Ueno Tokyo guide — The Ueno travel guide with the best things to do in Ueno

May 19, 2023

Ueno is a popular touristic area in northern Tokyo, offering great local vibes and attractions such as lively markets, a large park, fascinating museums, a zoo, photogenic shrines, and more. It embraces both the beauty of nature and history, which contrast with Shibuya, Ginza, and Shinjuku. Therefore, what things to do and where to go to prove your perfect journey in Ueno, Tokyo, let’s start planning your itinerary with this guide to the best places to visit in Ueno!

So, is Ueno worth visiting, how to visit Ueno, what to do in Ueno? Let’s check out our Ueno travel blog with the fullest Ueno travel guide (Ueno guide, Ueno tokyo guide) from how to get to Ueno, best places to visit as well as top things to do in Ueno to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Overview of Ueno (#ueno tokyo guide)

The Ueno area in Taito Ward belongs to Tokyo’s capital. It is one of the cultural landmarks due to its large number of fine art museums, and large Buddhist temples, and is home to the famous Ueno Park and Ueno Zoological Garden.

The JR Yamanote line is probably the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo, even Ueno | ueno travel guide

Ueno has been known as a part of Shitamachi, where the old class of merchants and craftsmen lived, in contrast to the Yamanote area for the upper class lived. To get to Ueno, you should take the JR Yamanote Line to JR Ueno Station.

Ueno travel guide: What to do in Ueno and things to do in Ueno

Ueno Park (#ueno travel guide)

Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Hours: 5:00–23:00
Entrance ticket prices: Free

Ueno Park (also called Shangye Park) was opened in 1873. Located in Taito ward, Ueno with its vast area of more than 120 hectares is popular as the largest park in Tokyo.

This place is not only a park, but also a large combination including parks, museums, temples, and pagodas. Nearly 8,800 various cherry trees are planted in the park with many species including ginkgo, camphor, and Zelkova serrate. Varieties of cherries are bell-flowered cherry, Yoshino cherry, and more. Therefore, In the season of the many cherry trees burst into bloom, a numerous crowd of tourists come here for their pleasure.

The cherry blossom festival with numerous beautiful cherry trees for tourists’ quaint view | ueno travel guide

Museums inside Ueno Park | ueno travel guide

In addition, another offer is to visit museums Ueno is home to several world-class museums within easy walking distance of each other. Attraction to many visitors includes the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the National Science Museum.

The entrance is usually free for visitors, except for some art museums, hence you should note the information about locations (opening hours-ticket prices) before departing.

Ueno Zoo

Address: 9–83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Hours: 9:30–17:00 (closed every Monday)
Entrance ticket prices:

Adults: 600 JPY (4.45 USD)
Seniors (65+): 300 JPY (2.23 USD)
Students (13-15 years old): 200 JPY (1.48 USD)
Children: Free
Free for persons with a disability and one companion
Free for students resident in Tokyo

How to train sea lions by employees in Ueno Zoo | ueno travel guide

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Ueno Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Japan. Since its opening in 1882, it has quickly become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, offering a unique glimpse into the diverse wildlife in Japan.

Historically, Ueno Zoological Gardens is the oldest zoo in Japan. Founded in 1882, it has grown over the years, expanded its area to 14.4 ha, and been the flagship of the Japanese zoo world. Now it’s home to about 300 different species and provides visitors with a learning experience about the diversity of animals as well as fun and enjoyment.

Children can explore Ueno Zoo to guide them on how to love and be close to cute animals | ueno tokyo guide

Ueno Zoo is located inside Ueno Park and is a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, a 4-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station, an 8-minute walk from Ueno Subway Station on the Ginza and Hibiya lines, and a 6-minute walk from Nezu Subway Station on the Chiyoda Line.

The zoo has three entrances. The Main Entrance is most convenient from JR Ueno Station and opens into the East Garden. The Benten Gate is most convenient from Keisei Ueno Station and opens on the east side of the West Garden. The Ikenohata Gate is most convenient from Nezu Station and opens on the west side of the West Garden.

Ueno Zoo map to show East Garden and West Garden areas

Shoebill, a strange bird is living near flamingos in Ueno Zoo | ueno tokyo guide

The zoo grounds are divided into an East Garden and West Garden. East Garden is home to its special enclosures such as Gorilla Woods and the Tiger Forest, native Japanese animals, birds, and American prairie dogs. The West Garden has a section devoted to African animals, a small mammal house, a Vivarium which houses rare reptiles and amphibians, and a children’s zoo, which has domestic farm animals and a petting section with guinea pigs and rabbits. In addition, you can drop by souvenir shops and restaurants for your shopping and dining.

Shitamachi Museum

Address: 2–1 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Entrance ticket prices:

Adults: 300 JPY (2.23 USD)
Student: 100 JPY (0.74 USD)
Hours: 9:30–16:30 (closed every Monday)

Shitamachi is a museum in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, Japan. Located at the southeast corner of Shinobazu Pond, the Shitamachi Museum is dedicated to the history of the area where the common citizens of Edo lived. It was opened in 1980 to preserve and record the lifestyle and traditions of the Shitamachi district–the area where ancient merchants and artisans lived. The word Shitamachi, first used in the Edo period, referred to lower land. The land to the southeast of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace) was lowlands, where the artist and merchants lived and did business during the initial period of Edo.

