The Giant Pandas of Ueno Zoo

Japan’s first zoo was established in 1882, in Ueno Park. Although its age is starting to show, the zoo is still a popular retreat in Tokyo. It’s inexpensive, surprisingly large, and… of course… there are those Giant Pandas.

Before our visit to Ueno Zoo, I’d never seen a Giant Panda. Or at least, Lili and Shinshin are the first I can remember seeing. We arrived at the zoo with perfect timing, just as lunch was being served. The pair, who arrived from China in 2011, had been released into separa...