Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Bruna Santos, Pexels
Ueno offers a rich blend of cultural experiences and green spaces. The area centers around Ueno Park, home to several prominent museums, the historic Ueno Zoo, and various shrines and temples. Adjacent to the park, Ameyoko Market provides a lively atmosphere for shopping and street food.
For those seeking to socialize, the vibrant Ameyoko Market, while primarily for shopping and food, offers a bustling environment. Additionally, local food tours and izakaya districts, such as those mentioned around Kurand Sake Market, provide opportunities to engage with others and experience Japanese nightlife.
Top 5 Things to do in Ueno
Ueno offers a diverse range of activities, from immersing oneself in world-class museums and historic shrines to exploring vibrant markets and observing wildlife in a lush urban park.
1. Explore Ueno Park
Ueno Park serves as a central oasis, inviting visitors to wander through its expansive green spaces. The park is particularly captivating during cherry blossom season, transforming into a sea of pink. Beyond the seasonal blooms, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Shinobazu Pond, where swan boats offer a unique perspective, or simply relax amidst the natural beauty. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or a quiet moment away from the city's hustle. The park also hosts various cultural landmarks and museums.
Cost: Free to enter the park itself.
Transport: Ueno Park is easily accessible, located directly across from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station. It is also a short walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hibiya Line Ueno Station, and Keisei Ueno Station.
2. Visit Ueno Zoo
As Japan's oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo provides an opportunity to encounter a wide variety of animals, including its celebrated giant pandas. Divided into East and West areas, the zoo offers diverse exhibits, from gorillas and tigers to the rare aye-aye and Japanese macaques. It's a family-friendly attraction where you can observe animals in thoughtfully designed environments. Consider allocating ample time, especially if you wish to see the pandas, as they are a major draw.
Cost: Adults (16-64 years old): 600 yen. Seniors (65+): 300 yen. Students (13-15 years old): 200 yen. Children (0-12 years old): Free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
Transport: The main gate is approximately a 7-minute walk from JR Ueno Station's Park Exit. The Benten Gate (West Garden entrance) is a 4-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station or a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit.
3. Explore Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, housing an extensive collection of Japanese and Asian art and archaeological artifacts. Its various buildings, such as the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) and Toyokan (Asian Gallery), showcase a rich history through ancient Buddhist statues, painted scrolls, ceramics, armor, and more. Exploring its vast exhibits offers a deep dive into the cultural heritage of Japan and surrounding regions.
Cost: Adults: 1,000 yen. University Students: 500 yen. Children under 18 and seniors over 70 are free. Special exhibitions may have different fees. It is advisable to purchase tickets online to reduce waiting times.
Transport: The museum is a 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, or a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line Ueno Station.
4. Wander through Ameyoko Market
Ameyoko Market, a bustling street market stretching between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, offers a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Originating as a post-war black market, it now thrives with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to fashion items, cosmetics, and souvenirs. It's a fantastic place for street food hopping, with vendors offering staples like takoyaki and yakitori, alongside diverse international cuisines. This market provides a lively local experience, perfect for sampling different treats and soaking in the energetic environment.
Cost: Free to enter and browse. Food and goods prices vary; street food items typically range from 100-500 yen per snack.
Transport: The market is a few minutes' walk from Ueno JR station (Shinobazu exit) or Okachimachi JR Station.
5. Visit Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Nestled within Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine stands as a remarkable example of early Edo-era architecture, having survived significant historical events. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the shrine features ornate gold leaf decoration and intricate carvings. While the outer grounds are free to explore, paying a small fee allows closer viewing of the inner shrine buildings. The shrine also boasts a beautiful peony garden, which blooms in both spring and winter, offering a serene escape and excellent photo opportunities.
Cost: Free to enter the outer shrine grounds. Admission to view the inner shrine buildings is 500-700 yen. The Peony Garden has a separate entrance fee, typically 700-1100 yen.
Transport: The shrine is located within Ueno Park, an 8-minute walk from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station.
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