Ueno Zoo, is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located within Ueno Park, its star attraction, has got to be its pair of giant pandas, Ri Ri and Shin Shin. Not only can you catch a glimpse of some interesting animals, park-goers also make for good people-watching.

I do enjoy visiting zoos very much (although I can’t help feeling conflicted about whether animals belong more in captivity or in their natural habitat) and I have seen my fair share of animals. At 600¥ (about USD$6) per entry for adults, Ueno Zoo (as well as other Japanese zoos) is great value  and Singapore Zoo (about USD$17)) but I honestly wouldn’t mind paying more if it meant better living conditions and greater animal education and conservation efforts.