TOKYO — The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has disclosed information about a new transportation system designed to replace the monorail that previously operated within Ueno Zoological Gardens in Taito Ward, Tokyo.
The monorail ceased operations in 2023. The upcoming system will incorporate energy-efficient technology and a design that provides passengers with wide-angle views through its windows. The track will be constructed approximately 14 meters above the ground, enabling travelers to enjoy the landscape from an elevated vantage point. Construction is planned to start in fiscal year 2026, with service expected to commence by the end of fiscal year 2029.
As per the metropolitan government’s Construction Bureau, the ride will consist of three cars with an overall length of approximately 21 meters. It will link the zoo’s eastern and western sections across a distance of roughly 340 meters, operating at a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour and completing the journey in about three and a half minutes. The design will be similar to a roller coaster, utilizing motor power for climbing and relying on inertia for descending once the motor is switched off. The ride will accommodate 60 passengers and feature space for wheelchairs and strollers.
During a press briefing on March 27, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, “The attraction will provide wide-ranging views of both the zoo area and Shinobazu Pond. I hope everyone is excited about it.”
(Japanese original by Kazuo Yanagisawa, Tokyo City News Department)
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