Tokyo’s Grand Garden of Art, Nature, and Discovery
🌟 What is Ueno Park?
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most iconic public parks, originally part of the grounds of Kaneiji Temple and officially established in 1873 as Japan’s first public park.
Today, it’s a vibrant cultural and recreational hub, home to museums, a zoo, cherry blossom paths, ponds, and seasonal festivals — making it a top destination for both tourists and locals.
It’s the perfect spot to combine art, nature, and relaxation in the heart of Tokyo.
🔭 Why Visit Ueno Park?
- 🌸 Top Cherry Blossom Spot: Over 1,000 sakura trees bloom in late March
- 🐼 Ueno Zoo: Japan’s oldest zoo — home to giant pandas and 350+ species
- 🖼️ World-Class Museums: Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Royal Museum
- 🖌️ Fine Art at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- 🧘♀️ Relax by Shinobazu Pond: Lotus flowers, boat rentals, and turtle-watching
- 🎭 Street Performers & Festivals: Constant events year-round
📸 Featured Spots
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ueno Zoo | Giant pandas, penguins, tigers & Japan’s oldest zoological garden |
| Tokyo National Museum | Samurai armor, Buddhist statues, Ukiyo-e, national treasures |
| National Museum of Nature & Science | Dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, interactive kids’ zones |
| Shinobazu Pond | Seasonal lotus blooms, boat rides, island shrine |
| Cherry Blossom Promenade | A must-see tunnel of pink petals in spring |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
| Attraction | Admission (Adults) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ueno Park Grounds | Free | Open 24/7 |
| Ueno Zoo | ¥600 | Closed Mondays |
| Tokyo National Museum | ¥1,000 | Closed Mondays |
| Nature & Science Museum | ¥630 | Planetarium tickets extra |
| Art Museum / Events | Varies | Check specific event website |
🕒 Best Visit Times:
- 🌸 Late March–early April (for cherry blossoms)
- 🍁 Mid-November (for fall foliage)
- 🐾 Weekdays morning for zoo
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 🍱 Food stalls pop up during cherry blossom season — bring a picnic mat!
- 🎒 Museums allow small bags; lockers available for larger items
- 📷 Photography OK in outdoor areas, but restricted in museums
- 🧴 Some areas get crowded — especially during hanami or panda-viewing times
- 🚲 Bicycle parking available outside the park only
🚉 Access
- Ueno Station (JR / Tokyo Metro Ginza & Hibiya Lines) – Park Exit leads directly to main entrance
- Keisei Ueno Station – 2-minute walk
- All major museums and the zoo are within 5–10 mins walk from any gate
🍱 Nearby Eats & Cafés
1. Innsyoutei
- 🍱 Traditional Japanese cuisine in a teahouse setting, great for hanami
- 📍 Inside the park
- 🕒 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2. Ueno 3153 Building (multiple options)
- 🥢 Sushi, tempura, cafés, family-friendly options
- 📍 Near the zoo entrance
3. Park Side Café
- ☕ Casual Western-style dining with terrace views
- 📍 Across from the pond
- 🕒 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🔁 Sample Plan: “Ueno Culture & Nature Day”
🕐 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- 🏛️ Start with Tokyo National Museum or Art Museum
- 🐼 Visit the Ueno Zoo (arrive early for panda viewing)
- 🍱 Enjoy lunch at Park Side Café or a bento picnic under the trees
- 🛶 Take a boat ride at Shinobazu Pond
- 📸 Stroll through cherry blossom promenade or fall foliage paths
- 🖼️ End with a short visit to the Nature & Science Museum or shopping at Ameyoko Market
📍 Address & Info
Address
Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Phone
📞 +81-3-3828-5644 (Ueno Park Office)
Website
https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jigyo/park/english/uenopark.html