You can’t get bored in Ueno. You’ve probably heard about the usual stuff: the parks, the shrines, and the myriad museums. Well, there’s all that, and a LOT more.
Pro tip: For a deeper dive, consider a guided walk through Ueno and Yanaka. This one threads together temples, retro shopping streets, and street snacks. We also highly recommend this top foodie tour in Ueno.
What to do in Ueno
Start with our tried-and-tested list of free and cheap things to do in Ueno.
Of course, we’ve got the museums, the famous Ameyoko Shopping Street and the area’s scenic lotus-filled pond covered here — plus extras.
Ueno Park is worth a meander. Odds are there’s a festival on: food stalls, drinks, music, dance, the lot. And if you’re here in spring, the cherry blossoms turn the park into one of Tokyo’s best spots for hanami picnics (if you can find a patch of grass).
Don’t miss Nezu Shrine, located northwest of the park. It’s one of Japan’s oldest shrines and survived the bombing of Tokyo in WWII. With striking red gates, it’s an oasis.
What to eat and drink in Ueno
Ueno is always bustling, but it’s especially fun after sunset. It’s all about tachinomiya — standing bars — here. These serve a mix of chicken skewers, fried foods, and old-town favorites like stew.
If you’re looking for an evening tour of Ueno that covers local spots, consider this top foodie pick. You’ll be able to spend more time sipping sake and socializing than fervently reading reviews online.
One of our favorite tsukemen (dipping noodles) restaurants, Menya Musashi Bukotsu Souden, is right near Ueno Station.
Ueno’s neighbor to the south, Okachimachi, is also well-known for its good eats. We love getting seafood rice bowls at Minatoya.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ameyoko can be overwhelming. Our recommendations? Grab a piping-hot minced meat cutlet from Niku no Oyama, a very popular takeaway stand and restaurant. Purchase top-notch bonito flakes from over 100-year-old shop Iseoto, shaved to order. For the rest, let your feet (and nose) guide you.
Retro Ueno
Ueno’s retro side is alive and kicking. Have a soak at Kotobukiyu, a classic public bathhouse complete with hand-painted murals. Then settle into a seat at Coffee Shop Galant, a 1970s spot near the station. For another time-slip café, try Kayaba Coffee in nearby Yanaka.
Where to stay in Ueno
Ueno makes a smart base: direct bullet train access, great transport links, and plenty of places to stay for every kind of traveler.
If you’re visiting with family or friends, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno East is worth a look. Just a short walk from Ueno Station, this apartment-style hotel offers spacious rooms designed for groups.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Ueno East is a strong midrange pick. It’s steps from Ueno Station (and Tokyo Metro Inarichō Station), with easy access to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and both Haneda and Narita airports. Ueno Park is a short walk away.
Tokyo Ueno New Izu Hotel is a reliable choice also close to Ueno Station, and Super Hotel has branches in the neighborhood. There are lots of hostels nearby as well — we like Oak Hotel — all within easy walking distance of the main sights.
Our full list of Ueno accommodations with our seal of approval is here.
