middle of the city, Ueno Zoo is as convenient as it is popular. It is a world-class zoo home to 2,600 representations of over 460 species, some of the most popular being the western lowland gorilla and the Sumatran tiger (pictured). However, the current star attractions are Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, the twin cubs born last June who have to be seen by lottery, which you can enter from the zoo’s website. The zoo features 63 sections, including the Gorilla Woods, Tiger’s Forest, and a petting zoo. You can ride on Japan’s first monorail to navigate the vast space. Where: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo…