Events during Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week
event
October 8, 2026 (Updated October 14, 2026)
In conjunction with Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week (October 24th (Sat) - November 3rd (Tue/Holiday), 2026), we will be holding events introducing the cultural properties of each park, including animals designated as natural monuments. Why not spend a day in autumn strolling through the park and reflecting on the value and preservation of cultural properties?
Please note that the registered name and the name used within each park may differ. The names in parentheses in the tables in each park's article are the names displayed within the park.
*Depending on the animal's health condition, viewing may not be possible.
"Cultural assets"
Under the Cultural Properties Protection Act, cultural properties are classified into six categories: "Tangible Cultural Properties (buildings, crafts, etc.)", "Intangible Cultural Properties (theater, music, etc.)", "Folk Cultural Properties (customs, traditions, folk performing arts, etc.)", "Monuments (archaeological sites, scenic spots, flora and fauna, etc.)", "Cultural Landscapes (landscapes formed by the lives of local people, etc.)", and "Traditional Building Groups (traditional buildings that form a historical landscape, etc.)".
"Important Cultural Property"
These are tangible cultural properties that have been designated by the government as "important."
"Natural Monument"
Among the plants and animals designated as "monuments," those designated as "important" by the national government, prefectural governments, etc.
"Special Natural Monument"
These are "natural monuments" that have been designated by the government as "particularly important."
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" for important cultural properties and animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!
October 24, 2026 (Sat)- November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday)
From 9:30 AM during the period
*While supplies last.
East Garden Gneral Information Center
type | name |
|---|---|
Important cultural property | Former Kan'ei-ji Temple Five-storied Pagoda |
special Natural Monument | Red-crowned Crane |
Storks (Oriental White Stork) | |
Rock Ptarmigan | |
Japanese serow (Japanese Serow) | |
Japanese Giant Salamander | |
Natural Monument (Nationally designated) | Steller's Sea Eagle |
Lidth's Jay | |
Japanese Wood Pigeon | |
Red-headed Wood Pigeon | |
Bonin Flying Fox | |
Land snails of the Ogasawara Islands (Land Snail) |
Cultural Heritage Week Special guided tour: "Animals Designated as Natural Monuments"
We will visit animals designated as natural monuments, observing their appearance and lifestyles. We will also discuss how they were recognized as cultural assets and their current status in the wild, so please take this opportunity to take a closer look at the precious animals that inhabit Japan.
October 27th (Tue), October 28th (Wed), October 29th (Thu), 2026
Each day from 11:00 to 11:30
Japanese Serow, Lidth's Jay, rock Rock Ptarmigan, etc.
*Some species may not be explained depending on the animal's health condition or the weather.
There are also some other possibilities. Please be aware of this in advance.
In front of the Japanese Serow enclosure East Garden
If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.
Cultural Heritage Week Special Guide: "Let's find animal motifs in Five-storied Pagoda"
This guide will explore the former Five-storied Pagoda of Kan'ei-ji Temple, built during the Edo period, from an "animal" perspective. Let's look for sculptures featuring various animals and parts of the pagoda named after animals.
This event is being held as part of the Edo Tokyo campaign.
Monday, November 2, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM *Event will proceed even in case of rain.
In front of Five-storied Pagoda in East Garden of Ueno Zoo
*The grounds of Five-storied Pagoda are covered with gravel paths.
Please wear comfortable shoes.
10:50
Those wishing to participate should come to the meeting place by the registration time.
please.
Participation is free, but a separate entrance fee to the park is required.
25 people
*Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
Tama Zoo
Tama Zoo
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" about animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!
October 24, 2026 (Sat)- November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday)
During the period from 9:30
*While supplies last.
Main Main Gate Square
*In case of rain: Watching Center 1st floor entrance
type | Name |
|---|---|
special Natural Monument | Red-crowned Crane |
Storks (Oriental White Stork) | |
Japanese serow (Japanese Serow) | |
Natural Monument (National designation) | Steller's Sea Eagle |
White-tailed Eagle | |
Golden Eagle (Japanese Golden Eagle) | |
Tundra Bean Goose | |
Brant Goose | |
Greater White-fronted Goose | |
Japanese Wood Pigeon | |
Red-headed Wood Pigeon | |
Terrestrial mollusks of the Ogasawara Islands (Land Snail) |
Cultural Heritage Week Special Guide: "The Stork"
Join our guides as you observe the appearance and lifestyle of the Oriental White Stork, a species designated as a Special Natural Monument. We will also introduce you to the relationship between Japanese culture and the Oriental White Stork.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 11:00-11:20
[Cancelled due to rain]
Near spot number 26 on Asian Zone map
If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.
