Ueno Park & Zoo Accessibility Guide

Overview

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's largest public parks, covering about 53 hectares. It is home to Ueno Zoo (Japan's oldest zoo, opened 1882), several major museums, Shinobazu Pond, and over 1,000 cherry trees. Ueno Zoo houses about 2,500 animals across its East and West sections, connected by a wide accessible walkway. The park and zoo are mostly barrier-free with wide paths, though some sections have unpaved surfaces. The zoo offers free wheelchair rental and has over a dozen accessible toilets spread throughout.

Getting There

• Metro: Ueno Station (Ginza Line and Hibiya Line) has elevator access to street level. Exit via the Park Exit for the shortest route to Ueno Park's main entrance.
• JR: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Park Exit) is directly adjacent to the park entrance.
• Keisei Line: Keisei Ueno Station (for travelers from Narita Airport) is near the park's south entrance.
• Approach: The main entrance to Ueno Park from the JR Park Exit is up a gentle slope. An alternative flat route is available via the Shinobazu Exit.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Ueno Park:

• The main boulevard through the park (from the entrance toward the Tokyo National Museum) is wide, paved, and flat.
• Side paths vary between paved and unpaved surfaces. Some paths around Shinobazu Pond have gravel sections.
• The park has multiple gentle slopes but no steep inclines on the main routes.
• Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) brings extremely large crowds that can make wheelchair navigation difficult.

Ueno Zoo:

• Walkways are wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass side by side. Most paths are wider.
• The East and West sections are connected by a wide, accessible walkway (the Isopods Bridge).
• Free wheelchair rental is available at Guest Services near the main gate. First-come, first-served; non-motorized wheelchairs only.
• Most animal enclosures have viewing areas at a height suitable for wheelchair users, though some older exhibits have higher barriers.
• Indoor exhibit areas (aviaries, nocturnal house) have step-free access.

Accessible Toilets

Ueno Zoo: Over a dozen wheelchair-accessible toilets are spread throughout both the East and West sections. Many include adult changing tables, grab bars, accessible sinks, and bidet functions.

Ueno Park: Accessible public toilets are located near the main entrance, near Shinobazu Pond, and near the park's museums. The quality and cleanliness vary.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visitors with a disability certificate (Japanese or foreign) and one companion enter the zoo for free. Show your certificate or the Mirairo ID app at the gate.
• Most of the zoo is uncovered. Bring sun protection in summer and rain gear in wet weather, as there are few sheltered areas.
• Wet surfaces on sloped paths can be slippery for wheelchair users. Take extra caution on rainy days.
• The park's museums (Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, National Museum of Nature and Science) each have their own accessibility features and are covered in separate guides.
• Weekday mornings offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Avoid weekend afternoons during cherry blossom season and school holidays.
• Coin-operated lockers are available near the zoo entrance for storing bags.