Serves as one of the largest urban parks in Tokyo, Ueno Park is a popular getaway among city folks during
weekends. It also draws huge crowd during cherry blossom season every year. Ueno Park is the home to more than 1000 cherry trees and is claimed as the top 10 best spots in Tokyo for Hanami or Cherry Blossom Party! Visitors from abroad and locals flock here to witness the beautiful sight of blooming Sakura in the presence of fresh spring.

Ueno Onshi-Koen or literally means 'Ueno Imperial Gift Park' is the official name of the park, however it is better known as Ueno-Koen among the locals and Ueno Park to the tourists.

Occupying the former site of Kanei-ji Temple, built by Tokugawa shoguns to guard Edo Castle against the
unlucky direction of north-east but the temple was destroyed during Boshin War (a civil war between 1868 to 1869). Ueno Park was initiated as public park after a piece of huge land was granted by Emperor Taisho in 1924.

There are two entrances leading into Ueno Park. Main entrance takes one directly to the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Science Museum, National Museum of Western Arts and Ueno Zoo. Whilst south entrance adjacent to Kensei Ueno Station offers a tunnel of cherry trees on the west wing and views of garden, sculpture, temple/shrine on the east path before ending at Tokyo National Museum. Refer to the general layout of Ueno Park and there are plenty of interesting paths to try for instance detouring to Toshugu Temple, Benten Hall Shrine and Shinobazu No Ike.

Shinobazu No Ike or Shinobazu Pond runs through a sizable area on the west of Ueno Park. Comprising three ponds namely Cormorant pond, Lotus Pond and Boat Pond, it also holds a little island within this natural water land.


Birds, fish and plants inhabits here. During certain season, Shinobazu Pond may host up to several dozens of migratory birds. Boat for hire is also available on the little island, behind Benten Shrine to take you and little ones to enjoy the city scape at the same time unwind after a walk at Ueno Park!

Getting there?
By MRT via JR Yamanote Line, Ginza Line or Hibiya Line. Get off at Ueno Station and less than 5 minutes walk from Ueno Koen exit. Or right next to Ueno Kensei Station.

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