What to do in Ueno
Ueno is a district located in the north-east of Tokyo. It is home to a huge park with a zoo and many museums.
Cesar I. Martins from Jundiai, Brazil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to get to Ueno
The Ueno district is served by various stations such as the underground, the JR Yamanote Line, the Keihin Tohoku Line, the Keisei and the Shinkansen.
You can use the Yamanote Line and get off at Ueno Station. Or by underground take the Ginza Line (G16 Ueno – Tokyo Metro).
If you are arriving from Narita Airport and your hotel is located in this area, you can use the Keisei train.
Kaneiji Temple
The Kaneiji temple is one of the most important attractions in Tokyo’s Ueno district. This Buddhist temple was built back in 1625 and has seen several reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. Inside, visitors can admire numerous buildings and statues, including the statue of Amitabha Buddha, which is said to bring peace and serenity to those who gaze upon it. Kaneiji Temple is set in a green area with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Tokyo, and is a must-see for tourists visiting Ueno.
Reggaeman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
|
| 9:00-17:00 | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 15 minutes’ walk west of JR Uguisudani Station (Yamanote Line) The temple is located in the northern part of the park |
Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
The Kiyomizu Kannon temple is a must for visitors to Ueno in Tokyo. This splendid Buddhist temple is known for its majestic 30-metre-high statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Built in 1631, the temple also offers a spectacular panoramic view of Ueno Park and the city of Tokyo from its terrace. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of this sacred place, admire the traditional Japanese architecture and make prayers for well-being and prosperity. The Kiyomizu Kannon Temple is an important spiritual and cultural site in the bustling city of Ueno.
Tak1701d, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:00-17:00 | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 5 minutes’ walk west of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The temple is located along the park’s main boulevard |
Bentendo
Benten-do Temple is a hidden gem in Tokyo’s Ueno district. Built in 1602, this picturesque Shinto temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of luck and the arts. Its location on Shinobazu Island, in the middle of a lake, gives it a unique and magical atmosphere. Nature lovers can enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding gardens and watch the many birds that inhabit the area. Benten-do is a place of peace and spirituality in the midst of bustling Tokyo, the perfect retreat for quiet meditation or silent contemplation.
Stéfan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:00-17:00 | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 5 minutes’ walk from JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The temple is located on the small island in the park’s pond |
Toshogu Shrine
The Toshogu Shrine is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in Ueno in Tokyo. Built in the 17th century, it was the residence of the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is buried here. The shrine is considered a national treasure and is famous for its extraordinary architecture, exotic details and elaborate decorations, including the iconic image of an emblematic dragon. Visitors can admire the unparalleled beauty of the shrine and enjoy its tranquillity in the heart of one of the world’s largest cities. Toshogu is an enchanting and pleasant place, perfect for immersing oneself in Japanese culture and its thousand-year history.
Tadill, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:00-17:30 (until 16:30 from October to February) | |
| No closing days | |
| Free (500 Yen for the indoor area) |
|
| 5 minutes’ walk north of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) 5 minutes’ walk south of JR Uguisudani Station (Yamanote Line) The museum is located in the western part of Ueno Park |
The Tokyo National Museum is a must-see for art and history lovers. Located in the Ueno district, this world-famous museum houses a vast collection of art and historical artefacts from all over Japan. From traditional paintings to national treasures, visitors can admire masterpieces that tell the story of the country’s history and culture. The exhibitions are always interesting and engaging, leaving visitors fascinated and amazed. The National Museum in Tokyo is a place that celebrates Japan’s cultural heritage and provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the rich history of this fascinating country.
Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:30-17:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
|
| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 26 December to 1 January |
|
| 1000 Yen | |
| 5 minutes’ walk north of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) 5 minutes’ walk south of JR Uguisudani Station (Yamanote Line) The museum is located in the northern part of Ueno Park |
National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno is a must-see destination for nature and science lovers. Inside this spectacular museum, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits covering everything from animal species to dinosaur fossils. Interactive exhibits and innovative installations make learning fun and engaging for people of all ages. Through its exceptional collection, the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno offers a unique opportunity to explore and better understand the world around us.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:00-17:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) | |
| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 28 December to 1 January |
|
| 630 Yen Free (high school students and younger children) |
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| 5 minutes’ walk north of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The museum is located on the east side of the park |
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in the Ueno district, is one of Japan’s leading cultural institutions. Also known as the ‘Mori’, it is a place where art and creativity pour out from every corner. Its spacious galleries house important collections of Japanese and international art, ranging from the ancient to the contemporary period. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum also presents temporary exhibitions that offer visitors an ever-changing and stimulating artistic experience. The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art is an artistic treasure trove that invites visitors to immerse themselves in beauty and artistic expression.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:30-17:30 (until 20:00 on Fridays during special exhibitions) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
|
| Variable closing day for maintenance 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (the following day if Monday is a National Holiday) 29 December to 3 January 11 to 18 January 2021 (maintenance) |
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| Admission to the museum is free, you then pay for each individual exhibition | |
| 5 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The museum is located in the northern part of the park |
National Museum of Western Art (Kokuritsu Seiyo Bijutsukan)
The National Museum of Western Art, located in the Ueno district, is one of Japan’s most important art museums. Opened in 1959, the museum houses a remarkable collection of figurative arts from the Western tradition. Inside its elegant halls, visitors can admire priceless paintings, sculptures and works of art, including works by famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Rodin. The National Museum of Western Art is a place of great beauty and refinement, a cultural treasure that testifies to the value and importance of Western art in Japanese art history.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:30-17:30 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) | |
| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 28 December to 1 January |
|
| 500 Yen A supplement is charged for temporary exhibitions |
|
| 5 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The museum is located on the east side of the park |
Shitamachi Museum (Shitamachi Fuzoku Shiryokan)
The Shitamachi Museum (Shitamachi Fuzoku Shiryokan) in Ueno, is a museum located within Ueno Park dedicated to the traditional culture of Tokyo, with a focus on the culture of the Shitamachi, the working-class neighbourhoods of the old city. Visitors can explore themed exhibits, including a reconstruction of a typical Shitamachi street from the 1950s. The museum also hosts performances and workshops that provide an opportunity to experience and learn more about Shitamachi culture. The Shitamachi Museum is a unique and engaging venue that bears witness to the rich tradition and continuing evolution of Tokyo culture.
Tarourashima, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
|
| 9:30-16:30 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
|
| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 29 December to 1 January Some days closed in August and December for new exhibitions |
|
| 300 Yen | |
| 5 minutes’ walk south-west of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) 5 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Okachimachi Station (Yamanote Line) The museum is located in the southern part of the park |
Ueno Zoo
The Ueno Zoo, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. Founded in 1882, it is the oldest zoo in Japan and houses a wide variety of animal species from all over the world. Animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and many others can be seen here. The zoo park also offers green spaces, picnic areas and games for children. The Ueno Zoo is a great place to spend a day immersed in the wonder of nature and to educate about animal species and their conservation.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 9:30-17:00 Last entry 1 hour before closing time |
|
| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 29 December to 1 January |
|
| 600 Yen (free admission on 20 March, 4 May and 1 October) | |
| 10 minutes’ walk west of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) The zoo is located in the western part of the park |
Ameyoko, located in the Ueno district, is a famous open-air market offering a vibrant shopping and dining experience. Also known as ‘Ameya Yokocho’, it is a vibrant and busy place where visitors can find a wide selection of shops selling clothes, shoes, food, souvenirs and more. The market is also renowned for its wide range of street food, from takoyaki to yakitori. Ameyoko is a must for those seeking a unique shopping experience and an explosion of flavours and colours in the heart of Tokyo.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 10:00-20:00 | |
| 5 minutes’ walk south of JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line) and Ueno Subway Station (G16) 5 minutes’ walk north of JR Okachimachi Station (Yamanote Line) and the Ueno-Okachimachi (E09) and Ueno-Hirokoji (G15) underground stops |
Nippori Textile Town
Nippori Textile Town is a paradise for lovers of textiles and tailoring. This charming district is famous for its many workshops and shops specialising in the sale of high-quality textiles. Fashion lovers and artisans can find a wide range of traditional Japanese textiles, such as kimonos, as well as imported fabrics from around the world. In addition to textiles, it is also possible to buy tailoring accessories and find specialised haberdashery and yarn shops. Nippori Textile Town is a must-visit destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of fashion and textile handicrafts.
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| 5 minutes’ walk east of JR Nippori station (Yamanote Line) east exit |
Hard Rock Cafè Ueno
The Hard Rock Cafe Ueno is an incarnation of the famous rock restaurant chain in one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighbourhoods. Located at JR Ueno Station, the café offers a unique experience for music and food lovers. In addition to its iconic collection of rock memorabilia, the restaurant serves a wide selection of international dishes, including succulent burgers, ribs, salads and more. With a lively atmosphere and welcoming staff, the Hard Rock Cafe Ueno is a great place to spend an enjoyable evening of good music, great food and timeless fun.
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
|
| The Hard Rock Café is located inside JR Ueno Station |