Ueno Park

Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen) is a historic spot with over 140 years since opening. It refers to the broader area including the Ueno plateau (often called “Ueno no Yama”) and Shinobazu Pond, and it contains numerous cultural facilities. Major attractions include Ueno Zoo, the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Ueno Royal Museum—ranging from national and metropolitan to private institutions. Since it’s impossible to cover everything in a single day, it’s best to pick the places you’re most interested in. The park also offers abundant nature: it’s one of Japan’s most famous cherry-blossom spots, with hanami season stretching about two months from early-blooming varieties to Somei Yoshino. From July, the lotus flowers on Shinobazu Pond are spectacular, spreading across the pond in a breathtaking display. The statue of Saigo Takamori with his dog is also well known—worth checking on a stroll. Access: about a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Hibiya Line), or about a 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station.