Experience Ueno: Art, Markets, and Parks in Tokyo’s Cultural District

Visiting Ueno District is like entering a time machine. The mixture of several museums, a zoo, and lush greenery creates a fascinating, timeless atmosphere. Discover why Ueno, Japan, is often praised for its unique experiences by reading our comprehensive travel guide.

Introduction to Ueno

Ueno is a district that serves as a key cultural and historical hub in the Taito ward of central Tokyo. It’s renowned for its parks, museums, and eclectic street scenes, which serve as attractions for the city. The famous Ueno Park alone sees 10 million visitors every year, making it one of the most significant tourist attractions in the city. Many people consider it to be Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing (hanami) spot in the spring.

Ueno District is considered a cultural site because it boasts several museums where people go to learn about Tokyo’s history and view art exhibitions. The area is something of a spiritual hub, thanks to the Buddhist temples and shrines near the park.

People traveling to the district or its main park from other regions tend to stop at Ueno Station, a major railway station in Tokyo. There’s a lot to see and do in Ueno. In this post, we’ll cover the major cultural landmarks, recreational sites, and outdoor activities. Before we get into all of that, let’s briefly explore Ueno’s history.

How to Get to Ueno

Ueno Station is the main access point but there are others. Let’s look at fast routes for anyone traveling to the district from the following starting points:

• Narita Airport: 40-minute train ride using Keisei Railways to Keisei Ueno Station.

• Haneda Airport: 40–50 minutes of train travel via express train and JR lines.

• Tokyo Station: 8-minute train ride on the JR Yamanote Line. Stop at Ueno Station.

• Shinjuku Station: 25-minute train ride on the JR Yamanote Line ending at Ueno Station.

The History of Ueno

Ueno was once a small village that was turned into a temple town in the 17th century. This was during the period when Tokyo was known as Edo. The temple in question was Kan'ei Ji, a Buddhist site closely linked with the Tokugawa shogunate, the military government at the time. As a family temple, it was often used as the location for the tombs of deceased shoguns (military rulers).

The reign of the shogunate ended in the 19th century, at which point there was no need to reserve the temple grounds. In 1873, most of the grounds were soon turned into the first Western-style park in Japan, which we know today as Ueno Park or Ueno Onshi Koen. The creation of the park soon prompted the addition of several new attractions and facilities, including a museum, zoo, and library. Since the park was located in the district’s center, Ueno as a whole became a popular art and cultural hub by the early 20th century.

People who settled in the area, thanks to the creation of Ueno Station in 1883, established a shopping and entertainment district in Ueno. Today, the area can be divided into two main parts based on their directions from the station. Ueno Park is on the side that connects to the northern exit, while the bustling shopping district is accessible from the southern exit.

Ueno Park: Tokyo's Cultural Playground

Ueno Park is one of the largest and most famous public parks in the country. The park is located near the northern exit of the main station. It holds the cultural and historic identity of the entire Ueno district. Major aspects of Ueno’s history still exist, including the Kaneiji Temple, which sits on the park’s northern edge. It isn’t what it used to be, however, as only a few of its buildings are still standing today. The temple’s cemetery is still intact, and it holds the tombs of six iconic Tokugawa shoguns.

A significant portion of the park grounds is lined with over 1,000 cherry trees. In spring, particularly in late March and early April, people from all over the world visit Ueno Park to see beautiful cherry blossoms. Ueno Park contains lots of museums, a zoo, a pond, and many other attractions.

Top Attractions in Ueno Park

The following are the must-visit spots on the grounds of Ueno Park:

Shinobazu Pond: This natural pond is populated by birds (especially ducks) and lotus flowers. You can rent a small paddle boat to explore the pond, which is close to Bentendo Hall and a famous five-story pagoda. The pagoda is a remnant of the Kaneiji Temple.

Tokyo National Museum: This museum is the oldest and largest in the country’s history. It’s the best place to see the national treasures of Japan and learn about the country’s rich history.

National Museum of Nature and Science: This museum is a lot more hands-on than the others. It offers an immersive experience for visitors who want to learn about physics, robotics, and nature.

Toshogu Shrine: This religious site is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the man who created the Tokugawa shogunate. It’s famous for having a stunning winter and spring garden. The shrine was once a part of the Kaneiji Temple.

