The sights
Ueno Park & Shinobazu Pond
Tokyo’s first public park, opened in 1873 on former temple land. Paths lead past Kiyomizu Kannon-do, a Toshogu shrine with a gilded gate, and down to Shinobazu Pond, covered in lotus in summer, with the Bentendo temple on an island.
ℹ️ Open from early morning until late evening; free. Around 1,000 cherry trees bloom in late March and early April. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Tokyo National Museum
Japan’s oldest and largest museum. The main Honkan building gives a chronological tour of Japanese art — Buddhist sculpture, swords and armour, kimono, ukiyo-e — while other buildings cover Asian art and archaeology. The park’s other major museums are a few minutes’ walk away.
ℹ️ Usually 9:30–17:00, later on some evenings; closed Mondays. Admission to the regular galleries about ¥1,000; special exhibitions cost more. Allow 2–3 hours.
Ueno Zoo
Japan’s oldest zoo, opened in 1882, with more than 300 species across two areas. Its famous giant pandas were returned to China in early 2026, so check the zoo’s website for what is currently on show before promising them to children.
ℹ️ Usually 9:30–17:00; closed Mondays. Admission about ¥600 for adults, with free entry for younger children. Allow 2 hours.
Ameyoko
A 400-metre market street beside and beneath the JR tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi, born as a post-war black market. Fishmongers, spice sellers, sports shops and cheap izakaya sit side by side, and bargaining is part of the fun.
ℹ️ Most shops open about 10:00–19:00; some close on Wednesdays. Free. Exceptionally crowded in the last days of December. Allow 45 minutes.
Yanaka Ginza & the temple lanes
A 170-metre shopping street of about 60 small shops — croquettes, tea, sweets, cat-themed souvenirs — reached down the Yuyake Dandan (“sunset steps”). Around it lie dozens of temples, the cherry-lined Yanaka Cemetery and galleries in converted bathhouses and wooden houses.
ℹ️ Shops open roughly 10:00–18:00; many close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Five minutes’ walk from Nippori Station. Allow 2 hours for the wider area.
Nezu Shrine
One of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, with richly lacquered buildings from 1706 and a hillside path through a tunnel of small vermilion torii gates. Its azalea garden is famous in spring.
ℹ️ Grounds free and open daily from early morning. The azalea garden opens for a small fee during the festival in April. Allow 30–45 minutes.
