Tokyo’s 上野 Ueno neighborhood is one that is sure to keep travelers busy and entertained. Known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere, and filled with numerous museums, parks, and shopping destinations, Ueno provides a great time in Tokyo that is highlighted by one of the most well-known zoos in Japan, a vibrant shopping street, and plenty of gorgeous outdoor scenery.
Access
Ueno Station (JY05) is a major interchange station in Tokyo and is thus serviced by a number of train lines. These include the Utsunomiya Line (Tōhoku Main Line), Keihin-Tōhoku Line, Yamanote Line, Jōban Line, Ginza Line, and Hibiya Line. Many of its major attractions are near the station, but taking the Park Exit will put you within walking distance of Ueno Park and several museums. Those coming from Narita Airport can use the Keisei Line’s Keisei Skyline train to arrive at Keisei Ueno Station (KS1), which is just a short distance from Ueno Station.
Ueno Station.
Food and Drink
Ueno is a great place to try traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as a variety of street food and snacks. With many outdoor attractions, you’re never too far from finding an eatery with just the Japanese food you’re looking for.
アメヤ横丁 Ameya-Yokochō: Ameya-Yokochō, also known as “Ameyoko,” is a bustling street and marketplace that is one of the main dining and shopping highlights of the Ueno area. While primarily known for its shopping, the marketplace is lined with many food stalls and shops offering ready-to-eat street food specialties such as takoyaki (ball-shaped snack made with batter and octopus), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). Visitors can also pop into one of many restaurants for a sit-down meal as well.
Ameya-Yokochō is a delight for eaters. Lined with food stalls and restaurants, travelers can sample many famous Japanese delicacies.
Unagi: Ueno is home to several restaurants that specialize in unagi, which is a popular Japanese dish made with grilled freshwater eel.
Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet): Tonkatsu is a popular meaty dish in Japan, and Ueno has several restaurants that serve this dish.
Ueno isn’t particularly famous for certain types of food, but you can enjoy all sorts of Japanese favorites, including tonkatsu. [Photo for illustrative purposes only]
Tempura: Tempura is a dish of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. Ueno has several restaurants that specialize in tempura, many with a long history in the area.
Shopping
Ameya-Yokochō: In addition to its bevy of food stalls, the street is filled with hundreds of shops and stalls that sell a wide variety of products, including fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, clothing, shoes, and cosmetics. The street is also known for its discount stores, making it a great place to find a deal on some souvenirs for your Japan journey.
Ameya-Yokochō is brimming with enough fresh food, fashion, and souvenirs to provide a fun day of shopping.
上野中央通り Ueno Chūō-dōri: This street runs parallel to Ameya-Yokochō, and offers a much more wide-open shopping experience. With department stores like ABABAB UENO and Matsuzakya, shoppers can hunt down goods from a wide selection of electronics, fashion, and other accessories.
Sightseeing and Attractions
Ueno is famous for its outdoor attractions and historical buildings, all of which give travelers a well-appreciated reprieve and admiration for culture and nature in the middle of such a big city.
Ueno Park: A must-visit for those traveling to Ueno, Ueno Park is a vast and gorgeous park featuring a variety of attractions, including museums, temples, and a zoo. The park’s large pond, Shinobazu Pond, is a perfect centerpiece for the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in spring and is a popular spot for rowboat and swan boat rentals as well. Bring in your own food for a lovely picnic or admire the scenery from one of the many cafes.
Ueno Park’s gorgeous seasonal flowers and pond make it a must-visit for those looking to take in a natural oasis in the middle of their Tokyo trip.
The park also contains the National Museum of Nature and Science, which features exhibits on science and technology.
Ueno Zoo: Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including pandas, elephants, and tigers, and is a very popular destination for families with children.
Overall, Ueno is an animated and diverse district that offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and urban life, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. While its department stores and busy shopping streets will keep you on the move, travelers can always enjoy a moment of beautiful scenery-inspired leisure at its famous park, followed by a fascinating look at the nearby zoo’s animals.
