Ueno Park - The Ultimate Destination for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Ueno Park captivates visitors with its cherry blossoms in spring, while autumn adorns it with a new palette of golden brown hues from the maple leaves. It's not just the breathtaking natural landscapes that allure tourists; Ueno is also a hub of various activities and fascinating festivals. However, merely mentioning these wouldn't suffice to encapsulate the essence of this park. Let's embark on an exploration with Mytour right now!

Introducing Ueno

Ueno Park has a long history, dating back to 1625, situated northeast of Edo Castle. Early records suggest that it was initially 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

In the wake of the park's destruction, its significance in preservation became apparent. Consequently, in January 1873, the Dajokan (Great Council of State of Japan) issued a decree to establish Ueno Park in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, preserving traditional Japanese beauty spots. By the end of 1873, the park, along with several others nationwide, was inaugurated under the administration of the Ministry of the Interior, later transferred to the Imperial Household Agency. In 1924, the park was handed over to Tokyo City for full management, administration, and development.

Today, the park offers vast, refreshing spaces suitable for outdoor activities such as exercising, picnicking, and strolling. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boating on the pond, admire the fountain plaza, and explore attractions like Ueno Toshogu Shrine, museums, and the zoo within the park area.

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, alleys, and inside the park. Besides the scenic changes, the weather is quite pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 13 to 23 degrees Celsius.
• If you can't visit the park in spring, consider coming in autumn. This is when the park adorns itself in new hues of reddish-brown throughout. Moreover, the autumn weather in Ueno is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 26 degrees Celsius, perfect for exploring.

Entertainment Activities at the Park

Strolling and Sightseeing in the Park

Strolling along the pathways of Ueno Park is a wonderful experience. Visitors here can immerse themselves in the fresh and cool air 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 transformation of the park's scenery is not only during spring but also during autumn, with a poetic and romantic new color palette.

Boating on Shinobazu Pond

Shinobazu, nestled within the grounds of Ueno, boasts a unique and captivating landscape. One of the exciting experiences not to be missed is boating on Shinobazu Pond, surrounded by picturesque and romantic scenery on both sides.

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

Boating on Shinobazu Pond

Ueno Zoo

As Japan's first zoo to open its doors, Ueno Zoo attracts numerous visitors annually. Today, Ueno Zoo is home to over 400 species, including some rare animals like the Sumatran tiger, giant panda, gorilla, and Japanese serow.

Ueno Zoo Japan

However, take note of the zoo's opening hours to plan your visit accordingly. 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.

You can check out some ticket prices for visiting Ueno Zoo:

Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum, located within the premises of Ueno Park, boasts an extensive collection of artworks, artifacts, and countless intriguing insights into 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 Tokyo National Museum

Additionally, the museum is divided into several exhibition areas such as Samurai, handicraft display rooms, etc. Moreover, it regularly hosts seminars, conferences, or exhibitions that attract many tourists. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness and learn more about the exhibited items in the museum and the distinctive features of Japanese culture.

The admission price for Tokyo National Museum includes two types of tickets: regular exhibition and special exhibition:

• For regular exhibition tickets:

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

Outdoor Activities with Friends and Family

Ueno Park boasts a large area, perfect for outdoor activities with family and friends. Picnics during cherry blossom season offer relaxation, comfort, and ample time to chat in the warm spring atmosphere.

Outdoor Adventures with Family and Friends at Ueno Park

Prepare some essential items for a more enjoyable outdoor adventure including: Picnic blanket, camping chairs, portable stove, pre-prepared food, and other items such as plates, chopsticks, cups, tissues,...

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, there are enshrined statues of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) and Kosodate Kannon (Child-Rearing Kannon).

Visit Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Note that the temple opens 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 entering 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 commute. You can consider some ways to get to Ueno Park as follows:

• 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 get off at Ueno station.
• Car: Choose the Shuto Expressway no.1 Ueno Route to reach Ueno IC for parking. Please note that the parking here is operated by locals and will incur a fee.
• Subway: There are three subway lines that can take you to 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 is Toei Oedo Line with the stop being Ueno Okachimachi station.

Suggestions for Appropriate Attire

• The temperature in Tokyo is relatively lower than in our country (around 18 degrees Celsius). Therefore, if you plan to visit Ueno Park or other places in Japan, prepare some jackets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, high-top shoes, boots, etc.
• When visiting temples and shrines in the park area, it's recommended to wear formal, modest attire.
• Due to varying weather and climate, it's advisable to bring some medications such as cold, fever, flu remedies, as well as mosquito repellents and insecticides.

Ueno Park today stands as a valuable asset amidst Tokyo, blending traditional Japanese cultural beauty with Western modernity. There are still many romantic and enchanting paths of the land of the rising sun awaiting you. Don't hesitate any longer, explore Japan tours now via hotline 1900 2083 or visit the Mytour website!

Author: Moon Shadow

Image Source: Online