Located in Northern Tokyo, Japan, is the sprawling Ueno Park. Formerly a part of the once-weathly Kan'ei-ji Temple, Ueno Park was one of Japan’s first public parks to be established.
Abound in cultural sites, historical spots and breath-taking landscape, Ueno Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. One day is not going to be enough to visit all the attractions in Ueno Park, so just pick a few, take your time and enjoy your view along the way.
Here’s our pick of 7 Things to do with Your Little Ones at Ueno Park!
1. Admire Art from Around Asia at Tokyo National Museum
Photo credits Tokyo National Museum
Not only is the Tokyo National Museum one of the oldest museums in Japan, it is also one of the largest art museums in the world. Home to over 110,000 artworks and cultural artefacts, from scrolls, sculptures and pottery to kabuki masks, lovely kimonos and samurai swords, including national treasures, the museum provides a fascinating outlook into the art and history of Japan as well as an overview of other Asian countries.
Location
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712, Japan
Operating hours
Tue – Thu & Sun: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Fri – Sat: 9.30 am – 9.00 pm
*Closed on Mondays unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed the following day instead.
As operating hours are subject to changes, please do check on site/with the museum before making a trip down
Admission
Adults: 620 yen
University Students: 410 yen
High/Junior High/Elementary School Students and persons under 18 and over 70: Free
2. Meet the Residents of Ueno Zoo
Photo credits uenobunka
Ueno Park is also home to the oldest zoo in Japan. Established in 1882, the Ueno Zoo is home to a diverse group of animals, from the African Okapi, Aye-aye and Japanese Serow to Hokkaido Brown Bears and Galapagos Tortoise. The stars of the zoo have got to be the Giant Pandas. The zoo also has a petting zoo for little ones.
Location
Ueno Zoo, 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Operating hours
Tue – Sun: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (last admission: 4 pm)
*Ueno Zoo is closed on Mondays unless it’s a public holiday, then it closes on Tue instead
As the zoo has irregular operating hours, we advise you to check with the site/zoo before making a trip
Admission
Adult: 600 yen
Student (13 – 15 yrs): 200 yen
Child (up to 12 yrs): Free
3. Learn About Natural History at National Museum of Nature and Science
Photo credits uenobunka
The National Museum of Nature and Science provides an intriguing outlook into the natural history of Japan and the Earth through its interactive exhibits and massive collection of artefacts, ranging from scientific inventions to living creatures found in the Japanese Islands and not to forget, the impressive assembly of dinosaur skeleton replicas.
Location
7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Tue - Thu: 9 am – 5 pm
Fri – Sat: 9 am – 8 pm
*Museum is closed on every Monday unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed on the following day instead.
Admission
Adult: 620 yen
High-school students & younger: Free
From 1 Oct 2019
Adult: 630 yen
High-school students & younger: Free
4. Tour the Serene Kiyomizu Kannon-dō
Photo credits Taito City
Originally a part of the expansive Kaneiji Temple, the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple is modelled after the Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, albeit not as big. The temple is dedicated to Senju-Kannon Bosatsu (1000-armed Kannon) and Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of child-bearing and child-rearing. From the main platform, you can view the Shinobazu Pond and the Benten-do (Temple of Benzaiten) that sits in the middle of the pond.
Location
1-29 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Operating hours
Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission
Free
5. Time Travel to the Past at Shitamachi Museum
Photo credits Taito City Museum
Take a step back in time and stroll through the streets of Shitamachi 100 years ago at the Shitamachi Museum. Shitamachi rougly translated to mean ‘Low City’ refers to Tokyo flatlands, where residents were craftsmen, fishermen and merchants. The Shitamachi Museum provides an insight into their life through its immersive exhibits.
Location
2-1,Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Tue – Sun: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm (last admission: 4 pm)
*Museum is closed on every Monday unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed on the following day instead.
Admission
Adult: 300 yen
Primary/Junior/Senior High School Students: 100 yen
6. Venture Out into the Tranquil Waters on a Swan Boat
Photo credits Junko Nagata/Japanbyweb
The Shinobazu Pond is divided into three different sections—the Cormorant Pond in the north section is not only home to cormorants but several other species as well, such as eagles, and in the east section lies the Boat Pond where you can rent row or Swan boats to enjoy the tranquil waters.
The Lotus Pond, aptly named so due to the vast number of lotuses covering its entire surface, is the largest section of the pond. The Shinobazu Pond has appeared in quite a number of artworks and it’s not hard to see why when you lay your eyes on the Lotus Pond when the flowers are in bloom.
Location
5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Operating hours
Daily: 5 am – 11 pm
Admission
Free
Boat Rental
Rowboat (up to 3 adults)
600 yen/hour (300 yen every 30 minutes thereafter)
Cycle boat (up to 2 adults and 1 child)
600 yen/30 minutes
Swan boat (up to 2 adults and 2 children)
700 yen/30 minutes
7. Enjoy a Leisurely Scenic Walk
Photo credits into Japan
Ueno Park also serves as a great green respite with its scenic landscape. You can pop in just to breathe in the fresh air, admire the scenery and maybe even have a picnic. While the park is a popular place on a normal day due to its generous offering of things to do, it becomes even more of a hotspot during the spring season as one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing. It paints quite a picturesque view during the fall as well.
Location
Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Daily: 5 am – 11 pm
Admission
Free
This list was compiled with information available from various sources. While we try to maintain accuracy, we do advise you to check with the respective establishment/merchant before making a trip to the above-mentioned places.
