A pocket of greenery and an escape from the modern skyline of Tokyo, Ueno Park is a must visit for some rest bite among nature and tradition. The park is home to some of Tokyo’s most famous museums, Ueno Zoo, temples and shrines, and therefore makes for a great location for any culture vultures! Exploring the park and surrounding area of Ueno is a great way to spend a day in Tokyo!

Ueno park was established in 1873, and was the first public park to open in Japan. Visitors can easily spend a whole day and more exploring the 10 hectares of the park. It is home to some of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines and temples, including a shrine dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Built in the style of the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, it is adorned with gold leaf, beautiful wood carvings and brightly painted designs.

If you’re looking for great museums, Ueno Park is home to 6 : Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Royal Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Western Art Museum, Shitamachi Museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Ranging from dinosaurs and animals, archaeology and history, to art, you will find something to suit your interests. This is also a perfect place to come on rainy days where you can spend most of your time indoors, and within close proximity to the train station. Admission costs can vary per event, but expect to pay around 500 yen to 1000 yen for entry.

Ueno Park is well known for its Zoo! The mascot of the zoo is the Panda, and you will notice many Panda motifs dotted around the park. Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and opened in 1882! Note that the zoo is closed on Mondays, unless Monday is a national holiday in which it will be closed on the Tuesday instead. So make sure to check their schedule in advance of visiting. Prices range from 200 yen up to 600 yen (child prices to adult prices).

In Spring, Ueno Park is full of blooming Sakura and makes for one of the most popular places in Tokyo to come and enjoy the flowers and picnics. So if you’re coming in the months of April or May, you may be lucky enough to see the Cherry Blossoms in various stages of bloom.

The park has many cafes and eateries where visitors can enjoy a break from exploring, and it is only a ten minute walk to Ueno’s popular ’Ameyoko’ shopping district. In Ameyoko you will find many restaurants as well as shops to buy souvenirs. On select days throughout the month, Ueno Park is also home to a large fleamarket where local craftmen sell pottery and crafts so you can buy the perfect souvenir.

Want to experience Ueno Park and so much more on your trip to Tokyo?

Why not join our ’1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka: Culture, Art and Old Tokyo’ tour. Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to tick off some of the highlights of Ueno Park but also venture to the hidden gem of neighbouring Yanaka. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:30 – 17:00
Meeting Place	Outside Ueno Station Park Gate Exit
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000