Ueno Park

What to know

Ueno Park (上野公園, Ueno Kōen) is a large public park adjacent to Ueno Station in central Tokyo. Originally part of Kaneiji Temple—one of the city's largest and wealthiest temples and a family temple of the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo Period—the grounds were once positioned northeast of the capital to ward off evil, similar to Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto.

During the Boshin Civil War following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kaneiji was nearly completely destroyed in a battle between the new Meiji government forces and loyalists of the overthrown shogunate. After the battle, the temple grounds were transformed into one of Japan's first Western-style parks and opened to the public in 1873. A statue of Saigo Takamori, one of the generals in the Battle of Ueno, stands near the park's southern entrance.

At the southwestern end of the park lies Shinobazu Pond, one of many reminders of Kaneiji Temple's former grandeur. The pond represents Lake Biwako (referencing Kaneiji's model, Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto, which overlooks Lake Biwako). On an island in the middle of the pond stands Bentendo, a temple hall dedicated to the goddess Benten.

Today Ueno Park is famous for the many museums on its grounds, especially the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the National Science Museum. It is also home to Ueno Zoo, Japan's first zoological garden.

Additionally, Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most popular and lively cherry blossom spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. The cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March and early April, attracting large hanami parties.

Ueno Park is next to JR Ueno Station. The easiest access is via the station's "Park Exit."