Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen)

Overview

Ueno Onshi Koen (Ueno Park) was originally the grounds of the Kanei-ji Temple during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, it became government land and was donated to Tokyo City in 1924. Now a leading tourist destination in Tokyo, it attracts numerous visitors year-round. Within the park, you'll find a diverse range of attractions: historical buildings, museums, art galleries, a zoo, and the naturally beautiful Shinobazu Pond. Ueno Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, showcases opulent structures representing the valuable architecture of the early Edo period. Kan'ei-ji Temple, established in the early Edo period, still preserves many of its original buildings. The Tokyo National Museum, the largest in Japan, houses precious works of art and crafts, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The National Museum of Nature and Science offers engaging exhibits on science and technology, appealing to visitors of all ages. The National Museum of Western Art boasts a rich collection of Impressionist and modern art. Ueno Zoo, opened in 1924, offers a chance to encounter pandas and various other animals. Shinobazu Pond, at the heart of Ueno Onshi Koen, provides stunning views throughout the year – cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and autumn foliage. Ueno Onshi Koen is a true treasure of Tokyo, harmoniously blending history, culture, and nature.