[Ueno Park Travel Guide] A Place to Feel Refreshed by Nature and Culture

Originally, it was the grounds of Toeizan Kaneiji Temple, and it was already bustling as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot during the Edo period.
Although it wasn’t developed as a park at the time, the Edo shogunate and Buddhist monks, hoping to make it a place that ordinary people could enjoy, built various facilities, and it became a popular sightseeing spot.
In 1868, the Boshin War broke out between the “former shogunate forces” led by the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, and the “new government forces” centered around the Satsuma and Choshu domains.
The grounds of Toeizan Kaneiji Temple became a battlefield in the Boshin War, and many buildings were lost to fire.
The new government confiscated the entire temple grounds, and in 1872 it was decided that a military hospital would be built on the site.
However, Dr. Bauduin, a Dutch military doctor, saw the nature-rich Ueno hill and urged the Japanese government to develop it as a park.
As a result, the decision was overturned, the area was developed as a park, and in 1876 it was registered as Japan’s first official park.
During the Meiji period (1868–1912), various cultural facilities gathered within the grounds, shaping the park into something close to what Ueno Park is today.
Although it suffered damage from earthquakes and war, it was rebuilt each time, and Ueno Park has continued to be a center of Japanese culture.

Ueno Park is also famous as a cherry blossom spot, and in spring, around 800 cherry trees burst into bloom.
From early March to mid-April, when the blossoms are at their best, the park is lively with people spreading blue tarps under the trees and enjoying hanami with food and drinks they’ve brought along.
It has been a cherry blossom spot since the Edo period, and it’s said that the custom of holding parties where you can see the blossoms also began at Ueno Park in the Edo period.
In addition to Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees, early-blooming Kan-zakura also bloom in the park, so you can enjoy hanami for a long time.
The cherry-lined paths around Shinobazu Pond and the weeping cherry tree near Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple are must-sees.
Be sure to also enjoy the Ueno Sakura Matsuri, where various events are held and food stalls line the streets.
Stroll under illuminated cherry blossoms after sunset, with glowing paper lanterns, and you’ll truly feel Japan’s spring.

The charm of Ueno Park in summer is the beautiful scenery, with hydrangeas in June and lotus flowers in full bloom in July.
The waterside view of lotus flowers blooming at Shinobazu Pond, which peaks in late July, is loved as a summer tradition.
If you’re going to see the lotus flowers, the morning is recommended, when the blooms are open.
They start opening early in the morning and close by early afternoon, so keep that in mind.

Across the vast grounds of Ueno Park, you’ll find many spots to enjoy beautiful fall colors.
From late November to early December, when foliage is at its best, cherry trees, maples, and ginkgo trees turn vibrant colors, and you can enjoy a wide variety of scenery, such as temples and shrines paired with autumn leaves and the ginkgo-lined path leading to the Tokyo National Museum.
The dignified Saigo Takamori Statue with golden ginkgo trees behind it is a popular photo spot.
Take a walk through Ueno Park in autumn and soak up the atmosphere of Japan.

Ueno Park in winter is also full of attractive spots.
At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, a shogun of the Edo shogunate, impressive peonies bloom, with 160 plants across 40 varieties.
An event called “Ueno Toshogu Fuyu Botan” is held from the New Year through late February, where you can take your time viewing peonies, known as auspicious winter-blooming flowers.
At Shinobazu Pond, many wild birds such as ducks, seagulls, and great egrets fly in.
Many of them are used to people and can be observed up close, making it recommended for a child’s first birdwatching experience.

A Shinto shrine that enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867).
It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and its biggest highlight is the golden, shimmering shrine building. Also called the Golden Shrine, its exterior walls are decorated with lavish carvings.
There are also multiple other nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, including the Karamon Gate and 48 bronze lanterns.
In addition, “Eiyo Gongen-sha” is worshiped as a deity of success in exams, job hunting, and victory.

A zoo that first opened in 1882 as Japan’s first zoo. Though located in central Tokyo, it’s an urban zoo that preserves nature and is home to around 300 species and 3,000 animals. The spacious, greenery-filled grounds are divided into the East Garden and West Garden, with animals ranging from famous favorites to rare species kept in environments close to their natural habitats.

An art museum in the greenery of Ueno Park that, as its name suggests, specializes in Western art.
Its foundation is the Matsukata Collection, which was donated and returned from the French government.
It features a French art collection centered on paintings by Impressionists such as Renoir, Van Gogh, and Monet, as well as works by Picasso, plus sculptures by Rodin. In addition, the permanent exhibition displays works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, along with donated and deposited works.

Located in Ueno Park, this is Japan’s only national comprehensive science museum dedicated to natural history and the history of science and technology.
The “Japan Gallery” is known for its neo-Renaissance Western-style architecture, completed in 1931, and is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside, exhibits cover the nature and formation of the Japanese archipelago, the development of the Japanese people, and the history of their relationship with nature. On the basement level, you’ll find a museum shop and Theater 36◯.

Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest museum, founded in 1872. It consists of six exhibition buildings: the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), Toyokan (Asian Gallery), Horyuji Treasures Gallery, Heiseikan, Hyokeikan, and Kuroda Memorial Hall. It houses Japanese and Asian art and archaeological artifacts. The collection totals around 120,000 items, including 89 National Treasures and 646 Important Cultural Properties.

A museum that has served as a temple of art since opening in 1926, known for its brick-colored tiled building nestled in Ueno’s forest.
It hosts many exhibitions, including special exhibitions of masterpieces from Japan and abroad, self-organized exhibitions, and open-call exhibitions. It also focuses on the “Art Communication Project,” which develops activities that foster connections through art, and runs various programs such as special viewing sessions for children and people with disabilities.

A natural pond about 2 km in circumference, stretching across the southern end of Ueno Park.
The pond is made up of three areas: “Boat Pond,” which offers rental boats (paid) such as rowboats and swan boats, “Lotus Pond,” where lotus flowers are at their best from early July to late August, and “Cormorant Pond” inside Ueno Zoo. On Nakanoshima Island, where the three ponds meet, you’ll find Shinobazu Bentendo, with an octagonal hall designed so it can be worshiped from anywhere around the pond.

Located in a corner of the Fountain Plaza near the center of the park, it’s the perfect place to take a break while exploring.
The building is a single-story structure with a gabled roof, featuring a warm wood design that blends well with the park scenery. With large glass walls, you can take your time enjoying the park’s greenery even from inside. There are also plenty of terrace seats, a park-specific perk.

A restaurant with the concept of “a theater where you can savor the Chinese continent,” offering “continental cuisine” that transcends eras and borders. In a modern Chinese space that reimagines traditional Chinese architectural styles and motifs, you can enjoy a luxurious time.
The dishes are created by a top-class chef who has served cuisine to dignitaries in Chongqing, the heart of Sichuan cuisine, and a top-class dim sum chef who has led Japan’s dim sum boom, recreating traditional Chinese dishes in a modern style. Based on the concept of food as medicine, a diverse menu is prepared using carefully selected premium ingredients.

A Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 1625 and the head temple for the Kanto region.
It was established by the high-ranking monk Tenkai, who was deeply revered by three generations of shoguns—Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu—in order to pray for the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate and the peace of ordinary people.
It served as the Tokugawa shogunate family’s prayer temple and family temple, and even today, six of the fifteen Tokugawa shoguns are buried here.
At the time, it boasted grounds larger than the entire present-day Ueno Park and developed into one of Edo’s greatest temples, but later, many buildings were lost to late-Edo warfare and other conflicts, and it was reduced to its current size.

A shopping street with around 400 shops lining a stretch of about 500 meters between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station.
It gathers many types of shops selling food, sweets, clothing, general goods, jewelry, and more. Bargain sales are held year-round, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere that feels like a condensed version of old downtown Tokyo.
There are also many food stalls and restaurants where you can enjoy tasty, affordable meals.

A Tokyo Metropolitan garden developed from a residence and garden built in 1896 (Meiji 29) as the main home of Hisaya Iwasaki, the third head of the Iwasaki family, which founded Mitsubishi. In its heyday, about 20 buildings stood on a site of around 15,000 tsubo, but today, three buildings—the Western-style house, the Japanese-style house, and the billiards room—along with the garden, are preserved.
The wooden two-story Western-style house with a basement was designed by the renowned British architect Josiah Conder. A representative example of modern Japanese residential architecture in Western wooden style, it features must-see Jacobean-style decorations throughout the interior.

A 2-minute walk from Ueno Station. With smooth transfers to major lines and easy access to popular sightseeing areas like Asakusa and Akihabara, it’s a highly popular hotel as a sightseeing base.
Among its 242 guest rooms, the rooms themed around Ueno Zoo’s beloved “panda” are recommended.
With panda patterns on items like coffee cups, cushions, and shower curtains throughout the room, you can fully enjoy their charm—something unique to this hotel.

Nohga Hotel Ueno Tokyo is a lifestyle hotel that values Ueno’s culture and connections with the local community.
About a 3-minute walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, it’s an ideal location for both sightseeing and business, and recommended as a base for experiencing Tokyo more deeply.
Guest rooms feature photos capturing the Ueno area, works by Japanese artists, and ukiyo-e prints. With separate bath and toilet and a shower-booth setup, it’s highly functional and helps create a comfortable stay.

A guesthouse popular for its homey, warm service, run by a former backpacker couple.
It’s located in the nostalgic downtown arcade shopping street “Joyful Minowa Shopping Street,” which is also part of its appeal, letting you experience the good old atmosphere of Japan.
It’s also fun to stroll through the shopping street while snacking on downtown foods like yakitori, tempura, and Japanese sweets.