Japan’s oldest zoo, established in 1882, is home to animals from around the globe, but the biggest attractions are the giant pandas from China, Rī Rī and Shin Shin. Following several disappointments, the two finally had a cub, Xiang Xiang, in 2017 and then twins – Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei – in 2022. At the time of research, panda cub viewing was by lottery only.
The zoo also includes part of Shinobazu-iku and has a terrace right on the edge for good views.
