How to Spend a Day in Ueno Park: Tokyo’s Must-See Attraction
I’ve visited Tokyo multiple times and have several friends living there or visiting regularly, and you know what I’ve learned? You can’t run out of things to do in Tokyo. It’s impossible to come up with a list of things to do in Tokyo and not feel like you’re still missing out. But allow me to make the case for finding time to visit Ueno Park. Although Tokyo has numerous lush green spaces, Ueno Park is a captivating oasis which offers a truly immersive experience in Japanese culture and history. Join me on a journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Ueno Park, and discover why this makes my list of must-see attractions in Tokyo.
How do I get to Ueno Park?
The Ueno station is serviced by JR East and is also accessible by the following Tokyo Metro routes:
Ginza Line (G16)
Hibiya Line (H18)
If using the Keisei Line, use the Keiseiueno station to access the park.
What are Ueno Park’s hours?
Ueno Park is open from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. However, if you plan on visiting some of the onsite attractions like the museums and the zoo, those institutions have their own operating hours.
Are there admission fees to visit Ueno Park?
No, Ueno Park is free to visit. However, the onsite attractions may have admission fees.
Why is Ueno Park historically significant?
Ueno Kiyomizukannondo hanami Shinobazu no ike by Utagawa Hiroshige
During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ueno Park was part of the Kan'ei-ji Temple grounds, which served as the family temple for the Tokugawa Shogunate. The temple was established in 1625, and its sprawling grounds included numerous sub-temples, pagodas, and gardens. It has been immortalized in many images from the Edo period, including the famous ukiyo-e woodblock prints from that era.
In 1868, it became the site of the Battle of Ueno during which the Imperial forces defeated the Tokugawa loyalists, marking the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. Under Emperor Meiji's rule, Ueno Park was transformed into a public park, reflecting Japan's modernization efforts. The park was opened to the public in 1873, making it one of Japan's earliest public parks.
My Favorite Stops in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a 133-acre space, so it’s a good idea to have a plan. I really enjoyed a mix of history, culture and nature in Ueno Park, so these are my recommendations.
Statue of Takamori Saigo
Statue of Takamori Saigo
Starting at the statue of Takamori Saigo is a great way to contextualize the park’s complicated past. Saigo was a samurai who played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate. However, Saigo later found himself critical of the government's rapid modernization efforts, including the abolishment of the samurai class. Saigo's opposition culminated in the Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government. According to historical accounts, he committed ritual suicide, known as seppuku, to avoid capture.
To the east of the statue, there are two historical images of Ueno Park, one as the Kan'ei-ji Temple grounds, and another after its transformation under Meiji rule. Just 10 years after the war, the National Industrial Exhibition was staged here to emphasize Japan’s modernization, and the two images stand in stark contrast to one another.
Kiyomizu Kannon-do (Kiyomizu Hall)
Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Tenkai was a Buddhist monk who was both a powerful religious leader and a trusted advisor to the Tokugawa Shogunate. He founded Kan'ei-ji Temple and was also the main force behind the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. During the Edo period, Japan’s political center moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and Tenkai wanted to build a replica of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera in Kan'ei-ji Temple. Kiyomizu Kannon-do similarly features a stage-like structure in the front, which faces Shinobazu Pond.
Tsuki no Matsu at Kiyomizu Kannon-do
One of my favorite features is the tree with a circular branch which is called Tsuki no Matsu, or the Moon Pine. The tree has been depicted in multiple early images of Edo, including ukiyo-e by the famous artist Utagawa Hiroshige (one of his prints is featured outside the hall). It took a landscaping craftsman three years to successfully recreate the Moon Pine, which was unveiled in 2013.
Hanazono Inari Shrine and Gojo-ten Shrine
Torii gates at Hanazono Inari Shrine in Ueno Park
Hanazono Inari Shrine and Gojo-ten Shrine are located in close proximity to each other, and they offer one of the many glimpses into how spirituality and nature are intertwined in Ueno Park. Hanazono Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, who is revered as the god of rice, prosperity, and fertility. Inari shrines are particularly known for their association with foxes, which are considered messengers of Inari. A beautiful row of torii gates line the entrance. The enshrined medicine deities of Gojo-ten Shrine are Onamuchi and Sukunahikona, for those seeking prayers for recovery from illness and blessings of good health.
Shinobazu Pond
Lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond in the summer
Shinobazu Pond was originally part of the Kan'ei-ji Temple’s extensive grounds during the Edo period. The temple's pagoda once stood on an island within the pond. Today, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy nature’s seasonal transformations. In spring, the pond's surroundings burst into a vibrant display of cherry blossoms, while in the summer, it becomes a sea of blooming lotus flowers. In autumn, the changing foliage around the pond adds to its allure, and in winter, the pond takes on a serene and reflective quality.
Benten Hall
Benten Hall at Ueno Park
Benten Hall is situated on an island within Shinobazu Pond, one of the central features of Ueno Park. The hall is accessible via picturesque bridges, adding to its serene and scenic charm. Benten Hall is dedicated to the Shinto-Buddhist deity Benzaiten, the goddess of music, arts, knowledge, wealth, and water. As such, the shrine is particularly revered by artists and musicians who come to seek blessings for their creative endeavors.
