Ueno Park was introduced to the city in 1873 (Meiji Era) and has a rich history. It was one of the first public parks in Japan and exudes the perfect mix of fun and sophistication. The most attractive part of it is the Ueno Zoo which houses over 3,000 animals and is loved by kids and adults alike. This zoo is divided into two sections and interconnected via a bridge. As you browse some more, you come across four popular museums. They give you a rich insight into the culture and history of Ueno City. You will get to explore various artefacts, artistic objects, and treasures of Japan.
As you walk on the grounds of Ueno Park, you will find yourself dancing over the bed of cherry blossoms (Sakura). Visitors from across the world visit during the end of March and the beginning of April to attend Hanami parties (flower viewing). During this season, 800 Somei-Yoshino trees bloom and spread a mesmerising charm.
• Take your kids to the famous Ueno Zoo, home to more than 3,000 animals including gibbons, lowland gorillas, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and snow owls.
• Click memorable pictures along dozens of torii gates as their vermilion colour and surrounding autumn leaves give you Insta-worthy shots.
• Explore the popular Tokyo National Museum, and National Science Museum, to learn about the history and culture of Japan.
• Celebrate with the people of Japan at one of the Hanami parties between March and April when cherry blossoms are in full force.
• Rent a paddle boat and stroll through the Shinobazu Pond, giving you a glimpse of the lovely landscape of the city and relieving your stress.
By Car: Ueno Park is 4.6 km from Tokyo City Centre and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach via car or taxi.
By Metro: Take the Hibiya or JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to the Ueno Station. The rest is a mere 2-minute walk to reach the park. You can also deboard at the Keisei Ueno Station if you are using the Keisei Line.
The Ueno Park is open to the public throughout the year, except for New Year’s holidays.
Best Season: Visit during the spring season (March end and April beginning) when cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere.
Best Day in the Week: Visit during the weekdays to ditch the crowd and get a wholesome experience.
Best Time of the Day: Visit early in the morning to catch a beautiful glimpse of the falling leaves and explore the park.
The Ueno Zoo is the oldest in Japan and is one of the major attractions in the park. It was created in 1882 and is today home to more than 3,000 animals. The zoo is divided into two sections (East and West), connected via a bridge. Some of the zoo's highlights are gibbons, lowland gorillas, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and snow owls. This offers a learning and fun experience to families. This zoo also hosts multiple educational programs and seasonal events to make your visit informative and memorable.
The museum is located on the premises of the park and is the largest one in Japan. More than 1,10,000 objects are displayed on the shelves to give you an immersive experience. They include cultural properties, national treasures, art, and history. Some of the attractive exhibits are ukiyo-e paintings and ancient pottery. You can check out the special exhibitions (Heiseikan), Asian Gallery (Toyokan), and Japanese Gallery (Honkan).
The pond is located in the southwestern part and is a peaceful spot within the park. It is split into three sections – Cormorant Pond, Boat Pond, and Lotus Pond. The Boat Pond is where you can rent a pedal or rowboat and stroll through the pristine waters. It is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. Lotus Pond is a beautiful sight, especially in the summer, and is enveloped in lotus flowers. All three ponds give you an escape from the hectic life and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
This historic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and was established in 1627. It is known for its intricate architecture and features gold leaf decorations and intricate carvings. As you walk towards the shrine, you are surrounded by stone lanterns and a peony garden. Visit the shrine and learn about the historical significance of it. Several events and festivals are also scheduled here to give you an insight into Japanese customs and culture.