Ueno Zoo is doing what it can to keep the line moving as fans come to say goodbye to Japan’s last pandas.
ueno zoo
When Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei leave Tokyo, it’ll bring an end to more than 50 years of pandas in Japan.
Seiji finally visits the zoo that pretty much everyone else who lives in Tokyo has already been to.
If you want to see Ueno Zoo’s adorable infant panda, you’ll absolutely want to get there before the gates open.
Tokyo Banana is getting into the panda spirit as Ueno Zoo gets ready to present six-month-old baby panda Xian Xian to the public.
Ueno Zoo reminds youths that they don’t need anyone’s permission to run away from a dangerous situation.
The children’s petting zoo section of Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo is home to a variety of fluffy, domesticated critters that visitors can get up close and personal with. Among the perennial favorites is a group of guinea pigs which have an impressive routine for when it comes time to (literally) hit the hay.
We bet you never thought that a group of rodents could be as well-behaved as these furry little guys!
As our readers may be well aware, we Japanese have a passion for the sakura, or cherry trees, turning it into a huge social event when they’re in bloom each spring, even though they last for only about a week. We’re also quite fond of capybaras, as you can tell from the way we delight in pampering them in hot spring baths, and also creating mascot characters out of them as well. Well, we’re right in the middle of sakura season in Tokyo now, and we’ve found a cute little picture that combines these two seemingly unrelated subjects in a delightfully unexpected way. Yes, straight from Ueno, one of the most famous sakura-viewing areas in Tokyo, we bring to you this lovely photo that has captured the hearts of Japanese netizens and gives renewed meaning to the Japanese expression, “hana yori dango.”
A sun bear cub residing in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo was videoed having a frustrating time dealing with the door to its den. It would seem the handle to the door was juuuuust out of reach of the bemused bear cub. Even standing on its tip-toes it can’t quite make it. Then it starts spinning around, gets dizzy and falls on its back.
Prepare to go “Awww” hard.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Can you make butter by running with a pouch filled with cream? Let’s find out[Taste test]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Fish and chips shop in Japan is highly rated by foreigners, but will it impress a Japanese local?
Drinkable pixels: 7-Eleven Japan creates new convenience store juice with “pixels” inside
Amazing exhibition of Japan’s legendary “cursed katana” is going on right now【Photos】
Weekly
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits- Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Fish and chips shop in Japan is highly rated by foreigners, but will it impress a Japanese local?
Drinkable pixels: 7-Eleven Japan creates new convenience store juice with “pixels” inside
Amazing exhibition of Japan’s legendary “cursed katana” is going on right now【Photos】
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
From cameos to creepy-crawlies: 15 little-known facts about Studio Ghibli movies
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Tiny travel guides are our latest Japanese gacha capsule toy obsession
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
-
