Ueno Zoo (Ueno Dōbutsu-en)

Japan’s oldest zoo was established in 1882, and is home to lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). The biggest attractions are normally the giant pandas, but the zoo’s only remaining panda, Ling Ling, passed away in 2008. As we went to press, a pair of new pandas was reportedly due to arrive from China in early 2011. If you object to zoos in general, this one probably won’t change your opinion, what with small enclosures for the animals and a facility that’s generally showing its age. On the other hand it’s larger than you’d think, given the obvious space constraints of Tokyo. Plus, all of the big-name animals from around the globe are well represented here. If you’re visiting the zoo with the kids, you can take a ride on the monorail to the petting zoo, where your precious ones can gently run their small, sticky hands over tame animals such as ducks, horses and goats. National Science Museum (Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan) Map p78 This large, sprawling, multistorey museum dedicated to the pursuit of science is packed with delights, especially if you’re travelling with the little ones. Displays (eg of the forest or animals of the savannah) are imaginatively presented, some allowing kids to climb up, down, around and even within. Other displays explain concepts of physics and mechanics by showing just how things like magnets do what they do. Also, don’t miss the giant, life-sized replica of a blue whale that soars over the entrance to the museum. And of course, there are dinosaurs, dinosaurs and more dinosaurs… There is English signage throughout, though it’s not as extensive as the Japanese signage. An English-language audio guide is available (¥300). Note the different contact number for weekends and holidays.