Ueno Park (ã–ìŒö‰€, Ueno Kōen) is a large public park next to Ueno Station in central Tokyo. The park grounds were originally part of Kaneiji Temple, which used to be one of the city's largest and wealthiest temples and a family temple of the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo Period. Kaneiji stood in the northeast of the capital to protect the city from evil, much like Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto.
During the Boshin Civil War, which followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kaneiji suffered nearly complete destruction in a battle between the victorious forces of the new Meiji government and loyalists of the overthrown shogunate. After the battle, the temple grounds were converted 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 (in a reference to Kaneiji's model, the Enryakuji Temple of Kyoto, which overlooks Lake Biwako). On an island in the middle of the pond stands Bentendo, a temple hall dedicated to the goddess of Benten.
Additionally, Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most popular and lively cherry blossom spots with more than 1000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. The cherry blossoms are usually in bloom during late March and early April and attract large numbers of hanami parties.
Temples and shrines
Kaneiji Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: Free
During the Edo Period Kaneiji Temple was one of the largest and wealthiest temples in the city. It was destroyed during the Boshin War, and remnants of the original temple complex, such as its five storied pagoda and Toshogu Shrine, are scattered around the park. The current Kaneiji is a relatively unremarkable, small temple located in a quiet neighborhood near the northwest corner of Ueno Park.
Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: Free
Kiyomizu Kannondo was originally built in 1631 as part of Kaneiji Temple. Its design, including a wooden balcony extending from the hillside, was inspired by Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. The temple is home to an image of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, and is particularly popular among women hoping to have children.
Toshogu Shrine
Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from October to February) Closed: No closing days Admission: Free (inner shrine area 500 yen)
Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built in 1616 and is one of numerous shrines across the country that are dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate. The shrine used to be incorporated into Kaneiji Temple until 1868. The shrine's peony garden is open from January to mid February and from mid April to early May (1000 yen).
Bentendo Hall
Hours: 7:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: Free
Bentendo is an octagonal temple hall on an island in Shinobazu Pond at the southern end of the park. The temple is dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. Bentendo's grounds are especially lively during the cherry blossom season when they are crowded with festival food stalls.
Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 19:00 on Fri and Sat) Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays Admission: 1000 yen
The oldest and largest museum in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum is made up of multiple buildings, each like a separate museum in itself. They house the largest collection of national treasures and important cultural items in the country.
National Museum of Nature and Science
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 28 to Jan 1 Admission: 630 yen
This museum covers both science and natural history with hands-on physics and robotics experiments, an impressive collection of mounted animals and a 360 degree virtual theater.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (until 20:00 on Fridays) Closed: 1st and 3rd Mon each month or next day if Mon is a holiday, New Year Admission: Varies by exhibition
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum displays all types of art in its six galleries. There is no permanent collection, but multiple concurrently held temporary exhibitions by various art groups. Some exhibitions are paid, others are free.
National Museum of Western Art
Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (until 20:00 on Fri and Sat) Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 28 to Jan 1 Admission: 500 yen
This museum displays Western art, primarily by European artists. There are rotating exhibitions from the museum's collection as well as temporary special exhibitions. The museum is Japan's only building designed by Le Corbusier and has been designated a World Heritage site alongside a few other buildings designed by the pioneer of modern architecture.
Shitamachi Museum
Temporarily closed until March 2025 for renovations
Shitamachi is the name of the artisan and merchant part of old Tokyo. This nostalgic museum has exhibits and reconstructions that show life in Tokyo from the late Meiji to early Showa periods.
Ueno Zoo
Hour: 9:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00) Closed: Mondays (or following day if Mon is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 1 Admission: 600 yen (free admission on March 20, May 4 and October 1)
Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Japan's oldest zoo. Its most popular residents are giant panda bears, which first moved here in 1972 on the occasion of the normalization of Japan-China relations.
Getting there and around
Ueno Park is next to JR Ueno Station. Easiest access is provided by the station's "Park Exit".
