Ueno Park - The Most Beautiful Spot to Admire Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Ueno Park captivates visitors with cherry blossoms in spring, while in autumn, it adorns itself in new attire with shades of golden brown from the maple leaves. Tourists are not only drawn to the beauty of nature here but also to the various activities and exciting festivals. However, that's not all there is to mention about this park. Let's explore it now with Mytour!

Introduction to Ueno

Ueno Park was established quite early, in 1625, northeast of Edo Castle. Many documents suggest that in its early years, this area was used as a medical school and hospital. However, by 1868, the park suffered severe damage during the Boshin War.

Ueno Park during cherry blossom season

Before the park's destruction, people then realized the importance of preserving it. Therefore, in January 1873, the Dajokan (Great Council of State of Japan) issued a notice regarding the establishment of Ueno Park in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, featuring many beautiful traditional Japanese spots. By the end of 1873, the park was established along with many others nationwide under the management of the Ministry of the Interior, later transferred to the Imperial Household Ministry. In 1924, the park was transferred to the city of Tokyo for full operational management and development.

Today, the park offers vast, refreshing spaces suitable for outdoor activities such as exercise, picnics, and strolls. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, watch the fountain displays, and more. Within Ueno Park, there are also museums, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the zoo, and more for you to explore.

Best Time to Visit Ueno Park

• The ideal time to visit Ueno Park is around late March to early April every year. During this period, you'll witness thousands of cherry blossom trees blooming along the streets, lanes, and inside the park. Besides the picturesque scenery, the weather is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 23 degrees Celsius.
• If you can't visit the park in spring, try to come here in autumn. This is when the park adorns itself in new attire with shades of red-brown throughout. Additionally, the autumn weather in Ueno is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 26 degrees Celsius, perfect for exploration.

Entertainment Activities in the Park

Strolling and Sightseeing in the Park

Strolling along the paths of Ueno Park is a wonderful experience. Visitors here can immerse themselves in the fresh and cool atmosphere along with vibrant activities.

Strolling in Ueno Park

With over 1000 cherry blossom trees, when spring arrives, cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan, including Ueno Park. The change of scenery in the park is not only during spring but also in autumn, transforming with new and incredibly poetic and romantic colors.

Boating on Shinobazu Pond

Shinobazu is nestled within the grounds of Ueno, offering unique and captivating landscapes. One of the exciting experiences you can't miss is boating on Shinobazu Pond, surrounded by picturesque and romantic scenery on both shores.

The rental fee is 700 Yen per hour for boating on Shinobazu Pond, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the lake.

Boating on Shinobazu Pond

Ueno Zoo

As the first zoo opened in Japan, Ueno Zoo attracts many visitors annually. Today, Ueno Zoo is home to over 400 species, including some rare animals such as Sumatran tigers, pandas, gorillas, and Japanese serows.

Ueno Zoo in Japan

However, please note the opening hours of the zoo to choose a suitable time. Typically, the zoo is closed on Mondays and during the Japanese New Year holidays from December 30th to January 3rd. Additionally, the opening hours during the day are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Here are some ticket prices for visiting Ueno Zoo:

Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is located within the grounds of Ueno Park, boasting an extensive collection of artworks, artifacts, and a plethora of fascinating information about the history, culture, and people of the Land of the Rising Sun. The museum houses over 100,000 pieces, including 87 designated National Treasures and over 600 items recognized as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Explore the Tokyo National Museum

Additionally, the museum is divided into various exhibition areas such as Samurai, handicraft displays, etc. Moreover, it regularly hosts seminars, specialized conferences, or exhibitions that attract many tourists. Visitors will gain deeper insights into the exhibited items and the distinctive features of Japanese culture.

The ticket prices for visiting the Tokyo National Museum will include two types of tickets: regular exhibitions and special exhibitions:

• For regular exhibition tickets:

• For special exhibition tickets: Ranging from 100 - 2000 Yen

Outdoor Activities with Friends and Family

Ueno Park boasts a considerably large area, perfect for outdoor excursions with family and friends. Outdoor trips during cherry blossom season help us relax, unwind, and spend quality time chatting amidst the warm spring atmosphere.

Outdoor Excursions with Family and Friends at Ueno Park

Prepare some essential items to make your outdoor excursion more enjoyable, including: Mat, outdoor chairs, mini stove, pre-prepared food, and other items such as bowls, chopsticks, cups, napkins,...

Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Kiyomizu Kannon Temple is a remaining part of Kaneiji Temple after the Boshin War. The temple was built in 1931 with a unique design inspired by Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Tokyo. Inside the temple, worshipping statues include Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) and Kosodate Kannon (Child-Rearing Kannon).

Visit Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Note that the temple is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and before entering the temple grounds, it is necessary to wash your hands and mouth to show respect. This is also a characteristic feature when visiting any temple in Japan.

Tips for Visiting Ueno Park

Getting to the Park

Tokyo city has a well-developed transportation system, making it easier to get around. You can consider the following ways to reach Ueno Park:

• Electric train: If you take the Keisei Electric Railway line, get off at Keisei Ueno station. Alternatively, you can take the JR Higashi Nihon line and disembark at Ueno station.
• Car: Choose the Shuto Expressway no.1 Ueno Route to reach Ueno IC for parking. Note that parking here is managed by locals and may incur charges.
• Subway: There are three subway lines to reach the park including Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, and Toei Oedo Line. For the first two lines, alight at Ueno station. The remaining line, Toei Oedo Line, stops at Ueno Okachimachi station.

Suggestions for Appropriate Attire

• Tokyo's temperature is lower than in our country (around 18°C). So, if you plan to visit Ueno Park or other places in the Land of the Rising Sun, prepare some jackets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, high-top shoes, boots, etc.
• For visits to temples and shrines in the park area, it's advisable to wear formal, modest attire.
• Due to differing weather and climate, prepare some medications such as cold, fever, flu medicines, etc. Additionally, you should have mosquito repellent and insect repellent medications.

Ueno Park today stands as a precious asset amidst Tokyo's metropolitan, blending the traditional Japanese cultural beauty with the modernity of the West. Moreover, there are still plenty of romantic pathways awaiting exploration in the land of cherry blossoms. Don't hesitate any longer, discover Japan travel tours via hotline 1900 2083 or visit the Mytour website now!

Author: Luna Moon

Image Source: Web