10 Must Visit Spots in Ueno
Located in Taitō ward, Ueno is known as the cultural hub of Tokyo. Due to its central location, it boasts great transport links from other parts of the city. Full of some of Tokyo’s largest and best museums, and beautiful shrines and temples, all of which are all located in the heart of the expansive Ueno Park. Visitors can enjoy soaking up all the traditional culture and history they want to in one location. The park is the perfect escape and backdrop for anybody looking to escape the urban jungle of Tokyo. It is also a lively district and also home to Tokyo Zoo, one of the best cherry Blossom viewing spots in the city, and has a great market selling local crafts! We have created this page to provide you with the inspiration you need to make the most of your time exploring this wonderful neighbourhood! On this page you will find the following information :
— 30 Best Day-trips & Overnight Getaways from Tokyo
10 Must Visit Spots in Ueno
We offer one tour which visits the area of Ueno which we highly recommend for anybody wanting to experience this Ueno as well as the highly recommended hidden gem of Yanaka! The tour visits most of the places listed below, so if after reading this article Ueno sounds like somewhere you’d love to visit, click on the tour card below!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo | |
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| 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 |
1 / National Museum of Nature and Science
There are many large museums to explore in Ueno Park, but for the purpose of this top 10 list, we have chosen two of our favourites. Coming in at number 1 is the National Museum of Nature and Science. If you love all things Natural History, Geography, Technology and Archaeology, then this museum is a must visit. Built in 1871, the Museum building is a stunning example of Meiji and Showa period architecture. The entrance and exit of the Museum leave lasting impressions with a real steam locomotive train and life sized replica of a Blue Whale on display! The museum is divided into two main parts, the Japan Gallery and Global Gallery. We highly recommend checking out the Japan Gallery during your visit to learn more about Japan’s history. It is in the Japan Gallery where you can learn all about the evolution of the Japanese people throughout key periods in history, as well as learn about the famous and beloved Hachikō dog! You can learn more about Hachikō on our 10 Must Visit Spots in Shibuya page. After exploring the exhibits, we highly suggest popping across to the Global Gallery and up to its Rooftop terrace and herb garden! Here, you can take in amazing views of the Tokyo skyline including the Tokyo Skytree! Before leaving, make sure to grab a refreshment at their cafe or pop into the museum shop! Admission ranges from free up to 630 yen.
2 / Tokyo National Museum
Our second highly recommended Museum is Tokyo National Museum! Founded in 1872, This is Japan’s largest museum with an extensive collection of Archaeological and Historical Artefacts, traditional Japanese art, Samurai Armour and ceramics. The museum is divided into several galleries, but we particularly love the Honkan Japanese Gallery and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures. Honkan is home to all manner of tangible Japanese culture where you can marvel at Samurai swords and armour, Kimono, and art. It is also where you can try your hand at making your own Ukiyo-e ( traditional wood block art) by layering stamps to create the same effect! If you want to feel closer to Japan’s history and gain a deeper understanding, then this museum is one of the best to visit during your Ueno and Tokyo trip! The museum also hosts a number of special and temporary exhibitions, so make sure to check out what is on before you visit! If you’re looking for a tasteful and beautiful souvenir, the museum gift shop has an exquisite selection of high quality goods including items such as laquerware and Ukiyo-e! Admission ranges from free to 1,000 yen.
3 / Shinobazu Pond
Dating back to the Edo period, Shinobazu Pond is a stunning body of water nestled among the surrounding buildings of Ueno. It was originally modelled after Lake Biwa in Kyoto, and was part of the older Kaneiji Temple grounds. After exploring the centre of Ueno Park, we highly recommend continuing your journey down to the pond for a relaxing water in nature. The pond is divided into three parts including the Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond and the Cormorant Pond. If you’re lucky to be visiting during the Summer months, the Lotus Pond will be blooming with luscious green and pink Lotus flowers. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy renting rowboats and boats shaped like Swans to ride around the pond as you gaze out at the beautiful view. This is a very popular activity with couples! If you’re a bird enthusiast then you will love to spend time at the Cormorant section of the pond where you can sit on one of the many benches and watch the various bird species that flock here. During Cherry Blossom season, the pond is also spectacular, with beautiful blooms taking over the landscape!
4 / Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Arguably one of the most historically and culturally important shrines in all of Tokyo, Ueno Toshogu is a stunning Shinto shrine dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tokugawa Ieyasu brought peace and stability to Japan after ending a period of instability which lasted under the Tokugawa family rule for nearly 270 years. It was originally built in 1627 and has since been an incredibly important place of worship for over 4 centuries. Remarkably, Ueno Toshogu somehow managed to survive the air raids of WW2 and natural disasters, therefore the beautifully preserved original Edo-architecture is really not something to be missed! The shrine is ornate, with elaborate decor of golf leaf and colourful wood carvings. You cannot enter the inside of the main hall, but visitors can enjoy seeing the exterior and enter the outer gate of the grounds. Tokugawa Ieyasu has another shrine dedicated to him in Nikko, part of Tochigi prefecture in Japan where he is enshrined and buried in an even more impressive shrine. However, if on your trip to Japan you do not have the time to visit Nikko, then we highly recommend stopping by Ueno Toshogu to experience a flavour of what Nikko has to offer. The shrine also has a small peony garden which blooms in late winter and early Spring. The shrine also hosts its own festival, the Ueno Toshogu Spring Festival in April where traditional dances, music and ceremonies take place.
