# Ueno Park

> A sprawling public park home to Tokyo's finest museums, a zoo, historic temples, and over 1,000 cherry trees that make it one of the city's top hanami spots.

- Prefecture: Tokyo
- Type: Park
- Address: Tokyo, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.html

Ueno Park is a 53-hectare public park packed with museums and cultural institutions, including the Tokyo National Museum housing the world's largest collection of Japanese art, the National Museum of Western Art designed by Le Corbusier and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Shinobazu Pond, divided into three sections including a lotus pond that erupts in pink blooms each summer, adds natural beauty to the cultural landscape. The Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoological garden established in 1882, is famous for its giant pandas. During cherry blossom season, the park's 800 somei-yoshino and other cherry trees create a spectacular canopy of pink, drawing enormous hanami crowds. The park also contains several important temples and shrines including Kaneiji Temple and the Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated Edo-period structure dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Ueno Park?

Take JR, Tokyo Metro, or Keisei lines to Ueno Station. The park entrance is a 2-minute walk from the JR Park Exit. From Narita Airport, take the Keisei Skyliner directly to Keisei Ueno Station.

### What are the main attractions in Ueno Park?

Tokyo National Museum (Japan's largest collection of Japanese art), National Museum of Western Art (UNESCO site), Ueno Zoo (famous for pandas), and Shinobazu Pond. During cherry blossom season, the park is one of Tokyo's top hanami spots.

### Is Ueno Park free to enter?

Yes, the park itself is free. However, individual museums and the zoo have separate admission fees. Tokyo National Museum is 1,000 yen, Ueno Zoo is 600 yen for adults.

### When is the best time to visit Ueno Park?

Late March to early April for the cherry blossom tunnel, with about 1,000 sakura trees lining the central walkway and crowds peaking at sunset and night illuminations. Early-to-mid June for the Shinobazu Pond lotus blooms (less crowded). Mid-November to early December for autumn maples and ginkgo. The park's free walking paths and museum exteriors stay open well into the evening, while museums close around 17:00. Avoid hanami weekends (mid to late March) for serious museum-going.

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Source: Ueno Park — Japan Voyage