Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots, transforms into a breathtaking sea of pink each spring. With over 1,000 cherry trees and the festive ambiance of the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, the park offers an iconic hanami experience. Visitors can enjoy both daytime picnics and magical nighttime illuminations, making it a must-visit destination during the sakura season.

Why Ueno Park is Worth Visiting

• Historical Significance: Established in 1873, the park holds remnants of its origins as the Kan’eiji Temple grounds, including a five-story pagoda and Kiyomizu Kannondō Temple.
• Diverse Cherry Blossom Varieties: Home to over 50 varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Kan Hi-zakura, and Yaezakura, the park offers an extended viewing season.
• Nighttime Lantern Illuminations: During the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, 800 bonbori lanterns illuminate the pathways, creating a magical evening ambiance.
• Cultural and Recreational Offerings: Ueno Park houses museums, Ueno Zoo, and Shinobazu Pond, providing a full-day experience.

Sakura Varieties and Viewing Spots

Ueno Park’s cherry blossom season is a vibrant display of nature’s beauty. The park is renowned for its Somei Yoshino trees, which make up about 80% of the cherry blossoms. Their synchronous blooming creates a pink canopy along Sakura Dori, the main path lined with approximately 800 cherry trees. Other notable varieties include Kanhi-zakura, an early bloomer with crimson petals; Yaezakura, a late-blooming double-flowered variety; and the unique green Gyoikozakura.

For a serene experience, visitors can stroll around Shinobazu Pond, where the cherry blossoms reflect on the water’s surface. The view from Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, framed by weeping cherry trees, offers another picturesque perspective. During the festival, the nighttime illuminations add an ethereal glow, making evening visits especially memorable.

Ueno Park Facilities & Amenities

Ueno Park is equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, the park is free to enter, though some attractions within, such as museums and Ueno Zoo, may require admission fees. The park features picnic areas, jogging paths, and boat rentals on Shinobazu Pond. Accessibility is prioritized with barrier-free paths and maps available for visitors with mobility needs. Public restrooms and vending machines are conveniently located throughout.

Dining Options

Ueno Park offers diverse dining choices to suit various tastes and budgets. Inshotei, established in 1875, provides a traditional kaiseki dining experience. For casual options, EVERYONE’s CAFE highlights locally sourced ingredients. Ueno Seiyoken offers both casual and formal dining, featuring French cuisine at Grill Fukushima. A Starbucks within the park caters to coffee enthusiasts, providing a relaxing spot amid the cherry blossoms.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot for hanami picnics.
• Visit on weekdays or early mornings for a quieter experience.
• Consider night viewing to enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms.
• Bring a picnic sheet if planning a hanami party and keep a watch on valuables.
• Check the Japan Weather Association for peak bloom dates.

How to Get to Ueno Park

Ueno Park is highly accessible via public transportation. From JR Ueno Station’s Park Exit, the park entrance is a 2-minute walk. Tokyo Metro’s Ginza and Hibiya lines also connect to Ueno Station, a 5-minute walk away.

• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line for 10 minutes (160 yen).
• From Shinjuku Station: Ride the JR Yamanote Line for 25 minutes (200 yen).
• From Narita Airport: The Keisei Skyliner provides direct access to Keisei Ueno Station in about 70 minutes.

Nearby Attractions

Ueno Park’s central location offers proximity to several cultural and historical attractions. The Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Nature and Science are within the park. Nearby Ameyoko offers a lively shopping and dining experience, while Yanaka Ginza provides a glimpse into Tokyo’s retro charm.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

The Former Iwasaki Kayacho Mansion and Gardens, located a short distance from Ueno Park, showcases cherry blossoms amidst historic architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. Kanda Myojin, a shrine known for its vibrant culture and seasonal festivals, features cherry trees that add to its serene atmosphere during spring. Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most famous gardens, offers a peaceful hanami experience with cherry blossoms beautifully integrated into its traditional landscape design.

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