Tokyo - Ueno Park 
Ueno Park is one of the most popular attractions in the city of Tokyo. It is criss-crossed by gravel paths. On the reed-fringed Shinobazu Pond Boats can be hired for trips around a little island with its Bentendo Temple. Hot-dog sellers advertise their wares with loudspeakers, and there are many cinemas and amusement centers in the vicinity.
It is the largest park in Tokyo (212ac; 85ha). With its zoo and aquarium it is a real park for the people, but it is also a cultural center with a number of museums, many temples, shrines and pagodas and some important public buildings.
It is the largest park in Tokyo (212ac; 85ha). With its zoo and aquarium it is a real park for the people, but it is also a cultural center with a number of museums, many temples, shrines and pagodas and some important public buildings.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Once part of a Daimyo's residence, the park came into the possession of the Tokugawa in the early 17th C. In 1924 it was handed over to public ownership.
In 1868 Kannei-ji, which had been built by the Tokugawa as a domestic temple, was the last stronghold of the troops remaining loyal to the Shogun. In the course of the fighting everything was destroyed except for a five-story pagoda. There is a memorial to the fallen who fought for the Emperor and a bronze statue of Saigo Takamori (1827-77), one of the leaders of the Meiji Restoration. As a general of Emperor Maiji's troops he conducted the war against Korea, but came into conflict with the central government. Consequently he became a leader of the Kagoshima Rebellion. When it was put down he committed "Seppuku"(ritual suicide) in accord with the Samurai code of honor. Nowadays he is, however, revered as a national hero. A flight of stone steps with many cherry trees on either side leads up to the memorial and inscriptions. (The cherry trees are in blossom in early April.)
On the left-hand side lies the Kiyomizu Temple, modeled on the temple of the same name in Kyoto.
In 1868 Kannei-ji, which had been built by the Tokugawa as a domestic temple, was the last stronghold of the troops remaining loyal to the Shogun. In the course of the fighting everything was destroyed except for a five-story pagoda. There is a memorial to the fallen who fought for the Emperor and a bronze statue of Saigo Takamori (1827-77), one of the leaders of the Meiji Restoration. As a general of Emperor Maiji's troops he conducted the war against Korea, but came into conflict with the central government. Consequently he became a leader of the Kagoshima Rebellion. When it was put down he committed "Seppuku"(ritual suicide) in accord with the Samurai code of honor. Nowadays he is, however, revered as a national hero. A flight of stone steps with many cherry trees on either side leads up to the memorial and inscriptions. (The cherry trees are in blossom in early April.)
On the left-hand side lies the Kiyomizu Temple, modeled on the temple of the same name in Kyoto.
Related Attractions
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Kannei-ji Temple
In the north part of the Park and east of the Tokyo Arts University may be found the new Kannei-ji. As the Choraku-ji Temple it used to stand in Serada, in the Perfecture of Gumma. After the destruction of the original Kannei-ji it was transferred here in 1875 as a replacement.
Metropolitan Fine Art Gallery of Tokyo
The Metropolitan Fine Art Gallery of Tokyo has on show works by modern Japanese painters. Throughout the year there are also temporary exhibitions.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
National Science Museum
Just a few minutes' walk from Ueno Station in the east part of Ueno Park can be found the National Science Museum. There are departments for space research, atomic research, applied chemistry, architecture, electricity and transport, etc. as well as a laboratory and a work room.
All values are in Japan Yen
Hours
January 5 to December 27
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 20:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
| Adult | ¥ 600.00 |
| Students | ¥ 600.00 |
| Group discounts | ¥ 300.00 |
| Senior over 65 | FREE |
| Child 18 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Public Buildings
Of the public buildings in the Park the following are worthy of mention: Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall. This modern building dates from 1961; it has a large and a small auditorium (holding 2,327 and 611 spectators respectively). There are performances of operas here, as well as concerts.
The Ueno Library. This is the constituent part of the Library of Parliament and one of the longest libraries in Japan.
The Ueno Library. This is the constituent part of the Library of Parliament and one of the longest libraries in Japan.
