Japan Tokyo

Ueno

Tokyo’s cultural hub with historic shrines and cherry blossoms

Photo of Ueno, Japan
Photo by foooomio (CC BY)

Ueno is a district in Tokyo, Japan, known for its cultural institutions and cherry blossom viewing. It reflects Japan’s commitment to preserving and promoting its heritage and international art forms.

Ueno has a long history as a cultural and educational center. The district boasts several significant museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan, founded in 1872. It presents a vast array of art and artifacts from Japan and Asia. The National Museum of Western Art, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Le Corbusier, focuses on Western art. The Ueno Royal Museum and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum offer diverse art exhibitions.

The Ueno Toshogu Shrine, built in 1627, honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868). Its architecture and the surrounding Ueno Park reflect the Edo period. Ueno Park, established in 1873 on the former grounds of Kan’ei-ji temple, is a cherished urban oasis known for its cherry blossoms and as a gathering place for various events.

Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street, or Ameyoko, is a lively market street contrasting with Ueno’s cultural sites, offering a wide selection of merchandise, from food to souvenirs.

Ueno exemplifies the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Tokyo, providing a multifaceted experience for both residents and tourists.

上野
Area
in Tokyo

Around Ueno

Highlights around Ueno

Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Streets

in Ueno, Tokyo

A historic Tokyo market street that mirrors Japan’s vibrant post-war transformation.

Kaneiji Temple

in Ueno, Tokyo

Historical sanctuary of shoguns in Tokyo.

National Museum of Western Art

in Ueno, Tokyo

A testament to the interaction between Japanese and Western art through the Matsukata Collection

The Ueno Royal Museum

in Ueno, Tokyo

A central venue for art exhibitions in Tokyo.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

in Ueno, Tokyo

A nexus for modern and contemporary art in Tokyo’s cultural heartland

Tokyo National Museum

in Ueno, Tokyo

Japan’s Premier Institution for Historical and Cultural Preservation

Ueno Park

in Ueno, Tokyo

A cultural oasis in Tokyo featuring Japan’s first zoo and renowned cherry blossoms.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

in Ueno, Tokyo

A significant Shinto shrine reflecting the Tokugawa era

Updated 11 Dec 2023 Report an error