About Ueno

Ueno is most well known as the home of the Tokyo Zoo that is situated in the equally famous Ueno Park.

Ueno Park is somewhat of Tokyo’s cultural centre and is home to quite a few museums and art galleries. Along with Ueno Zoo the park is home to Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum and a concert hall known as the Tokyo Culture Hall. During cherry blossom season the park comes alive with thousands of visitors to the park to party amongst the cherry blossoms, the cherry blossom has become one of the most photographed things in the park along with the water lilies of Shinobazu Pond.

Another must see in Ueno is the Ameyoko Market that runs along the Yamanote line tracks from Ueno to Okachimachi stations. This market started life as after the war as a black market, mostly dealing in American clothing and other goods, today everything is legit but there are still plenty of bargains and atmosphere in this lively Asian marketplace.

Uneo is best accessed via the JR Yamanote line, Ueno station is the closed station to Ueno park. Before you head home take a stroll through the Ameyoko Market, many of the stalls are tucked under the Yamanote line so follow it down to Okachimachi station and pick up a bargain along the way.