Ueno Onshi Park (上野恩賜公園, "Imperial Gift of the Upper Fields") is one of Tokyo's most iconic green spaces, located in the city's northwest.
Since its opening in 1873 on the site of a former temple that once protected Edo Castle, the park has become a beloved retreat for both Tokyoites and foreign visitors. But what makes this park so popular? Let’s explore the unique features that make Ueno a must-see destination.
Why Ueno is a Tokyo Must-Visit
Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park (Hanami)
One of the most spectacular times to visit Ueno Park is during cherry blossom season, or Hanami.
From mid-March to mid-April, the park transforms into a sea of pink as over a thousand cherry trees bloom. The park’s main avenue becomes the stage for festive picnics, where locals reserve spots in advance to savor this fleeting, magical moment.
Shinobazu Pond: A Peaceful Oasis in Tokyo
In the park’s southern area lies Shinobazu Pond, a true natural haven in the city.
The pond is especially charming in summer, when water lilies bloom across its surface. It’s also a refuge for many species of birds and fish. If you’re lucky, you might even see local residents feeding the birds by hand.
For a more romantic experience, why not rent a swan-shaped paddle boat for a ride on the water? The service is available from 9:40 AM to 5:40 PM for 600 yen per 30 minutes.
Benten-dō: A Temple Dedicated to the Goddess of Fortune
One of the park’s gems is Benten-dō, a small Buddhist temple located in the middle of Shinobazu Pond. The temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom, and music, originally a personification of the river. The temple’s location on an island in the pond symbolizes the connection between water and the goddess.
Kiyomizu Kannon-dō: A Stunning View of the Park
Continuing east from Benten-dō, you’ll find Kiyomizu Kannon-dō, a miniature replica of Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Built in 1632, this temple overlooks the park, offering a spectacular panoramic view.
Next to the temple, you can admire the famous Tsuki no Matsu, a pine tree with a perfectly circular branch symbolizing the moon and good fortune. Women hoping to have children often pray here, adding to the sacred nature of the site.
Others sanctuaries
Heading north along the pond, you’ll come across Hanazono Inari, a small but beautiful Shinto shrine associated with foxes and rice, two important symbols in Shintoism. The shrine features a path lined with red torii gates and a secret passage leading to a small cave in the temple.
A bit further on, you’ll find the Tōshōgu Shrine, dating back to 1651 and dedicated to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the unifier of Japan during the Edo period. This richly decorated shrine also has a peony garden that is particularly beautiful in January and February. Although the entrance is paid (9 AM – 5:40 PM, 500 yen), you can admire the shrine’s architecture from outside.
Historical Monuments in Ueno
Ueno Park is not only a place for relaxation but also a significant cultural center in Tokyo. Inside the park, you’ll find several interesting monuments:
- The statue of Saigo Takamori, known as the “last true samurai,” whose life inspired the movie The Last Samurai.
- The Great Buddha, of which only the face remains, as the rest was melted down during World War II.
- The "Toki Wasureji no to" clock tower, commemorating the March 10, 1945, air raid that claimed 100,000 lives in the capital.
- The five-story pagoda.
Museums and Attractions in Ueno
Ueno Zoo: Japan’s Oldest Zoo
On the west side of the park is Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan, founded in 1882. The zoo is especially famous for its giant pandas, which draw crowds of visitors. However, it’s important to note that the living conditions of animals in Japanese zoos may not meet European standards.
Tokyo National Museum: A Treasure of Japanese Culture
The park is also home to the Tokyo National Museum, the largest museum in Japan. This must-visit museum traces Japan’s history from the Jomon period (13,000 BC) to the Edo period (1868). It features a vast collection of artifacts, including ceramics, kimonos, and samurai armor. For fans of Japanese culture, a visit to the Tokyo National Museum is essential.
Other Museums to Explore
- Shitamachi Museum: Offers a glimpse into life in Tokyo from the Edo period to World War II, with life-sized reconstructions of homes and shops.
- National Museum of Nature and Science: A great destination for families with children, although most exhibits are in Japanese.
- National Museum of Western Art: Houses an impressive collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to contemporary times.
Festivals Not to Miss in Ueno
This popular spot hosts several annual festivals:
- Festival des cerisiers en fleurs : entre fin mars et début avril à la fleuraison des cerisiers
- 25 mai : fête du temple Gojoten à Ueno (temple situé juste à côté du Hanazono Inari)
- Festival d'été autour de l'étang : mi-juillet à mi-août
- 25 septembre : fête des poupées au temple Kiyomizu Kannon-do
On any given day, you might also witness a few traditional processions.
What to See Around Ueno Park
The Historic Yanaka District
This picturesque neighborhood has preserved its Edo-era atmosphere, having survived both the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II bombings. The narrow streets, lined with wooden houses and small temples, offer a striking contrast to Tokyo’s modernism. Don’t miss Yanaka Cemetery, one of the city’s largest, where the tomb of the Tokugawa shogun lies.
Ameya-yokochō Shopping Street
South of the park, near the JR station, is the famous Ameya-yokochō shopping street, often shortened to "Ameyoko." Once a black market for American goods after World War II, this street is now a bustling area where you can buy everything from food to clothing, often at very attractive prices.