Situated in Tokyo, within 300 metres of Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple and 500 metres of Shitamachi Museum, MIMARU TOKYO UENO OKACHIMACHI features accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Saigo Takamori Statue, ?Marishiten Tokudaiji? Temple, and Shinobazunoike Bentendo Temple. The property is 5 km from the city centre and 300 metres from Kamezumiinari Shrine. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU TOKYO UENO OKACHIMACHI rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, Matsuzakaya Ueno and Akihabara Neribei Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MIMARU TOKYO UENO OKACHIMACHI.
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, MIMARU TOKYO UENO INARICHO is situated in Tokyo, 400 metres from The Shitaya Shrine and 200 metres from Hoon-ji Temple. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Choen-ji Temple, 600 metres from Sogenji Temple and 800 metres from Ecute Ueno Shopping Mall. The property is 6.1 km from the city centre and 80 metres from Ryukoku-ji Temple. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU TOKYO UENO INARICHO rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Seigyo-ji Temple, Tokaku-ji Temple and Rinko-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from MIMARU TOKYO UENO INARICHO.
Situated 1.5 km from Sensoji Temple, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North provides free WiFi in all areas. The accommodation features a hot tub. The units have a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. There is a private bathroom with bath. A coin launderette is available on site. Edo Tokyo Museum is 2.6 km from the aparthotel, while Tokyo Skytree is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North.
Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The rooms have a kettle and a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, while selected rooms also boast a kitchenette fitted with a microwave. At NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. A buffet, ? la carte or continental breakfast is available each morning at the property. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Shitaya Shrine, Choen-ji Temple and Ryukoku-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO.
MONday Apart Premium UENO OKACHIMACHI provides accommodation within 4.9 km of the centre of Tokyo, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop. This 4-star aparthotel offers a lift and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Convention Room AP Akihabara. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MONday Apart Premium UENO OKACHIMACHI.
Located in Tokyo and within 300 metres of Chosho-ji Temple, YADOYA Uguisu features a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque, Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan, and Front gate of Honobo In Kanei-ji Temple. The property is close to popular attractions like Gate of Former Residence of Koda Rohan, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi Mausoleum Imperial Scroll Gate and Shikian. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At YADOYA Uguisu every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Akiba Shrine, Kemmyo-in Temple and Kissho-in Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from YADOYA Uguisu.
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST is situated in Tokyo, 500 metres from Hoon-ji Temple and 500 metres from Seigyo-ji Temple. The property is close to Kissho-in Temple, Gate of Former Residence of Koda Rohan and Ecute Ueno Shopping Mall. The property is 6.1 km from the city centre and 400 metres from Ryukoku-ji Temple. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST the rooms have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Shitaya Shrine, Front gate of Honobo In Kanei-ji Temple and Atre Ueno Shopping Mall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST.
Situated conveniently in the centre of Tokyo, hotel aima provides 3-star accommodation close to Matsuzakaya Ueno and The Shitaya Shrine. The property is set 400 metres from Atre Ueno Shopping Mall, 500 metres from Ueno Royal Museum and 700 metres from Ryukoku-ji Temple. The hotel offers city views, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At hotel aima all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Shitamachi Museum, Saigo Takamori Statue and ?Marishiten Tokudaiji? Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from hotel aima.
MONday Apart Ueno Shinokachimachi features accommodation within 5.7 km of the centre of Tokyo, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. This 4-star aparthotel offers a lift and full-day security. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the aparthotel, each unit includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include The Shitaya Shrine, Choen-ji Temple and Tokaku-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MONday Apart Ueno Shinokachimachi.
Set within 700 metres of Kamezumiinari Shrine and less than 1 km of Choen-ji Temple in Tokyo, Ueno Residence Hotel Matsumoto offers accommodation with seating area. The 3-star aparthotel has quiet street views and is less than 1 km from Akihabara Neribei Park. The property is 800 metres from Convention Room AP Akihabara, and within 5.4 km of the city centre. All units come with air conditioning, a TV, washing machine and kettle. With a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub and slippers, units at the aparthotel also have free WiFi. At the aparthotel, the units include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include The Shitaya Shrine, Kanaami Inari Shrine and Matsuzakaya Ueno. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from Ueno Residence Hotel Matsumoto.
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