Opened in 1882 in Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo is Japan's oldest zoo. Its most popular residents are giant panda bears, which first moved here in 1972 on the occasion of the normalization of relations between Japan and China. The zoo temporarily had no pandas after the death of Ling Ling in 2008, but received two new baby pandas in February 2011 and welcomed the birth of Shan Shan to great fanfare in June 2017.

Zoorasia is a well designed, modern zoo, located about an hour outside of Tokyo in Yokohama. The zoo has animals from around the world, including polar bears and elephants, as well as a section of animals native to Japan.

The beautifully designed Sumida Aquarium opened in May 2012 at the base of the Tokyo Skytree. It is relatively small, but features some outstanding exhibits, including a unique penguin cage and attractively presented tanks with sea life from the waters around Tokyo, including the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.

The Epson Aqua Stadium in Shinagawa is part aquarium and part theme park. Popular attractions include the dolphin shows, a jellyfish exhibit, a carousel and a viking ship.

This aquarium exhibits aquatic creatures from around the world, including stingrays, sunfish, frogs, snakes, penguins, seals and otters. The aquarium is on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building in Sunshine City.

Located in Kasai Rinkai Park, this aquarium seeks to reproduce local aquatic habitats and those from around the world. Popular attractions include its penguin and seabirds habitat as well as its 360 degree tuna tank.