Built in 1882, Ueno Zoo was Japan's first ever zoo. 500 different species with 3000 animals altogether are on display in the zoo, the grounds of which are spread over a 14 hectare space. The Zoo is full of greenery, with enclosures that imitate the animals' real world habitats and employ a variety of tactics that allow visitors to see the animals up close. In April of 2011, after a three year hiatus, the Zoo once more became home to giant pandas.