Ueno Park and Zoo 🌳🦁🐼 | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Audio Guide Tokyo | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Ueno Park and Zoo 🌳🦁🐼

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks, offering a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Whether you want to admire beautiful cherry blossoms, visit world-class museums, or meet animals at Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Park has something for everyone. Coupled with the Ueno Zoo, home to the famous giant pandas, this area is a must-visit for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the cultural heart of Tokyo. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for your visit!

1. Google Maps Link

Find your way easily: Ueno Park and Zoo on Google Maps

2. Next Subway Station Nearby 🚇

• Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line) – The main station for accessing Ueno Park, located just a few minutes' walk from the park’s entrance.
• Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line) – Another convenient station just next to Ueno Park, great if you’re coming from Narita Airport via the Keisei Line.
• Ueno-Okachimachi Station (Oedo Line) – About a 10-minute walk to the park, this station is ideal if you’re exploring nearby shopping streets like Ameyoko.

3. Good Places to Eat Nearby 🍣🍜🍵

Ueno Park is surrounded by fantastic food options, from casual spots to fine dining. Here are some top picks:

• Ameyoko Market – Just south of Ueno Park, Ameyoko is a bustling market street where you can find everything from fresh sushi to street snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls), gyoza (dumplings), and more. 🍢🍣
• Izu-ei Honten – A historic restaurant near Ueno Park, famous for its unagi (grilled eel). It’s a bit of a splurge, but the traditional, richly flavored unagi here is worth it. 🍱🦅
• Ueno Daibutsu Café – Located inside the park near the Ueno Daibutsu statue, this café offers a peaceful setting to enjoy light meals, desserts, and coffee amid the park’s greenery. ☕️🥞
• Tonkatsu Yamabe – For a hearty meal, this spot near Ueno Station serves excellent tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) at affordable prices. 🍛
• Parkside Café – Located inside Ueno Park, this casual café offers a variety of sandwiches, pasta, and sweets. It’s a great place to relax with a view of the park. 🥪🍰

4. Best Photo Spots 📸

• Shinobazu Pond – This large pond at the southern end of Ueno Park is famous for its lotus flowers in summer and its beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees in autumn. Don’t miss the Bentendo Temple on the small island. 🌸🌿
• Ueno Zoo Panda House – Capture a shot of the adorable giant pandas! The pandas are a highlight of the zoo, and you’ll definitely want to snap some photos as they munch on bamboo. 🐼🎋
• Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) – Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s top spots for cherry blossom viewing (late March to early April). The paths lined with blossoming sakura trees create a magical atmosphere, perfect for photos. 🌸📷
• Five-Story Pagoda – Located within the zoo, this beautiful pagoda is a remnant of the old Kan’ei-ji Temple and makes for a stunning backdrop. 🏯
• Tokyo National Museum – The museum’s grand facade and beautiful surrounding gardens are perfect for architectural and cultural photography. 🏛️

5. Opening Times of the Sight ⏰

• Ueno Park:
  Open 24 hours daily. You can stroll through the park at any time, but the museums and zoo have specific opening hours.
• Ueno Zoo:
  Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
  Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday).
• Tokyo National Museum:
  Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays.

6. Additional Insider Tips 🧐

• Panda Viewing: The giant pandas at Ueno Zoo are incredibly popular, so if you want to see them up close, arrive early. The zoo opens at 9:30 AM, and the pandas are often the first stop for many visitors. 🐼🌿
• Cherry Blossom Festivals: During sakura season, Ueno Park transforms into a lively festival area. There are food stalls, performances, and nighttime illuminations. If you want a quieter experience, visit in the early morning before the crowds arrive. 🎐🍡
• Free Museums on Certain Days: Many of Ueno Park’s museums, like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science, offer free or discounted entry on select days. Check their websites for exact schedules. 🏛️🎟️
• Boat Rentals at Shinobazu Pond: You can rent rowboats or swan-shaped pedal boats at Shinobazu Pond. It’s a fun activity and offers a unique view of the park. 🚣‍♀️🦢
• Hanami (Flower Viewing): Ueno Park is one of the best places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). If you’re visiting during sakura season, bring a picnic mat and join the locals who gather under the cherry trees for food, drinks, and celebrations. 🌸🍶

7. Hidden Gem 💎

• Ueno Toshogu Shrine – Tucked away in a quieter part of Ueno Park, this shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It’s a peaceful spot, known for its beautiful peony garden in spring and its golden Karamon Gate. Most visitors miss this hidden gem, making it an ideal place to escape the crowds. 🛕✨

8. Public Bathrooms Nearby 🚻

• Inside Ueno Park – Ueno Park has several well-maintained public restrooms scattered throughout the grounds, particularly near major attractions like the zoo, museums, and Shinobazu Pond.
• Ueno Zoo – The zoo has plenty of restrooms located near the main entrance and throughout the park, making it convenient for families. 🚻