Ueno Park

Ueno Park (上野公園, Ueno Koen) is a large public park next to Ueno Station in central Tokyo. The park grounds were originally part of Kaneiji Temple, which used to be one of the city’s largest and wealthiest temples and a family temple of the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo Period. Kaneiji stood in the northeast of the capital to protect the city from evil, much like Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto.

During the Boshin Civil War, which followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kaneiji suffered nearly complete destruction in a battle between the victorious forces of the new Meiji government and loyalists of the overthrown shogunate. After the battle, the temple grounds were converted into one of Japan’s first Western-style parks and opened to the public in 1873. A statue of Saigo Takamori, one of the generals in the Battle of Ueno, stands near the park’s southern entrance.

What to See

At the southwestern end of the park lies Shinobazu Pond, one of many reminders of Kaneiji Temple’s former grandeur. The pond represents Lake Biwako. On an island in the middle of the pond stands Bentendo, an octagonal temple hall dedicated to the goddess of Benten (good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge). Bentendo’s grounds are especially lively during the cherry blossom season when they are crowded with festival food stalls.

Museums

Today Ueno Park is famous for the many museums found on its grounds:

• Tokyo National Museum — The oldest and largest museum in Japan, made up of multiple buildings housing the largest collection of national treasures and important cultural items in the country. Hours: 9:30–17:00 (until 19:00 Fri/Sat). Closed Mondays. Admission: 1000 yen.
• National Museum of Western Art — Displays Western art, primarily by European artists. Japan’s only building designed by Le Corbusier, designated a World Heritage site. Hours: 9:30–17:30 (until 20:00 Fri/Sat). Closed Mondays. Admission: 500 yen.
• National Museum of Nature and Science — Hands-on physics and robotics experiments, impressive collection of mounted animals, and a 360-degree virtual theater. Hours: 9:00–17:00. Closed Mondays. Admission: 630 yen.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum — Displays all types of art in six galleries with multiple concurrent exhibitions. Hours: 9:30–17:30 (until 20:00 Fridays). Closed 1st and 3rd Monday each month.
• Shitamachi Museum — Nostalgic exhibits and reconstructions showing life in Tokyo from the late Meiji to early Showa periods. Hours: 9:30–16:30. Admission: 300 yen.

Temples and Shrines

• Toshogu Shrine — Built in 1616, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine’s peony garden is open January to mid-February and mid-April to early May (1000 yen). Inner shrine area: 700 yen.
• Kiyomizu Kannon Temple — Built in 1631, its design inspired by Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. Popular among women hoping to have children.
• Bentendo Hall — Octagonal temple on an island in Shinobazu Pond. Hours: 7:00–17:00. Free admission.

Ueno Zoo

Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo. Hours: 9:30–17:00 (entry until 16:00). Closed Mondays. Admission: 600 yen (free on March 20, May 4, and October 1).

Cherry Blossom Season

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular and lively cherry blossom spots with more than 1000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. The cherry blossoms are usually in bloom during late March and early April and attract large numbers of hanami parties. The atmosphere is famously boisterous — office workers stake out tarps in the morning for evening celebrations.

Getting There

Ueno Park is next to JR Ueno Station. Easiest access is provided by the station’s “Park Exit.” The park is also served by Ueno Station on the Ginza and Hibiya subway lines.

Hours: Park is always open; individual facilities vary. Admission: Park is free; museums charge individually as noted above.