Ueno Zoo is home to Japan's largest captive shoebill population, making it one of the few places in the country where you can observe this remarkable bird up close.

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Native to east-central Africa, the shoebill is an endangered species whose striking appearance, motionless stance, and ancient presence make visitors stop in their tracks — the shoebill enclosure is a highlight of any visit.

Known for its majestic posture and stony, expressionless face, the shoebill stands about 100–140 cm tall and weighs roughly 5–6 kg, with a large, distinctive bill shaped like a traditional Dutch wooden clog. To wait for the perfect moment to catch prey, a shoebill can remain completely still for hours at a time.

Listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the shoebill has an estimated 3,300–5,300 wild adults remaining, and its population is declining due to habitat loss from deforestation, development, water pollution, and hunting.

Ueno Zoo is easily reached from the Park Exit of Ueno Station, so even without a safari trip to Africa you can observe these birds up close. The zoo currently houses females Asante, Sana, and Milly, along with male Hatxuwe. Although shoebills are famous for standing motionless for long periods, you might catch them walking or spreading their wings shortly after the morning feeding session.

Convenient facilities near the enclosure let you rest during your visit. The Nishi-en Rest House sits right behind the enclosure — spacious and air-conditioned, it serves light meals such as curry rice, pasta, and udon. In cooler weather, Cafe Chameleon is also recommended, with an outdoor terrace overlooking Shinobazu Pond and a menu of burgers, fried chicken, and yakisoba.

Ueno Zoo's Conservation Mission

A photo with the shoebill makes a wonderful souvenir, but endangered species like it also offer a chance to learn about Ueno Zoo's other role in rare-species conservation. Tokyo's zoos are not just places to see animals up close — they are long-term centers for the research and conservation of rare species.

One example is the "Zoo Stock Plan" established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1989 to support the conservation and breeding of rare animals kept at metropolitan zoos and aquariums. Today, under the "Second Zoo Stock Plan" formulated in 2018, the zoo promotes systematic breeding, proper population management, environmental education, and cooperation with other conservation organizations — and the shoebill is one of the species protected under this framework.

Ueno Zoo is also a certified institution under the "Certification System for Rare Species Conservation Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums" launched by Japan's Ministry of the Environment in 2018. Facilities must demonstrate their contribution to species conservation through the care and management of rare species in order to be certified, and the system supports inter-institution cooperation such as smooth animal transfers for conservation or breeding.

Ueno Zoo's conservation work also connects to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goal 15, "Life on Land," which aims to protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. As Japan's oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo has been part of Tokyo's urban landscape for over 140 years, and today its role extends far beyond that of an ordinary sightseeing facility.

Riding the Shoebill Car

The shoebill car made its debut in April 2026. This autonomous ride, designed around the shoebill's expressionless face, seats up to four people and takes riders on a leisurely tour of the "Panda Forest" area, once home to giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. Although there are no longer any giant pandas in the enclosure, the timeline and photos on the display boards make it easy to learn about the animals that once lived at Ueno Zoo and the zoo's history.

The shoebill car is free to ride but requires advance reservation. You can reserve via the QR code at the boarding-point entrance, or online through the ASOVIEW! reservation page on the official website. The "Shoebill Car for Kids" is for visitors accompanied by children in junior high school or younger, with reservations opening at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis (general reservations start at 12:30). Head to the shoebill photo spot in the West Garden to find the boarding point.

Before leaving, don't miss the gift shop between the shoebill enclosure and Cafe Chameleon, stocked with a wide range of shoebill-themed items including fans, towels, T-shirts, and plush toys. Whether you're after practical goods or playful souvenirs, you're sure to find a memento of your shoebill encounter.

Practical Info

Ueno Zoological Gardens (Tokyo Metropolitan) | Address: 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Check the official website for the latest opening hours, closures, and admission fees.