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About
Ueno is not a glamorous city, it's old, a drab grey/brown and honestly looks a bit trashy looking. HOWEVER (a big "however"), Ueno is one of the most interesting cities in Tokyo! It has Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, the Ameyoko Shopping Street, many important temples and shrines and is home to Tokyo's best museums such at the National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Known as a working class city, the people and atmosphere in Ueno is very different than you might find in Shibuya or Shinjuku. You'll find hawkers, homeless and artists in Ueno along with some bargains in the outdoor shopping areas and some great Chirashi (Sushi Bowl) for an good price. Another interesting thing about Ueno is that in an area of Ueno Park, the Battle of Ueno was the spot in Tokyo where the Samurai made their Last Stand against Imperial Troops during the Boshin War (the war to replace the Shogun with the Emperor).
The Ueno area was originally the location of Kaneiji Temple, a temple founded in 1625 which was dedicated to protect Edo Castle through prayer but later became the representative temple for the Tokugawa Family. At it's peak it was a huge complex that had over 30 buildings and six of the fifteen Tokugawa Shoguns were buried there. However, during the Battle of Ueno (1868) most all the buildings were destroyed and a few years later in 1876 it was converted to a public park, considered the first public park in Japan. Some of the Kaneji Temple buildings survived and have been moved to various locations around the park including the original five-storied pagoda. After WW2 the station became a main hub for blue-collar workers along with a black/grey market that popped up near the station (the Ameyoko area).
Ueno is a must see destination when you visit Tokyo. You can spend a whole day in the area or just half a day with lunch in Ameyoko. You might even consider entering the zoo as it is one of the biggest zoos in the world. There are a myriad of museums to choose from and or just walk around the park and check out all the temples and shrines (plenty of picture spots). In Ameyoko you can find some interesting shops you might not find anywhere else in Tokyo. Ueno is also a major station for the Tohoku Shinkansen (the Bullet Train that goes to the Northern areas of Japan) and is a major hub for other various train lines the head out North, North-West and North-East into the Kanto Plain.
Although the area is quite large, all the attractions in Ueno are near the station. You can make a nice loop from The National Museum, through the park and then down to Ameyoko stopping by or in attractions you find interesting. The Shrines and Temples are free of course but the museums and zoo have small entry fees (See a list of all attractions in Ueno to view details pages for each). On the weekends there are quite a few performers in the park, many very good performers you might want to stop and watch... don't forget a tip! Live performing arts is a rarity these days and usually those who make a living doing it are very good. Besides the main destinations on the map, there are many smaller and interesting aspects of Ueno park so take your time strolling through and adventure off onto side-paths. There are a few concession stands here and there throughout the park so grab some traditional Japanese concession food and see what ya think.
Access
Ueno is a main station on the Tokyo loop "Yamanote Line" and is very easy to get to from anywhere in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station ride the Yamanote Line about 10 min. From Shinjuku there are a variety of ways to get there but it'll only take about 30-45 min.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
Attractions
Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Ueno. View all Attractions in Ueno.
Tokyo National Museum
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 8:00 p.m. on most Fridays, until 6:00 p.m. on most weekends and holidays)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and New Year Holidays
Cost: 18+: 620 yen | Uni Students: 410 yen | Under 18, over 70: Free
Map: Google Map
The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and is Japan's largest and oldest museum in the country. It is also the largest art museum in Japan too. The museums goal is to house and preserve Asian art with a focus on Japan. The museum houses over 100,000 objects, 87 Japanese ... more details
Nezu Shrine
Hours: Temple Grounds: Never closed | Reception: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Map: Google Map
Nezu shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo near the major city of Ueno. It is relatively unknown compared to most other major Shrines and temples in Tokyo like Meiji Shrine, Zojoji or Sensoji but Nezu shrine is a little hidden gem that is worth a visit. Nezu shrine is known as being a small yet beaut... more details
Tokyo Dome City
Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.
Map: Google Map
Tokyo Dome City (in Japanese; Tokyo Domu Shitei 東京ドームシティ) is an entertainment complex consisting of a baseball stadium, an amusement park, a large public "spa", a hotel and more! No need to plan anything else for the day if you plan on going to Tokyo Dome City... it will ... more details
Rikugien Garden
Hours: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Closed: -
Cost:
Map: Google Map
Rikugien Garden (in Japanese; Riku Gi En 六義園) was originally constructed between 1695 and 1702 by orders of the Shogun of that time. The park fell into disarray after a short period but the original founder bought the garden back and restored it to it's beauty in 1878. In 1938 it w... more details
Ueno Park
Hours: Ueno Park itself is open all the time. However, the many attractions listed below each have their own operating hours. Please see each listing individually for operating hours.
Closed: -
Cost: Free
Map: Google Map
Ueno Park is located right next to the Ueno Station in central Tokyo and it is famous for many museums and Ueno Zoo on its grounds. Established in 1873 the park was built on some of the lands belonging to the Kaneiji Temple. After the "Battle of Ueno" in 1868, during the Boshin War, many... more details
Koishikawa Botanical Garden
Hours: Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. of every dayGreenhouse Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & SundaySee Official Website for exact info
Closed: Park: Mondays and Dec. 29th - Jan. 3rd | Greenhouse: Thursday & National Holiday
Cost: 16+: 400 yen | 6-16: 130 yen| Under 6: Free
Map: Google Map
Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a property of the country's most prestigious university, the Tokyo University Graduate School of Science. The Botanical Gardens are not only the oldest in Japan, but also have a prominent and long history by world wide standards. The Botanical Gardens originated ... more details