Cultural Heritage Week Special Guide: "Golden Eagle"
Join our guides as you observe the appearance and lifestyle of Golden Eagle, a designated natural monument. We will also introduce you to the relationship between Japanese culture and Golden Eagle.
Monday, November 2, 2026, 14:00-14:20
November 3rd (Tuesday/Holiday) 11:00-11:20
[Cancelled due to rain]
Asian Zone Flying Cage
If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.
Cultural Heritage Week Special Talk: "Birds Designated as Natural Monuments"
In conjunction with Cultural Heritage Week, bird keepers will talk about the wild lifestyles of various birds designated as natural monuments, as well as points to observe at the zoo.
November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) 14:00-14:30
Animal Watching Center
Anyone is welcome to participate.
*The content is geared towards elementary school students and older, but preschool children are also welcome to participate.
100 people
*No reservation required; first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
Inokashira Park Zoo
Inokashira Park Zoo
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" about animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!
October 24, 2026 (Sat) - November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/holiday)
During the period, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
*While supplies last.
Zoo (Main Park) Museum, 1st Floor
type | Name |
|---|---|
special Natural Monument | Red-crowned Crane |
Storks (Oriental White Stork) | |
Japanese serow (Japanese Serow) | |
Japanese Giant Salamander | |
Natural Monument (National designation) | Lidth's Jay |
Japanese Wood Pigeon | |
Red-headed Wood Pigeon | |
Tsushima Leopard Cat | |
Tsushima Marten | |
Spiny rat (Amami-oshima Island Spiny Rat) | |
Tokyo Butterfly Bitterling | |
Land mollusks of the Ogasawara Islands (Land Snail) |
Cultural Heritage Week Special guided tour: "Animals Designated as Natural Monuments"
Together with staff members, you will observe the appearance and lifestyle of animals designated as natural monuments as you visit them.
We will also discuss how its importance as a cultural property was recognized, as well as its current status in the wild, so please take this opportunity to take a closer look at these precious animals that inhabit Japan.
Date | title | Meeting time | Meeting point | When it rains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2026年 November 3rd (Tuesday/Holiday) | Living on an island in Japan Animals designated as natural monuments | 11:00 | Zoo (Main Zoo) In front of the museum | implementation |
They live near water. Animals designated as natural monuments | 13:00 | Aquatic garden (branch) In front of Aquatic Life House | implementation |
If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.
*The event may be canceled or changed depending on the animals' health, weather conditions, etc.
Please check the information signs at Main Gate and Nanai Gate for details on the implementation status.
Cultural Heritage Week: Natural Monument Guide animal keeper
In conjunction with Cultural Heritage Week, our zookeepers will talk about animals designated as natural monuments.
Date | title | Meeting time | Meeting point | When it rains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2026年 Saturday, October 24th | The story of Red-crowned Crane | 2:30 PM | Aquatic garden (branch) In front of the crane Red-crowned Crane | cancel |
2026年 Sunday, October 25th | Japanese Giant Salamander Story | 11:30 | Aquatic garden (branch) In front of the Japanese Giant Salamander tank Aquatic Life House | implementation |
Amami-oshima Island Spiny Rat rat Story | 1:30 p.m. | Zoo (Main Zoo) In front of Amami-oshima Island Spiny Rat exhibit on the first floor of the museum. | implementation | |
Red-headed Wood Pigeon Story | 14:00 | Zoo (Main Zoo) In front of the Japanese bird Red-headed Wood Pigeon | cancel | |
The story of Japanese Serow | 2:30 PM | Zoo (Main Zoo) In front of the Japanese serow Japanese Serow | cancel | |
2026年 November 1st (Sunday) | The story of Tsushima Marten | 16:00 | Zoo (Main Zoo) In front of the marten enclosure Tsushima Marten) | cancel |
If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.
*The event may be canceled or changed depending on the animals' health, weather conditions, etc.
Please check the information signs at Main Gate and Nanai Gate for details on the implementation status.
Tokyo Sea Life Park
Tokyo Sea Life Park
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" about animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!
October 24, 2026 (Sat)- November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday)
From 9:30 AM during the period
*While supplies last.
Information Desk, inside the glass dome of the main building.
type | Name |
|---|---|
Natural Monument (National designation) | Land mollusks of the Ogasawara Islands (Land Snail) |
Oshima Park Zoo
Oshima Park Zoo
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" about animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!
October 24, 2026 (Sat)- November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday)
During the period from 9:00
*While supplies last.
Oshima Park Office (Information Center)
type | Name |
|---|---|
Natural Monument (National designation) | White-tailed Eagle |
Japanese Wood Pigeon |
