Elizabeth
We often end up in Ueno Park, and for good reason. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone, whether you’re up for a museum day, a boat ride, or just wandering and seeing what’s blooming. It is incredibly easy to get to, the Yamanote Line leads you right there. It is walkable and surrounded by plenty of food options.
For families, Ueno Park is a no-brainer. Our kids always love the National Museum of Nature and Science. It’s fun and interactive, and there’s enough to keep them entertained for a couple of hours. Even without kids, it’s a solid pick. The Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Tokyo National Museum, and the Ueno Royal Museum are also in the park. When Japan’s rainy season hits, the park can be a great option with indoor and outdoor activities.
The Ueno Zoo is also here. We’re not usually Asia zoo people (IYKYK), but this one does have pandas, which is a highlight if you’ve never seen them up close. The zoo is large and can easily be a full-day activity.
One of my favorite things about Ueno Park is the shrines. There are several scattered around the grounds—like Kiyomizu Kannon-do (a beautiful wooden temple on a hillside) and Ueno Toshogu (a striking gold shrine from the 1600s). They’re worth stopping by, especially if you’re like me and love quiet spots that feel like they’re tucked away in plain sight.
Another gem? The peony garden. It only opens for special exhibitions a couple of times a year, and it’s always worth checking out if you’re around. We went once in winter (read more here) to see the peonies blooming under those little straw tents they use to protect them. The Spring bloom (early April) has the poenies under little umbrellas, it is equally as delightful.
And of course, the lake. Shinobazu Pond has boats you can rent: swan boats, row boats, and pedal boats. On weekdays, you can usually get one without much waiting. This is one of Jeff’s favorite activities in Tokyo.
For a quick snack or lunch, there’s a Starbucks in the park (it’s Starbucks, but the setting is perfect), and a restaurant called Everyone’s Cafe that’s known for its fluffy pancakes. It’s right in the park and a good spot to refuel before you head back out. It can get crowded, so expect a bit of a wait.
Depending on the season, you might also stumble onto a festival or market in the park.
The best part, though, is that something’s always blooming here. We’ve seen it in every season—cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in the pond during summer, and bright leaves in autumn. It’s one of those places that always has something new to see.
Even during cherry blossom season, when it’s shoulder-to-shoulder with people, there’s still a magic to Ueno. I tend to avoid Ueno during the bloom, because there are so many other places to see the trees.) But sometimes it’s fun to feel like you are in the largest city in the world.
Ueno Park is a perfect spot to slow down—whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or you just need a break in the middle of a busy day.
It’s close to lots of other fun neighborhoods—Ameyoko market, Yanaka, and Asakusa—so it’s easy to fit into any Tokyo plan.
My favorite little weird stop nearby is Mominoki House Footbath Cafe. Here you can dip your feet in some warm water, get a shoulder massage, and enjoy a drink. It’s perfect on a cold, rainy day or after a long day of city walking.
If you are looking to stay nearby, we have had friends with kids stay at the &Here and love it.