Ueno Zoo: As the oldest zoo in Japan, this spot is one of the park’s main locations. Its most famous animal is the giant panda bear. Other animals in the zoo include different species of monkeys, pheasants, sea lions, and hippopotamus.

Art and Culture in Ueno

As Tokyo’s premier leisure district, Ueno has many museums and art galleries where people can see contemporary exhibits and cultural artifacts. Ueno Park has two of the most famous art museums in the district: the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, for temporary exhibits by talented art groups, and the National Museum of Western Art for European-style collections and exhibits. The latter was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is also home to several landmarks for exploring Asian history and culture, including the Tokyo National Museum, the Bentendo Hall, the Suzumoto Performing Arts Hall, and the Shitamachi Museum (closed until March 2025). During summer and spring festivals, there are a series of street performances with taiko drumming and native dancing at Ueno Park that fill the area with creative energy.

Shopping and Dining in Ueno

South of Ueno Station lie the vibrant shopping and dining options available in the district. The Ameyoko Market is Ueno’s most famous shopping area. It’s known for its bustling atmosphere and bargain deals. The shopping street evolved from a black market that sprung up after World War II. There are about 400 shops in Ameyoko selling a wide range of goods and services, including apparel, jewelry, watches, and cosmetics. The market also includes various food stalls or yatai that sell street food, such as taiyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori, and takoyaki.

If you want to experience contemporary shopping, you can visit shopping malls and complexes in Ueno, like Takeya, Marui, and the Atre Ueno Building. They sell items ranging from fashion brands to souvenirs.

When you feel hungry, don’t hesitate to explore Ueno’s dining options. You could visit local izakayas like Torie and Nidaime Kei, where they serve grilled food and alcoholic beverages. Popular restaurants in the area to savor the local cuisine include Tonkatsu Yamabe (the best tonkatsu), Magurobito (affordable, delicious sushi), Yoshokuya Sandaime Taimeiken (yoshoku or western-style dishes) and Ramen Tenjinshita Daiki (the best ramen noodles). Don’t forget to visit the local cafes during the day. The Park Side Cafe offers tasty beverages and a scenic view, while Mihashi is the ideal place to buy wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

Ueno's Iconic Landmarks

Ueno’s most iconic landmarks are located in the main park area. At the southern entrance, you’ll find the Saigo Takamori statue, erected in honor of one of the great generals that fought in the Battle of Ueno in 1868. A short walk towards the center of the park will lead you to a pathway lined with stunning cherry trees. On either side of the path, there are two important Buddhist landmarks. These are the Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, which is modeled after the world-famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. Next to the northern end of the park lies the historic Kaneiji Temple, a landmark that preserves the history of the Edo shogunate.

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

The natural attractions in Ueno Park allow you to enjoy a number of outdoor activities. You could embark on a sightseeing trip to Ueno Zoo. There are over 400 species of animals at the zoo so you have more than enough creatures to see in a couple of hours. During the sakura season, you and your friends can have picnics next to the blossoming flowers of the 1,000 cherry trees in the park. The Shinobazu Pond offers a more adventurous outdoor experience, thanks to the available rental boats. From July to August, the lotus flowers at the pond will be in full bloom, offering a stunning sight to visitors.

Events and Festivals in Ueno

The following are the major events and festivals that take place in Ueno throughout the year:

• Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Mid March–Early April): Also known as the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, this event is the district’s main tourist attraction. Millions of people enjoy picnics and street food at the park while watching cherry blossoms.

• International Museum Day (May 18): On this day, many museums in Ueno, including the Tokyo National Museum, offer free admission.

• Shitamachi Tanabata (Early July): The event celebrates the Tanabata holiday of July 7. This star festival features street parades and dance performances.

Conclusion:

Any lover of art and culture will love spending time in Ueno. The district offers the chance to explore Japanese culture, history, and modern entertainment in one place. Don’t miss an opportunity to add Ueno to your Tokyo itinerary!

If you’re also a fan of snacks and sweets, you’ll be pleased to know you can get a monthly supply of the best treats from Japan. All you need is a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription and we’ll send you your first box.