Ueno is a well-known area in Tokyo for its many attractions. There’s springtime cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, popular dating spot Ueno Zoo, museums for those with fine taste, eateries, shopping spots and more. Ueno is popular with tourists and locals alike for a weekend getaway in Tokyo.
Table of Contents
- Ueno: Japan's International Center for Arts & Culture
- Weekend Experience in Ueno
- Getting to Ueno
- Summary
Ueno: Japan's International Center for Arts & Culture
If you feel confined by the busy and crowded Tokyo, then Ueno is the perfect place for a quick getaway. But first, let's learn more of its rich history.
History of Ueno
Within Taito City during the Edo Period of Japan, there's an untouched beautiful piece of land called Ueno Mountain. The newly established Rikugunsho, or the Army Ministry, of the Meiji Government planned to build an army hospital near the Kaneiji Temple but through Dr. A.F. Bauduin's appeals were persuaded to build a park instead. The proposal was accepted, and Ueno Park was unveiled in 1876. This park soon became a center not only for culture and history but also for the modernization and recovery of Japan.
Ueno Park was witness to the early National Industrial Exhibitions, construction of Ueno Zoo in 1882, The Great Kanto Earthquake, the Imperial Capital Recovery Festival, the damages of World War II, and the arrival of the panda ambassadors in 1972 which were all important events not only to Ueno Park but to all of Japan.
※ Ueno Cultural Park, "The History of Ueno"
Geological Details of the Area
Ueno is centred around Ueno Park which is built atop a hill called Ueno no Yama or Ueno Mountain mentioned above, a part of Shitamachi - Tokyo’s lower area. Shitamachi in history used to be where the working class lived even if this area was prone to floods. Ueno was also a part of the Musashino Plateau along with Ueno Park's Shinobazu Pond. These areas were utilized by the Tokugawa Shogunate to construct the Kaneiji Temple for Edo Castle’s protection. This temple, however, was ravaged by the Battle of Ueno leaving only remnants behind.
Writer's Pick
Weekend Experience in Ueno
Want to fill your weekend with worthwhile experience? Here's a list of Ueno's attractions to make your weekend worthwhile.
Things-to-do in Ueno Park
These are some attractions located within Ueno Park with convenient access from Ueno Station’s Ueno Park Exit.
Visit Museums
Visit Shitamachi Museum just a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station to learn all about the people of Shitamachi (downtown). Find out what makes the working class culture of Shitamachi unique, from special nagaya houses, to their art and culture during the Edo Period. All this for only 300 yen.
Or have a look around Ueno Royal Museum just a 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station. This museum has numerous bronze statues, artifacts, and special exhibitions. They also have a restaurant & cafe.
We also have a full article about Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
※ Taito Ward Arts and Culture Foundation, "Shitamachi Museum" ※ The Ueno Royal Museum
Ueno Zoo Exploration
Next up, we have the globally famous Ueno Zoo. This zoo has many animals from both Eastern and Western parts of the world. Not only can you visit their famous Giant Pandas, but there are also Sumatran Tigers, Australian Kangaroos, Penguins, Zebras, Pygmy Hippos, Asiatic Elephants, and even Polar Bears! Ueno Zoo also has its own petting zoo for children to interact with various animals.
Ueno Zoo can be found within Ueno Park, and you can enter for only 600 yen. It is open all week from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. except Mondays.
Check out our full article about it! Visit Japan's oldest zoo: Tokyo's Ueno Zoo
※ Tokyo Zoological Park Society, "Ueno Zoological Gardens"
See Temples and Shrines
If a peaceful stroll is what you need, Ueno's nearby temples and shrines are where you should visit. Within Ueno Park stands the remains of Toeizan Kan’eiji Temple of the late Tokugawa Shogunate. Witness relics of the past like the Kompon-Chu-do (Main Hall), Kaneiji's Copper Bell, Mushizuka-hi (apparently dedicated to insect lab experiments), and its towering five-story pagoda.
