Top 10 Things to Do in Ueno
Ueno is a district in Tokyo that boasts more than recreation and history—it offers beauty and culture that attract people from all over the world. In fact, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Ueno is an incredible destination!
Still, if you’re going to the district and want a guide, we’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Ueno for you. From exploring Ameyoko shopping street to teaching English with OCE, you’ve got endless options.
Check these out today!
Top Things To Do In Ueno
1. Ueno Park
If you want to check out Ueno, one sure-fire destination is Ueno Park. It spans over more than 133 acres and is home to a ton of museums, a zoo, and beautiful seasonal cherry blossoms.
The park is perfect for strolls, picnics, and just enjoying blending into the world of Japan. You’ll also find the Ueno Zoo and Tokyo National Museum here, so this really is a one-stop visit!
If you’re interested in the Tokyo Museum, you can learn more about it through its official page, but just to give it a rough introduction, the museum has over 110,000 objects, from national treasures to critical cultural properties.
On the other hand, Ueno Zoo is an outdoor destination. As Japan’s oldest zoo, it has over 2,000 animals from 400 different species, including the famous giant pandas. The zoo is also divided into different habitats, which makes it a pretty educational and entertaining experience!
2. Ameyoko Shopping Street
Another great option is Ameyoko Shopping Street (Ameya Yokocho), a market street that has absolutely everything you might want, from seafood to clothing and souvenirs.
It started off as a black market after World War II but has since been turned into a shopping area where you can find great bargains and yummy street food.
3. The Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Number three on the top Ueno things to do is visit the Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Dating as far back as 1627, this beautifully preserved Shinto shrine honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The ornate architecture—the golden doors, the intricate carvings—all make it a serene escape from the city’s busy reality.
4. Shinobazu Pond
If you really like serene escapes, you could also spend your time relaxing at the Shinobazu Pond, which you can easily find in Ueno Park. The pond itself is divided into three sections: the Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond, and the Cormorant Pond.
If you visit, you can rent boats, enjoy the lotus flower, or relax and have fun next to the water.
5. Ueno Royal Museum
Then we have the Ueno Royal Museum, which has lovely exhibitions (both temporary and permanent), which can be anything from contemporary art to classic masterpieces, depending on your interests.
The central location in Ueno Park also makes it the best stop for art enthusiasts in the area.
6. Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
If you’re visiting Ueno in July, you’re in for the perfect time to check out the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri. This is a traditional Tanabata star festival that is celebrated with colorful decorations, parades, and performances. Use this chance to explore and experience Japanese culture!
7. Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace
Number seven brings us to Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace, a modern complex near Ueno Station. It offers dining and shopping options, and you can try everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes—there’s always going to be something to satisfy every palate!
8. Teaching English with OCE
If you’re really interested in finding a way to make your time worth it in Ueno, you can always check out One Coin English. Teaching English with OCE is a pretty fulfilling way of connecting with people, sharing your language, and learning from students.
With OCE, you can even choose flexible part-time positions that give you time to both have fun and make a difference. And since OCE’s affordable and high-quality English lessons cater to adult students from diverse backgrounds, you can join a supportive community that values diversity and inclusion.
If that’s what you’re choosing, visit One Coin English for more information, job opportunities, and ways to thrive in Japan.
9. Savor Ueno’s Culinary Delights
If you’re a foodie, though, you might want to check out the Ueno culinary scene instead. There are a couple of foods and spots you can try to suit your taste best or just try out something new.
You can, for example, try out Ichiran Ramen, which is famous for its customizable bowls of ramen. And, honestly, Ramen’s a must-have for any visitor to Japan! In any case, Ichiran Ramen gives you a richness of the broth, a firmness of the noodles, and the chance to add toppings to suit your preferences.
You can also check out Yamashiroya for a sweet treat. It’s a confectionery shop offering traditional Japanese sweets – try the dorayaki (sweet red bean pancakes) or the mochi (rice cakes).
Plus, Ueno Yabu Soba is the perfect place to try out authentic soba noodles. They’re handmade and served with a ton of toppings, which makes for a really satisfying and traditional meal.
10. Enjoy Ueno’s Nightlife
Of course, if none of the day attractions are fun, you can always check out Ueno’s nightlife.
The Hard Rock Cafe, for one, combines good food with a lively atmosphere. You can get lovely American-style dishes and cocktails while surrounded by rock memorabilia. Have fun, relax to some music, and basically enjoy your night out!
Or, you could visit Ueno Sakuragi Atari for a more traditional experience. It’s a renovated sake brewery offering a selection of Japanese sake, a great place to sample different varieties and learn about sake brewing.
Embrace the Ueno Experience
In short, Ueno is a must-visit district in the country of Japan. You can explore the park, go shopping at Ameya Yokocho, think about teaching English with OCE or take advantage of any of the myriad options available to you.
There are countless incredible things to do in Ueno, and you can plan your visit today so you don’t miss out!
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