Popular city park featuring ample walking paths, a lake with boat rentals, a zoo & several museums.

Tokyo Disneyland

Provided by Google

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo Skytree

Sensō-ji

Ueno Park

Ueno Park, a sprawling oasis in Taito City, Tokyo, distinguishes itself not merely as green space, but as a concentrated hub of Japanese culture and history. Unlike typical urban parks, Ueno is home to a remarkable density of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing an unparalleled collection of Japanese art and artifacts. The park's Shinobazu Pond, once a lotus-filled lake, now features a dedicated cormorant fishing area, a practice rarely seen so centrally located within a major metropolis. The presence of Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, offers a glimpse into the Edo period, its golden details a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery. Interestingly, Ueno Park was initially conceived as a site for a Buddhist temple, Kan'ei-ji, which was largely destroyed during the Boshin War, paving the way for its transformation into a public park. The Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest, is renowned for its giant panda breeding program, a symbol of international collaboration and conservation efforts.

Introduction

Ueno Park in Tokyo transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of cherry blossoms each spring, drawing crowds of over two million visitors. As one of Tokyo's most iconic hanami spots, its history stretches back approximately 400 years. The park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees, with around half concentrated along the main path near the Ueno Zoo entrance. This area becomes a vibrant hub for picnics and cherry blossom viewing.

The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, a large-scale event with a rich history, adds to the lively atmosphere. From late March to mid-April, approximately 800 cherry trees bloom, creating a stunning vista. During the day, visitors stroll beneath the cherry trees bathed in sunlight, while at night, paper lanterns illuminate the blossoms, casting a pale pink glow. A unique viewing experience is available on Shinobazu Pond, where visitors can enjoy hanami from swan boats. Originally, the first trees were planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), the third ruler of the Tokugawa Shogunate. While none of those original trees have survived, the tradition of viewing sakura blossoms in the park has continued to this day. Ueno Park's cherry blossoms are a quintessential experience, blending natural beauty, cultural festivities, and urban accessibility.

Cherry Blossom Spectacle

Ueno Park's grounds were once the vast precinct of Kaneiji Temple, one of Edo's largest and wealthiest temples, deeply connected to the Tokugawa shogunate. Founded in 1625 by the monk Tenkai, Kaneiji was envisioned as an eastern counterpart to Kyoto's Enryakuji Temple, serving as a protective barrier against evil. The temple's original main hall stood where Ueno Park's fountain plaza and Tokyo National Museum are now located. Tenkai also established a public recreation area south of the main hall, effectively creating Japan's first leisure destination.

Kaneiji featured recreations of famous landmarks, including the Kiyomizu Kannondō modeled after Kyoto's Kiyomizudera, and Shinobazu Pond designed to evoke Lake Biwa. The park became a year-round leisure spot, fostering Edo's flower-viewing culture.

During the Boshin Civil War in 1868, Kaneiji suffered near-total destruction, leading to the grounds' conversion into Ueno Park in 1873. Remnants of Kaneiji's former grandeur remain, such as the Bentendo Hall on Shinobazu Pond, a reminder of the temple's connection to Lake Biwa. The five-story pagoda is another vestige of Kaneiji. Today, Kaneiji adjoins Ueno Park's northern end, housing a cemetery with the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns. Though reduced to a tenth of its original size, Ueno Park continues to embody the aspirations of Kaneiji's founder, Tenkai, as a place for recreation and cultural enrichment.

Kaneiji Temple's Legacy

Ueno Park distinguishes itself as a cultural and artistic hub, most notably for its cluster of museums and galleries. It is home to some of Tokyo’s best-known museums, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art. The Ueno Royal Museum exhibits a range of art, from contemporary pieces by young artists to popular manga exhibitions.

The Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest museum with 150 years of history, houses an extensive collection of oriental artworks and antiquities, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints, ceramics, and swords. The National Museum of Nature and Science explores the natural world and the history of science and technology, with a focus on dinosaurs. The Shitamachi Museum portrays the history of Tokyo.

Budget-conscious visitors can explore Ueno Park’s museums for free on specific days, such as International Museum Day, Respect for the Aged Day, and Culture Day. The park's museums cater to diverse interests, ensuring there is something for every visitor.

Museum Hub

Within Ueno Park stands the Statue of Saigo Takamori, a bronze figure created by Takamura Koun in 1898, 21 years after Saigo's death. The statue, located in Sanoudai-hiroba, becomes a focal point during the spring cherry blossom season. Saigo Takamori, a key figure in the Meiji Restoration, is depicted in the statue taking a walk in a kimono and zori sandals, accompanied by his dog, Tsun. The statue commemorates Saigo's role in the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle and his contributions to establishing modern Japanese institutions.

Saigo Takamori, often called the 'last true samurai', led Japanese fighters during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. The statue commemorates Saigo's complex legacy, as he reluctantly led an insurrection against the same Imperial government he had previously championed. Despite this, the Meiji government commissioned the statue, portraying him as a commoner rather than a military figure.

The statue has become an iconic landmark within Ueno Park. The statue gained renewed attention during the Exposition of Shining Technology at Ueno Park in 1940, celebrating the 2600th Anniversary of the Founding of the Imperial Reign. The statue is a short walk from Ueno Station, accessible via the JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza, and Hibiya Lines.

Saigo Takamori Statue

Shinobazu Pond, a prominent feature of Ueno Park, offers a picturesque scene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for photography and a restful stop for park visitors. The pond is divided into three distinct sections: a lotus pond, a boat pond, and a cormorant pond. The lotus pond is particularly scenic in the summer, covered with large lotus leaves and vibrant blossoms, typically blooming from July to August. This creates a breathtaking natural display that attracts photographers and visitors alike. It is believed that as many as twenty different species of lotus can be found blossoming in Shinobazu Pond, many of them are unique to this area, and can be found nowhere else in the world.

For those seeking recreation, the boat pond offers rowboat and pedal-powered swan rentals, providing a unique vantage point from which to admire the park. The best time to rent a boat is during the early to mid-spring, particularly during the cherry blossom viewing season. The northernmost section, the cormorant pond, borders Ueno Zoo and is a haven for bird watchers, housing various waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, and herons. Rare and exotic birds from the nearby Ueno Zoo, such as the Madagascar ibis, can also be spotted. Shinobazu Pond's tranquil waters and lush greenery provide a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, blending nature with Japanese tradition.

Ueno Park

Highlights from Reviews