Ueno Zoo is set to open a ‘roller-coaster’ people-mover in 2029

Many Tokyoites have fond memories of Ueno Zoo’s iconic suspended monorail, which linked the East and West sections of the zoo from 1957 until its stoppage in 2019. The animal-plastered train’s permanent closure in 2023 was met with dismay by locals and train enthusiasts, but now it sounds like the monorail is set to make a comeback of sorts.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has unveiled plans for a new transport system that broadly follows the route of the original monorail. Travelling 14 metres above ground, this people mover will offer sweeping views of the zoo and Shinobazu Pond through its wide windows, and even go above the pond during its 3.5-minute journey between two stations.

What’s new about this 21-metre-long train is that it will incorporate an ‘energy-saving’ design somewhat similar to that of a roller coaster. While hardly fast – it’ll travel at around 20 kilometres per hour maximum – the train will only be motorised on the uphill portions of the track, running solely on kinetic energy on downhill sections. This set-up will allow it to descend by relying only on inertia and gravity.

Construction on the new people mover is starting later this year, with the opening planned for fiscal year 2029 (April 2029–March 2030).

More from Time Out Tokyo

See the world’s most famous work of Japanese erotic art now in Kabukicho

10 art exhibitions to check out in and around Tokyo this spring

7 best parks and gardens to see late-blooming cherry blossoms in Tokyo this spring

Feed sheep and spin wool on this farm tour near Tokyo

Tokyo unveils one of the world’s tallest fountains, soaring up to 150 metres high

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.