Ueno Park in Tokyo is one of the city’s largest green spaces, located just north of the Akihabara District.
Renowned for its temples and museums, Ueno Park is a top attraction for both Japanese and international visitors.
A visit to Ueno Park offers a deep dive into Japanese culture and history, so make sure to include it on your list of must-see spots in Tokyo. Below, we present everything you need to see in the park to help you make the most of your visit.
What to See in Ueno Park?
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most diverse tourist spots, featuring a variety of temples, museums, a zoo, ponds, and the vibrant Ameyoko Market.
Here’s a video tour of the park during cherry blossom season, which is absolutely stunning:
Ueno Park is an oasis of nature and culture in the heart of Tokyo, celebrated for its museums, temples, and bustling Ameyoko Market.
To get the most out of your Tokyo visit and explore the city freely, consider using the 24, 48, or 72-hour metro pass. This pass offers unlimited travel throughout the city, allowing you to discover Tokyo’s hidden gems at your own pace.
Let’s take a closer look at each attraction within Ueno Park:
Shinobazu Pond
In the southeastern part of Ueno Park, you’ll find Shinobazu Pond, which is divided into three distinct areas:
- Boating Pond
- Cormorant Pond
- Lotus Pond
The Boating Pond, or Boōto no Ike, is ideal for renting pedal boats to enjoy a relaxing trip on the water, with the cherry blossoms providing a beautiful backdrop in spring.
The Cormorant Pond, or U no Ike, is home to numerous dark-feathered cormorants, which are similar in size to ducks.
The Lotus Pond, known in Japanese as Hasu no Ike, is covered in lotus flowers, creating a stunning natural display, especially in summer.
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is one of the most significant structures in Ueno Park, dating back to 1616.
Since its construction, Toshogu Shrine has undergone numerous reconstructions, especially after damage caused by the bombings of World War II.
The shrine’s current appearance stems from renovations ordered in 1651 by the third Shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa, who had it covered in gold leaf, giving it an impressive, unmatched look. Unique elements of the shrine include its tall walls, the ornate Karamon gate, and dragon-adorned pillars.
The peony garden at the shrine is a seasonal highlight, opening when the flowers are in full bloom, providing a stunning display if you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time.
While entry to the shrine is free, access to the garden costs €5.50.
Ameyoko Market
One of Ueno Park’s increasingly popular attractions is the Ameyoko Market.
Located along Ameyoko Street, the market may look unassuming from the outside, but once inside, it reveals itself as one of the area’s true gems.
Originally known for its seafood, Ameyoko now offers much more. You’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, ideal for anyone looking to prepare a meal at home.
For those who prefer ready-made meals, the market boasts a variety of affordable street food options with flavors worth exploring.
There are also stores selling electronics, clothing, and crafts, all at reasonable prices, though quality can vary.
Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple
The Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, nearly destroyed in the Battle of Ueno, was carefully restored to its original splendor.
Dating back to 1631, this temple is a significant historic site.
Inside, you’ll find the image of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, attracting many women and couples who come to pray for the blessing of pregnancy.
The wooden balconies provide beautiful views, especially during cherry blossom season in April, when the park is awash in pink hues.
Great Buddha of Ueno
The Great Buddha of Ueno is a primary reason many visit this park.
Originally crafted in 1631 and covered in bronze, the statue endured damage from earthquakes and fires, and was significantly altered over time.
Following the Kanto earthquake, the statue lost its head, and during World War II, the bronze was melted down for the war effort.
Only the head remained, and in 1972, it was placed in Ueno Park.
Today, visitors can admire it and leave wishes on wooden tablets around the Buddha’s altar.
Kaneiji Temple
Located within Ueno Park is Kaneiji Temple, the main temple of the Tendai sect.
A temple built in 1625 by the Tokugawa family under the guidance of the monk Tenkai Daisojo, Kaneiji Temple is a serene place for prayer and meditation. Locals believe it retains a spiritual energy that lends power to the prayers offered there.
Ueno Zoo
One of Ueno Park’s most family-friendly attractions is the Ueno Zoo, located in the southwestern section.
Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo, established in 1882.
Since its founding, the zoo has undergone several upgrades to enhance the animals’ well-being and improve the visitor experience.
The zoo features a variety of animal species, but the giant pandas are its biggest stars. Be prepared for a line if you want to see these popular animals!
The pandas arrived in 1972 as a symbol of the improved relations between China and Japan.
Five-Story Pagoda
Kaneiji Temple is also home to a remarkable five-story pagoda that stands as a historical survivor of the Battle of Ueno and World War II bombings.
This pagoda is the most important in the area and draws a steady stream of visitors. It’s best to visit early upon entering the park to avoid the long lines that form for photo opportunities.
Museums in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a cultural treasure, not only for its natural beauty but also for the impressive collection of museums within its grounds.
Over the years, the Japanese have established temples and museums here that are highly appealing to visitors.
The museums you can explore in Ueno Park include:
- Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is the most important and oldest in the city. It houses national treasures and invaluable historical artifacts. Entry costs €5.
- National Museum of Nature and Science
Dedicated to Japan’s natural history, this museum showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and geological history.
Its 360-degree virtual theater is a highlight of the experience. Entry costs €5.
- National Museum of Western Art
Specializing in European art, the National Museum of Western Art was designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, whose works have been recognized as World Heritage Sites.
Admission to this museum costs €4.50.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
This museum focuses on Japanese art across various periods, featuring both contemporary works and pieces dating back several centuries.
Entry is free, except for a few select exhibitions with specific fees.
- Shitamachi Museum
Entirely dedicated to Shitamachi, Tokyo’s historic district, this museum showcases daily life in the area dating back to the Meiji Emperor’s era.
Admission is €2.30.
Each of these museums is well worth a visit, offering specialized cultural insight that complements the natural beauty and other attractions in Ueno Park.
Location and How to Get There
Ueno Park is located adjacent to Ueno Station, just a short walk from Keisei Ueno Station.
This makes accessing the park easy, and if you have the Tokyo Rail Pass, you can take the necessary trains without incurring extra costs.