Ueno Daibutsu
Ueno Daibutsu Buddha head
Example of Ema, or wood plaque for wishes
Daibutsu-yama or the "Great Buddha Hill” was part of Kan'ei-ji Temple, and it featured a prominent statue of Buddha. The head of the Buddha fell off during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, and later the body and pedestal were requisitioned by the government under the Metal Acquisition Law to produce weapons during World War II. In 1967 a wall was built on top of the hill and the Buddha head was enshrined on the wall. Six years later, the Ueno Tourist Association built the current pagoda. The Buddha head is a symbol of resilience, and a draw for students praying for academic success.
Toshogu Shrine
Karamon Gate at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
The Toshogu Shrine is the perfect exclamation point after visiting all the other significant historical sites in Ueno Park. The shrine was built in 1627 to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and was rebuilt in 1651 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, his grandson and the third Tokugawa Shogun. This is the building that still stands today.
I highly recommend a day trip from Tokyo to Nikko to see its magnificent temples and shrines. But if you haven’t had a chance to visit, the Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park offers a glimpse of its splendor. The design is representative of Edo architecture, featuring a Karamon gate covered in gold foil as well as detailed carvings of animals and mythical creatures. The outside of the shrine is free to visit, but you can opt to pay a fee to visit its interior grounds. However, the main hall of the shrine is strictly off-limits.
How long should I spend in Ueno Park?
You can visit all my favorite spots listed above comfortably within 2 hours. You can also choose to explore the park more leisurely or visit more points of interest, and it still shouldn’t take more than half a day.
What else can I do around Ueno Park?
If you’re looking to make a day of your excursion to Ueno Park, there are a number of fun options in the area.
Enjoy a memorable meal at Nezu Kamachiku
Entrance to Nezu Kamachiku restaurant
Tokyo offers some of the best dining opportunities in the world, and you could likely build an entire itinerary around seeking them out. But even if you don’t consider yourself a foodie, it might be criminal not to pay Nezu Kamachiku a visit if you’re already in the vicinity of Ueno Park. Housed in a renovated old stone storehouse next to a nursing home designed by starchitect Kengo Kuma, the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a picturesque garden.
Zaru udon at Nezu Kamachiku
The eatery is regularly featured on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, and is specifically known for its handmade udon noodles. There are English-speaking servers and an English menu available, including a charming illustrated how-to guide for beginners. The menu is simple, with two options: Kamaage Udon (hot) or Zaru Udon (cold), and for the Zaru Udon you can choose thick or thin noodles. While the noodles are the highlight, the side dishes are varied and worthy of consideration. I opted for the satsuma-age, or fried fish cake, as well as a soft egg.
Pro Tip: Nezu Kamachiku doesn’t accept reservations for lunch, and according to their website, they may close early if they run out of noodles. I would err on the side of showing up early.
See art and history come alive in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Egrets and Lotuses by Takahashi Sohei circa 1831
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is a prominent cultural institution known for its diverse collection of art and special exhibitions. While it offers a wide range of attractions and highlights, I’m particularly fond of its permanent exhibition on the second floor, which traces Japanese art in chronological order.
Ivory netsuke of ivory the mythical beast Qilin
Moving from snowy landscapes on scrolls to Samurai armor, then from painted folding screens to embroidered kimonos, a tour of the floor puts Japanese history and art in context, drawing links between religion, culture, and politics. One of my personal favorites was the delightful collection of netsuke, which are toggles used to secure cases and pouches on an obi sash. They are tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but show off incredible mastery and artistry in their unique designs.
Go cat crazy in Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza is the town’s main shopping street lined with quaint shops and stalls selling a variety of goods, including street food, snacks, antiques, and artisanal crafts. But you’ll find a common theme among them: cats! The famous 7 Lucky Cats are whimsical feline sculptures that can be found on storefronts, street corners, and even as decorations inside shops. They come in different sizes and poses, making each encounter with a cat statue a delightful surprise. Besides hunting down these adorable statues, you can pop into a cat cafe, snack on a cat tail (a sweet, long pastry), view cat-themed art, and purchase any number of cat-shaped souvenirs. Even if you’re not a cat lover, the kawaii-ness of it all will likely win you over.
Yanaka was historically a samurai district during the Edo period, and was spared from the destruction of war and fires. As a result, it retains much of its historical architecture and charm. Even on Yanaka Ginza, you can see beautiful structures and unique circular shop signs hanging from each storefront. Yanaka is also home to several historical temples and shrines, such as Tennoji Temple, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka Reien Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of Japan.
Conclusion
Ueno Park is a must-visit destination that should be an integral part of your Tokyo travel itinerary. Its rich history, cultural significance, and diverse range of attractions make it a unique and captivating place to explore. By including Ueno Park in your Tokyo itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Japan's rich heritage while enjoying the city's modernity, making your trip a well-rounded and culturally immersive experience.
