Ueno Park (上野公園, Ueno Kōen) 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.

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 (in a reference to Kaneiji's model, the Enryakuji Temple of Kyoto, which overlooks Lake Biwako). On an island in the middle of the pond stands Bentendo, a temple hall dedicated to the goddess of Benten.

Today Ueno Park is famous for the many museums found on its grounds, especially the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum. It is also home to Ueno Zoo, Japan's first zoological garden.

Additionally, 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.

Temples and shrines

  • Kaneiji Temple
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free
  • Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free
  • Toshogu Shrine
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from October to February)
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free (inner shrine area 500 yen)
  • Bentendo Hall
    Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free

Museums and zoos

  • Tokyo National Museum
    Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 19:00 on Fri and Sat)
    Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays
    Admission: 1000 yen
  • National Museum of Nature and Science
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
    Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 28 to Jan 1
    Admission: 630 yen
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
    Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (until 20:00 on Fridays)
    Closed: 1st and 3rd Mon each month or next day if Mon is a holiday, New Year
    Admission: Varies by exhibition
  • National Museum of Western Art
    Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (until 20:00 on Fri and Sat)
    Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 28 to Jan 1
    Admission: 500 yen
  • Shitamachi Museum
    Temporarily closed until March 2025 for renovations
  • Ueno Zoo
    Hour: 9:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
    Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 1
    Admission: 600 yen (free admission on March 20, May 4 and October 1)

Getting there and around

Ueno Park is next to JR Ueno Station. Easiest access is provided by the station's "Park Exit".

Orientation in Tokyo

Hotels around Tokyo

    • SAKE Bar Hotel Asakusa
      A boutique hotel with free-flowing Japanese sake, two-minutes from Asakusa Station. Savor our original sake while relaxing with an open-air footbath.
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    • Section L Ueno-Hirokoji
      Luxury
      Section L Ueno-Hirokoji is a recently renovated aparthotel in the centre of Tokyo, 100 metres from Kamezumiinari Shrine and 200 metres from Matsuzakaya Ueno. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms. The units at the aparthotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with slippers, a bidet and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple, Shitamachi Museum and Akihabara Neribei Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from Section L Ueno-Hirokoji.
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    • MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho
      Luxury
      Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho is situated in Tokyo, 400 metres from The Shitaya Shrine and 200 metres from Hoon-ji Temple. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Choen-ji Temple, 600 metres from Sogenji Temple and 800 metres from Ecute Ueno Shopping Mall. The property is 6.1 km from the city centre and 80 metres from Ryukoku-ji Temple. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Seigyo-ji Temple, Tokaku-ji Temple and Rinko-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho.
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    • MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi
      Luxury
      Situated in Tokyo, within 300 metres of Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple and 500 metres of Shitamachi Museum, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi features accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Saigo Takamori Statue, ?Marishiten Tokudaiji? Temple, and Miyamoto Park. The property is 5 km from the city centre and 300 metres from Kamezumiinari Shrine. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, Matsuzakaya Ueno and Akihabara Neribei Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi.
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    • Section L Yushima-Ueno
      Mid-range
      Attractively located in the Bunkyo district of Tokyo, Section L Yushima-Ueno is situated 600 metres from Kamezumiinari Shrine, 600 metres from Shitamachi Museum and 600 metres from Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 200 metres from Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple, and within 4.8 km of the city centre. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At Section L Yushima-Ueno rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Speaking English and Japanese, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical advice on the area at the 24-hour front desk. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Matsuzakaya Ueno, Yushima Goryo Shrine and Origami Kaikan. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from Section L Yushima-Ueno.
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    • &Here TOKYO UENO
      Mid-range
      Well set in the centre of Tokyo, &Here TOKYO UENO provides 3-star accommodation close to Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple and Shitamachi Museum. Popular points of interest nearby include Saigo Takamori Statue, Kamezumiinari Shrine and ?Marishiten Tokudaiji? Temple. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Selected rooms include a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Matsuzakaya Ueno, Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden and Yokoyama Taikan Memorial Hall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from &Here TOKYO UENO.
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    • MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North
      Luxury
      Situated 1.5 km from Sensoji Temple, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North provides free WiFi in all areas. The accommodation features a hot tub. The units have a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. There is a private bathroom with bath. A coin launderette is available on site. Edo Tokyo Museum is 2.6 km from the aparthotel, while Tokyo Skytree is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North.
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    • NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO
      Luxury
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The rooms have a kettle and a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, while selected rooms also boast a kitchenette fitted with a microwave. At NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. A buffet, ? la carte or continental breakfast is available each morning at the property. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Shitaya Shrine, Choen-ji Temple and Ryukoku-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO.
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    • MONday Apart Premium UENO OKACHIMACHI
      Luxury
      MONday Apart Premium UENO OKACHIMACHI provides accommodation within 4.9 km of the centre of Tokyo, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop. This 4-star aparthotel offers a lift and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Convention Room AP Akihabara. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MONday Apart Premium UENO OKACHIMACHI.
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    • YADOYA Uguisu
      Mid-range
      Located in Tokyo and within 300 metres of Chosho-ji Temple, YADOYA Uguisu features a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque, Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan, and Front gate of Honobo In Kanei-ji Temple. The property is close to popular attractions like Gate of Former Residence of Koda Rohan, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi Mausoleum Imperial Scroll Gate and Shikian. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At YADOYA Uguisu every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Akiba Shrine, Kemmyo-in Temple and Kissho-in Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from YADOYA Uguisu.
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    • LANDABOUT TOKYO
      Mid-range
      Boasting a restaurant, bar, shared lounge and free WiFi, LANDABOUT TOKYO is situated in Tokyo, 400 metres from Kemmyo-in Temple and 600 metres from Shunsho-in Temple. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at LANDABOUT TOKYO can enjoy a continental breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Tozen-in Temple, Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque and Chosho-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 31 km from LANDABOUT TOKYO.
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