Ueno

Ueno Park and Hanami: Tokyo's Cherry Blossom Season

Ueno Park (上野公園) has over 1,000 cherry trees and is Tokyo's best hanami (cherry blossom) spot. In early April, when the trees bloom, the park transforms into a cloud of white and pink blossoms. Every café and restaurant in the park sets up outdoor seating and sells sake and beer to people sitting at picnic tables. Unlike strict Shinjuku Gyoen, drinking and celebrating in Ueno is completely welcomed, and evenings can turn spontaneously into karaoke or singing under the trees.

The best times to see hanami are afternoon (2-5 PM) and evening (7-9 PM), when lighting makes the trees and flowers most beautiful. In the center of the park is Shinobazu Pond (不忍池), where the reflection of cherry blossoms in the water creates an even more stunning photo spot. Visit early, before 10 AM, or late, before 9 PM, to avoid crowds.

Ueno Zoo (上野動物園) sits on the park's north side and is one of Japan's oldest zoos. Its famous pandas attract thousands of visitors daily. The panda viewing is well organised: queues move quickly and you get a proper close-up view. Admission is ¥600 (about €4) — remarkably cheap for such an iconic experience.

Museums: Tokyo's Largest Art Collection in One Place

Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) is Japan's largest museum and receives about 1.8 million visitors annually. It's a must-visit for art and history lovers. The museum is divided into several sections — samurai weapons, Buddhist statues, traditional crafts, and modern art. Admission is ¥1,000 (about €7) for the permanent collection. The museum is open Mon–Sun 9:30 AM–5 PM (closed Tuesdays).

National Museum of Nature and Science (国立科学博物館) is an excellent place for families. It contains dinosaur skeletons, natural history, and scientific experiments. For young children, the "Discovery Space" section is interactive and fun. Admission is ¥600.

National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館) is itself an architectural masterpiece designed by Le Corbusier. Located on the east side of the park, it contains European and American art, modernism, and impressionism. Admission is ¥1,000. UNESCO recognized the museum for its architecture and collections and added it to the World Heritage list in 2016.

Ameyoko Market: Black Market to Modern Market

Ameyoko (アメ横) is a 400-shop-long shopping street that began as a post-war black market and has now become a renowned market. Located on the east side of Okachimachi Station, it's always full of people, both locals and tourists. The market sells everything — fresh seafood, dried goods, nuts, spices, fashion, and clothing.

The best time to visit Ameyoko is during lunch hours (11 AM–1 PM), when the place is full of food and prices are lower. In many restaurants you can eat excellent donburi bowls with beef or seafood for ¥500–800. Fish counters sell the freshest fish, and you can ask vendors for recommendations.

Ameyoko is also a great place for clothing and fashion. "Used" shops sell cheap designer clothes, and smaller shops sell traditional Japanese clothing. The market closes around 6-7 PM, so visit during the day or early evening.

Yanaka: Old Tokyo 10 Minutes' Walk Away

Yanaka (谷中) is a small district north of Ueno that survived WWII bombing intact and is one of Tokyo's best-preserved old neighborhoods. It's like stepping back in time — narrow alleyways, traditional wooden houses, small cafés, and craft shops. The place is peaceful, beautiful, and completely free from commercialism.

Yanaka's main street is Yanaka Ginza (谷中銀座), a row of small cafés and shops. Behind is an old cemetery with traditional Japanese markers and cherry trees in spring. The area also has cat cafés, where you can drink tea or coffee surrounded by cats. Visit Yanaka in the late afternoon or early evening when the place is calmer.

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