Whether you visit Ueno Tokyo for only an hour or an entire day, you will be amazed at how so many different things can be placed together so close yet work so well. Whether you are into nature, animals, shopping, temples, museums, anime or toys you will find something that fits your needs and your budget.
Ueno was originally part of the shitamachi or lower area of Tokyo famous for the black market and working class. However, now it houses some of the best and most culturally important places in Tokyo. Here is a video that highlights 34 Things I did while I was in Ueno:
Here are just a handful of things you might want to consider seeing when you arrive in Ueno.
Probably the most famous Ueno attractions are Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo which can be located by following all the random posters, toys, statues and foods shaped with pandas. The Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Tokyo and is famous for housing 3000 animals of various species including pandas.
Next to the zoo is a famous lotus pond and an area where couples and families can ride row boats or swan boats that have a nice view of Ueno city area and the Skytree.
Along with the zoo there is the park that has a 40 marker walking course, various tombs, statues of importance and variety of plant life. There is also the Kiyomizu Kannon temple as well as a bunch of museums including the Tokyo National Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the Shitamachi museum for those interested in culture, art and history.
However if culture, nature and history are not your thing there is also an entirely different atmosphere located at the other end of the station that includes the famous AmeYokocho Street. Probably the most famous bargain shopping area of Tokyo, there are a variety of street vendors selling snacks, nuts, seafood and fruits and vegetables. Also a variety of vendors set up outdoor food stands which sell different Japanese noodle and seafood dishes as well as foreign foods like Turkish kebabs and Chinese food.
Just behind the vendors are a plethora of small shop stands selling discount clothing, shoes, jewelry, army surplus, kimono, art and souvenirs. And unlike other areas of Tokyo, here you can bargain and haggle to get the best deal.
If you are looking for more modern Japan, just outside the station houses the Marui Department Store featuring a variety of Japanese and foreign brand name shops as well as Yodobashi Camera, an owl cafe and a variety of stylish cafes and restaurants.
For those looking for anime and Japanese character related goods there is a giant array of gatcha vending machines outside of Yodobashi as well as a 7 floor toy store called Yamashiroya which has every toy, anime or character good you can imagine.
Whether traveling with a big group, family, as a couple or solo, there will definitely be something that will satisfy your stomach, curiosity and your wallet.
If you are looking for a great place to spend the day in Tokyo, make sure you add Ueno to the list of places to visit while in Japan.
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