Events during Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week

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

During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, we will be distributing "explanatory cards" for important cultural properties and animals designated as natural monuments. Please stop by!

Natural Monument Lidth's Jay

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.

Date and Time

October 27th (Tue), October 28th (Wed), October 29th (Thu), 2026
Each day from 11:00 to 11:30

Content

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.

Meeting point

In front of the Japanese Serow enclosure East Garden

How to participate

If you wish to participate, please come to the meeting place by the start time.

Former Kan'ei-ji Temple Five-storied Pagoda

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.

Date and Time

Monday, November 2, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM *Event will proceed even in case of rain.

Meeting point

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.

Reception hours

10:50

How to participate

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.

Capacity

25 people
*Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.