You feel to come back to the postwar era of Tokyo from items in display rooms | ueno tokyo guide

On the 2nd floor is the special display area | ueno tokyo guide

The museum displays a variety of artifacts and exhibits, such as old photos, household items, and clothing, showing the daily lives of the Shitamachi people. Visitors can also see a replica of the traditional Shitamachi street with candy shops, barbershops, and a small shrine. The museum also hosts workshops and classes on traditional crafts, such as origami and calligraphy in France.

In addition, visitors who come here in the fall or winter will see special exhibitions.

National Museum of Natural and Science

Address: 7–20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8718, Japan
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed every Monday)
Entrance ticket prices:

Adults: 630 JPY (4.64 USD)
High school students and below: Free

The National Museum of Natural and Science is one of Japan’s biggest science museums. It attracts a large number of visitors every year. The museum is conveniently located, easily accessible by train and subway.

The museum’s exhibits cover many areas of science including biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the dinosaur exhibition, which displays many cool and interesting giant dinosaur skeletons and fossils. the museum has outstanding facilities, which provide a comprehensive guide to the history of life on Earth and the history of science and technology.

There are so many exhibits with triceratops [email protected] | ueno tokyo guide

The skeleton of plesiosaurus in Japan Gallery is displayed on the top floor of the Japan Gallery | ueno tokyo guide

Another popular exhibit here is the space exhibit, which features models of spacecraft and information about the history of space exploration. There is also a section devoted to Japanese technology used for scientific observation of natural phenomena. These include clocks, watches, telescopes, microscopes, globes, and seismographs. Visitors can also learn about the latest developments in space technology and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.

A Zero fighter plane exhibits in the science hall | ueno guide

There are many stuffed specimens, slides, toys, and insect displays in the kid-specialized play area Inside the museum named Compass | ueno guide

The Museum is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. With so many exhibits to explore and activities to take part in, visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time.

Ameyoko Shopping Street (#ueno guide)

Address: 6 Chome–10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Hours: All day

Ameyoko became a huge marketplace after World War II. It started as a black market, selling many things that people who worked for the Occupation forces would get from the soldiers. It’s uncertain how it came to be called Ameyoko.

Today, this place is a small bustling traditional Japanese market along the JR Yamanote Line tracks between Uneno Station and Okachimachi Station, where clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food, and spices are available.

The market has a total area of 15,257 square meters, stretching from the Yodobashi Camera building and following the Yamanote Line south to the Komuro building. This place can be considered an extremely busy shopping and dining complex with the presence of more than 400 shops displaying dishes, clothes, shoes, bags, and more of all kinds to serve the shopping needs of tourists.

This is considered one of the must-see places when coming to Ueno, especially for foodies and shopaholics. You can spend time walking to explore and admire each shop and see how the people here eagerly invite customers to visit their stores. Moreover, you don’t forget to try some of Ameyoko’s delicious street food inspired by the pandas at Ueno Zoo, including panda-yaki, panda bread, and panda bento boxes.

In addition to Ueno, you can also visit Shinjuku Neighborhood, Ginza Tourism and explore Shibuya–the hottest places in Tokyo.

Ameyoko can overload one’s senses with a number of colors, smells, sights, and sounds all packed into a little street, especially if you go during rush-hour

Where to stay in Ueno?

There are also plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation, making Ueno a great place to stay whilst visiting Tokyo.

Hotel Graphy Nezu (Agoda, Booking)

Address: 4–5–10 Ikenohata, Taito, Ueno, Tokyo, Taito, Japan, 110-0008
Price: around 177.62 USD/night

Hotel Graphy Nezu offers a variety of spaces that anyone can use freely, providing endless ways to enjoy and spend your time here. It embodies the atmosphere of an overseas hostel in a hotel setting, offering a stay that is both comfortable and inviting. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and culture of Yanesen while connecting with people from all over the world. The hotel, located just minutes from Ueno Station, is a great choice for those exploring Ueno Park and the museums and streets around the area.

The living room provides a relaxing atmosphere that you feel like being home

Hotel Graphy Nezu boasts a wide range of facilities and services to meet the needs of different travelers. The hotel offers spacious resort rooms with all modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are also minimally designed with an emphasis on decorative lamps to help light up the space of the room, providing a relaxing and peaceful environment for guests.

The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances such as an induction cooktop, refrigerator, and microwave, along with all the necessary cooking utensils

The hotel takes pride in its rooftop space, providing guests with a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown Nezu, Uneno Park, and the Sky Tree

The hotel has a restaurant serving a variety of Japanese and international dishes. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying stunning city views from the restaurant’s terrace.

Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North (Agoda, Booking)

Address: 7–14–4 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Phone: +81 3–5830–6255

Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North Hotel impresses with the purple color of the Japanese curtains decorated very prominently in front of the hotel’s entrance. The hotel space is designed to be extremely modern and luxurious, mixed with traditional elements of the land of the rising sun such as sliding doors, wooden furniture, and wooden tables often used to eat in traditional houses and tatami cushions.

The guest rooms are well-equipped and feature a kitchen area with a microwave and refrigerator. You can choose to visit nearby attractions such as the National Museum of Natural and Science, Kitayama Coffee, and more.

Ueno is an extremely interesting place for you to have the opportunity to admire more prominent landmarks of Tokyo that specialize in culture, history, and art at the same time the places to take pictures.

Check out more top and best hotels near Ueno station on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Ueno is a must-visit destination that draws both locals and travelers to experience its unique charm. Therefore, embark on an unforgettable adventure using our comprehensive guide to the best places to go in Ueno.

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