5 / The Great Buddha of Ueno Memorial and Temple
The Great Buddha of Ueno was once a large bronze Buddha statue constructed in 1631 within Ueno park. It was originally created to bring peace and protection to the Tokugawa Shogunate and the people of Edo (Tokyo). Unfortunately, over time the statue succumb to damage from many earthquakes. Despite this, the statue’s face remains in tact and serves as a beautifully preserved reminder of what was once an impressive statue. The face now rests in a location in Ueno Park where it was relocated in 1972 to create the temple/memorial we see today, and makes for a striking and relaxing spot to reflect. The Buddha represents peace and enlightenment, and you will therefore see many students coming here to pray for good luck in their final exams!
6 / Hanazono Inari Shrine
Hanazono Inari Shrine in Ueno is a small but very quaint Shinto shrine tucked away in the Ueno Park. The Shrine is also a minute or two from the Great Buddha Temple. It is dedicated to the Inari god, the god of fertility, agriculture and rice. In Japan, all Inari Shrines are marked with beautiful red/orange Torii gates which lead the worshipper to the shrine. At Hanazono, visitors can enjoy walking through a picturesque row of these gates, which are like a min version of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto! You will notice fox statues dotted throughout the Shrine complex. This is because foxes or Kitsune, are seen as the messengers of the Inari God. The Shrine has a peaceful atmosphere, and makes for a great photo opportunity to capture the beauty of these types of Shrines.
7 / Benten-do Temple
Benten-do Temple is located within the outskirts of Ueno Park. To reach it, you will need to cross a main road and then a small bridge which leads to the entrance of the Temple complex. The temple is in fact built on a man made island on Shinobazu Pond. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Benzaiten, the Goddess of music and art. She is therefore depicted holding a Lute! Benzaiten is also the onky female member of the 7 Lucky Gods worshipped across Japan. This temple therefore holds significant historical and religious importance for many visitors. Temples dedicated to Benzaiten are almost always built near or on water, and so visitors can enjoy seeing the stunning red and white architecture of this temple against the backdrop of the expansive pond. The Temple is very popular with photographers due to its picturesque location. With the surrounding Cherry Blossom in Spring and the Lotus Flowers in the Summer, the beauty of Benten-do is truly enhanced. We highly recommend coming here first, before taking a relaxing walk or boat ride!
8 / Ameyoko
After exploring the delights of Ueno Park, we highly recommend visitors walk for approximately 10 minutes to reach Ameyoko, Ueno’s shopping and eating centre with a retro charm! Ameyoko’s history goes back to post WW2 when it was a black market for American goods. Throughout the years, it has transformed into the lively market we see today. The area has a vibrant atmosphere, packed with shops selling local goods, foods and crafts. This is a great place to have some lunch, dinner or to try some street food! It can get busy so be prepared. Here you can buy items such as Octopus balls, chicken skewers, dumplings, fresh fish, clothing and souvenirs. There are also many side streets which we recommend you explore to make the most of your time here. The market is in a great location, just 5 minutes or less from Ueno Station so it’s a great place to finish at after a day of exploring the surrounding area.
9 / Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest Zoo and was founded in 1882. It is located in the very centre of Ueno Park, right next to Ueno Toshogu Shrine. The zoo is home to more than 400 different species including Elephants, Tigers, Lions birds, reptiles and of course the most famous of all, Giant Pandas! The Pandas are so beloved by the people of Tokyo, that they have become the official mascot of the zoo as well as representing the wider Ueno area. The zoo offers a wide range of amenities and services to enhance the visitor experience including cafes, gift shops and rest areas. It is also worth noting that the zoo has good accessibility making it easier for families and visitors with disabilities. We highly advise visiting first thing in the morning as the zoo does get very busy and avoiding weekends if you can for the same reason. You can book your tickets online in advance of your trip, but you can easily purchase tickets on site at the zoo.
10 / Shopping at Ueno Park’s Markets
Our recommendation list would not be complete without also suggesting visiting the market and stalls dotted across Ueno Park. Ueno Park is home to a fantastic flea market which usually takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month. However, it is not uncommon for the market to be held on additional weekdays from time to time. The market can be found in the centre of Ueno Park, just opposite from where the Starbucks is located. The market is hosted by an array of local vendors, craftmen and craftwomen selling beautiful and unique goods. These range from ceramics and pottery, chopsticks, kitchenware, plants and antiques. You can happily browse the various stalls and hopefully find the perfect souvenir! Located at the entrance of Benten-do are usually a few street food and drinks vendors selling delicious meat and chicken skewers, seafood and buns. We highly recommend buying some food to enjoy as you sit in the park and relax!
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Ueno is just the scratching the surface of what Tokyo has to offer. The Capital is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There really is so much to see and do in Tokyo! Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region. However, to give you a taste of what we offer, check out the tours below! We hope you book a tour with us!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Tokyo Station’s Domed Lobby Area by Green and White Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | February – November |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Day Trip to Kawagoe : Experience the ‘Little Edo’ of Japan | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Ikebukuro Train Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
