Ueno, located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is famous for being home to Ueno Onshi Park, the oldest park in Japan.
The Ueno Zoo, which is closely associated with pandas and located within the park, is a popular tourist spot that attracts visitors from all over the country.
The convenience of transportation, charming streetscape, and numerous cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries also add to the appeal of Ueno.
Ameya-Yokocho is a bustling shopping street with approximately 400 stores.
Not only food, but also many shops selling clothing and jewelry, making it a tradition to be crowded during the New Year holidays.
In the nearby neighborhood of Yushima, which is a short distance from Ueno, there are many love hotels operating, making it convenient for calling delivery health services.
Sightseeing around Ueno
Niki Confectionery, First Branch
4-1-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005
2 minutes on foot from Okachimachi Station
Niki Confectionery has been engaged in the sale and wholesale of sweets since 1947 at its flagship store in Ameya-Yokocho, Ueno. The first and second floors offer a wide variety of sweets, including regional specialties and products from outside Tokyo. The nearest station is Okachimachi, but it’s just a short walk from Ueno Station through the shopping street.
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
5 minutes on foot from Nippori Station
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a shopping district that preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of old Tokyo’s downtown area. Although foot traffic was sparse during the pandemic, recently it has regained its liveliness with the opening of new cafes and such. If you prefer a leisurely sightseeing experience, it’s worth extending your visit here as it’s a bit of a walk from Ueno Station. The stairs at the back of the shopping street exude a nostalgic ambiance during dusk. Alternatively, using Nippori Station if traveling by train is also a good option.
Nezu Shrine
5 minutes on foot from Nezu Station
Nezu Shrine, built in 1706, is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the government. Every year around April (depending on the temperature and weather), the Azalea Festival takes place, where you can see approximately 100 different types of azaleas. During festival and event times called “dote,” stalls are set up where you can buy food and experience local culture and customs.
Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street
1 minute on foot from Ueno Station
Located between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station, Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street is bustling year-round regardless of the season. It gathers various shops such as restaurants, food stalls, clothing stores, and miscellaneous goods, allowing you to enjoy food and drinks from daytime onwards. Towards the end of each year (late December), it gets crowded with people buying food and other items for the Japanese New Year, so it’s better to avoid it if you dislike crowds. Recently, there has been an increase in shops run by foreigners.
Ueno Onshi Park
Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
2 minutes on foot from Ueno Station
Ueno Onshi Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, boasts around 1,200 cherry trees blooming from April to May. Many people visit to enjoy hanami, the tradition of having meals and drinks under the cherry blossoms. Throughout the year, the park offers various events such as festivals, street performances, and Japanese picture book exhibitions, providing enjoyment for visitors.