Ueno is a vibrant and bustling district located in the northern part of Tokyo, offering a wide range of attractions, from world-class museums and beautiful parks to bustling shopping streets and delicious food.
So, whether you want to explore the famous Ueno Park and its many attractions, visit the fascinating museums and galleries, or simply wander around the vibrant streets and soak up the atmosphere, Ueno has a lot to offer.
Getting to Ueno: A Convenient and Accessible Destination
Ueno is one of the most accessible destinations in Tokyo, thanks to its convenient location and excellent transportation links. Whether you’re arriving from Narita or Haneda Airport, or from other parts of Tokyo, getting to Ueno is easy and hassle-free.
By Train
Ueno is served by several train lines, making it easy to get to from anywhere in Tokyo. The JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line both stop at Ueno Station, which is the main transportation hub in the area. From the Station, you can then easily access other parts of Tokyo, as well as other major cities in Japan.
For those arriving from Narita Airport, the Keisei Skyliner is a popular and convenient option. The Skyliner connects Narita Airport to Ueno Station in just 41 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to get to Ueno from the airport.
The Skyliner runs every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day, so you can easily catch a train whenever you arrive at the airport.
By Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several bus routes that stop in Ueno. The Tokyo Shuttle Bus connects Narita Airport to Ueno Station, while the Airport Limousine Bus is another popular option for those arriving from both Narita and Haneda airports. The bus ride takes around 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, so it’s a good option if you have a lot of luggage or prefer to travel in comfort.
Things To Do In Ueno
Ueno is a vibrant old neighborhood of Tokyo that has a lot on offer. Known for its park and many word-class museums, it’s also worth exploring some of the shopping streets and back alleys for the sights and tastes of old Tokyo.
Ueno Park
One of the most popular attractions in Ueno is Ueno Park, a large public park that is famous for its cherry blossom festival. It’s also home to some great museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art.
While there take a stroll around, or even a boat ride on Shinobazu Pond, which is home to hundreds of lotus flowers.
Ueno Zoo
Located within Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo is home to over 500 species of animals, including giant pandas, elephants, and tigers.
You can also take a ride on the monorail that runs through the zoo, providing an aerial view of the animals below.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Another totally Ueno thing to do is to cross over from the station and walk along Ameyoko Shopping Street, a bustling market street with a mix of local tokyoites and visitors.
The street is lined with shops selling a wide range of goods, including fresh seafood, clothing, and souvenirs. Get stuck into some great food from the many stalls along the street.
More: Ameyoko Shopping Street: Ueno’s Bustling Open Air Market
Kaneiji Temple
Another thing to do in Ueno park is to check out Kaneiji a historic temple located within the Park. The temple was originally built in the 17th century and was once one of the most important temples in Tokyo.
More: Kaneiji Temple & It’s Pagoda And Garden In Ueno Park
Hanazono Inari Shrine
Another popular attraction in Ueno is Hanazono Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine that is famous for its torii gates. The shrine is located just a short walk from Ueno Station and visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through the gates and around the shrine grounds.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Ueno has to offer. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or shopping, Ueno has something for everyone to enjoy.
More: Hanazono Inari Shrine: The Red Torii Gates Of Ueno Park
Explore the Museums
Ueno is home to several world-class museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art. Each museum offers a unique collection of exhibits and artifacts that showcase Japanese and international history, art, and culture.
Take a Walk Along Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza is a charming shopping street that offers a glimpse into old Tokyo. This street is lined with traditional shops and cafes, and visitors can sample local snacks and sweets while taking in the quaint atmosphere.
Overall, Ueno is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tokyo. With its mix of history, culture, and entertainment, there is something for everyone in Ueno.
Where to Eat in Ueno
Ueno is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few recommendations:
Ameyoko Market
As we have already seen Ameyoko is the place to go for a bite to eat. There are countless places full of patrons who all seem to be having a good time. Walk around, pick a place, and enjoy.
Yoshoku Restaurants
Yoshoku is a style of Japanese cuisine that incorporates Western ingredients and cooking techniques. Ueno is home to several excellent yoshoku restaurants, including:
- Yoshoku Yonehana: This cozy restaurant has been serving up delicious yoshoku dishes for over 60 years. Some popular menu items include omurice (rice omelette), katsu curry (breaded pork cutlet with curry sauce), and hayashi rice (beef stew served over rice).
- Royal Host: This chain restaurant serves up a wide variety of yoshoku dishes, as well as burgers, pasta, and another Western-style fare. It’s a great option for families or larger groups.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is home to several restaurants and cafes, including:
- Ponta: This Japanese-style Western food restaurant serves up delicious dishes like hamburger steak, omurice, and spaghetti.
- Kosoan: This traditional Japanese tea house is located in Ueno Park and serves up a variety of teas and sweets. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
These are just a few of the many dining options available in Ueno. Visitors are sure to find something delicious to eat no matter where they go!
Where to Stay in Ueno
Ueno is a great place to stay in Tokyo, and there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. There are luxury hotels, plenty of mid-range options, and no shortage of budget-friendly hostels.
One of the best things about staying in Ueno if you’re flying in and out of Narita Airport is that is o easy to get to. The Skyline train will take you straight there so you can be checked into your hotel and still have time to enjoy yourself.
Luxury Hotels
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Ueno Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno is a popular choice, with its modern and stylish rooms and convenient location near Ueno Station. Another great option is NOUGA Hotel Ueno Tokyo, which offers spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Budget-Friendly Hostels
If you’re traveling on a budget, Minn Ueno is hard to beat, with its simple and clean rooms and convenient location near Ueno Park. Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno is another winner, with its cozy and comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in Ueno, there are also plenty of mid-range hotels such as Hotel Aima with its spacious and modern rooms and convenient location near Ueno Station. Hotel Sardonyx Ueno is right by Ueno Park and is were we often stay.
Shopping in Ueno
Ueno is a popular shopping destination in Tokyo, known for its bustling shopping streets and historic shopping districts. Visitors can find everything from traditional Japanese souvenirs to high-end fashion brands. Here are some of the best places to shop in Ueno:
Day Trips from Ueno
Ueno is a great base for exploring Tokyo and its surrounding areas. There are many day trips that can be taken from Ueno, offering visitors a chance to see some of the best sights that Japan has to offer. Here are a few of the top day trips from Ueno:
- Nikko: Located about two hours from Ueno, Nikko is a picturesque town in the mountains that is known for its stunning temples and shrines. The most famous of these is the Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and is located about two hours from Ueno. Visitors can take a day trip to the mountain and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Sum Up
During your visit to Ueno, make sure to explore the various museums, parks, and shopping streets. Take a stroll through Ueno Park and visit the Ueno Zoo to see some of the world’s most fascinating animals up close. Don’t forget to stop by Ameyoko, a bustling shopping street with a wide variety of goods and delicious street food.
If you’re interested in Japanese art and culture, make sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art. These museums house some of the most significant collections of Japanese and Western art in the world.
Ueno is also home to some of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. During the spring, Ueno Park is transformed into a sea of pink as the cherry blossoms bloom. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Overall, Ueno is a wonderful destination that offers a lot with those old-town nostalgic vibes that you don’t get in other parts of Tokyo