Alternatively, you could also visit another Tokugawa Shogunate historical site which is Ueno Toshogu. This shrine was also built inside Ueno Park, and it enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu along with other Tokugawa shoguns. It used to be a part of Kaneiji Temple but unlike the temple, it managed to survive and be preserved throughout the years. Luckily for us as we can still enjoy the view of its Karamon Gate, Sukibei Wall, Honden (Main Hall), and the Botan-en (Peony Garden) from mid-April to mid-May.
※ Kaneiji, "About Kaneiji Temple" “English Brochure” ※ Ueno Toshogu
Romantic Date at Shinobazu Pond
Lastly, you cannot afford to miss out on Shinobazu Pond's delightful setting. This whole pond is divided into three parts:
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U No Ike or Cormorant Pond - this pond is occupied by free roaming birds like ducks which are close to Ueno Zoo
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Boto No Ike or the Boat Pond - this pond is the place to do activities like riding a boat while casually strolling around the peaceful view of the pond.
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Hasu No Ike or the Lotus Pond - this unique pond is covered with Lotus which mostly blooms around July and August.
In the middle of the three ponds, you can also see the reconstructed temple of Benten-do dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess called Benzaiten.
※ Ueno Park ※ Bureau of Construction Tokyo Metropolitan Government, "Ueno Park," p. 27-28
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Participate in the annual Hanami and celebrate with Ueno's Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival is usually held every year at the end of March or early April when cherry blossom trees bloom.
For more Tokyo Cherry Blossoms, check this article:
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season: The most popular spots to see sakura in Tokyo
※ Japan National Tourism Organization, "Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival"
Ueno Shopping Adventure
Lastly, you could have a shopping spree or just casual window shopping around Ueno's Shopping districts. The places you could choose from are:
Ecute Ueno
First up, we have Ecute on the 3rd Floor of JR Ueno Station. Here you can buy books, delicious sandwiches, panda-shaped baked goods, and other panda-themed souvenirs. Or, you can dine in restaurants like Tokyo Jangara's Shoyu Ramen and cafes where you can try tea, coffee, and milk tea.
Uechun Street
On the streets between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station is Ueno Naka-dori. More commonly referred to as Uechun (上中) that’s filled with second hand stores (-OFFs), pachinko parlours, eateries, hotels, boutiques, and other street stalls selling clothes, shoes, and trinkets. Stroll down this street for a spot of shopping as you look out for special sale discounts.
Ameyoko Yokocho
A 3-mins walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station 5a/5b exit is market alley Ameya Yokocho otherwise known as Ameyoko. Take a walk through the colorful market streets with many hawker stalls selling all kinds of goods including dried foods, fish, sweets, spices, handbags, accessories, toys, makeup, and more. There’s also a temple somewhere along the streets. If you’re feeling peckish, just pop into one of the many food stalls or get some snacks from the stands to chomp on as you continue your stroll.
Parco_ya Ueno
A popular hangout spot in Ueno is Parco_ya Department Store. There’s also a cinema on the top floors if you want to catch a movie. Catch up with friends, spend time with family, a couple’s date, or just some alone time, this place is perfect for winding down at the end of the week.
Getting to Ueno
As one of the hotspots in Tokyo for tourists and locals alike, Ueno is easily accessible with several connecting stations.
Reaching Ueno on the Yamanote Line
The JR Yamanote Loop Line connects major stations around Tokyo including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and more. Unsurprisingly, Ueno Station is also one of the stations on the line. If you have a JR Rail Pass, consider using this route as it will be free.
Reaching Ueno on the Tokyo Metro
The Ginza and Hibiya Lines provide access to Ueno Station.
Reaching Ueno on the Shinkansen
Coming from outside Tokyo? Ueno Station is a stop for the following Shinkansen lines: Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu, and Hokuriku.
Summary
You don’t have to travel far for a good time in Tokyo. Get in touch with nature in Shinobazu Pond, heal your soul with adorable animals at Ueno Zoo, or get in touch with your artistic side in museums. Ueno has a slice of pie for everyone with different tastes.
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