Tokyo is one of the oldest as well as largest cities in all of Japan.
Home to millions, the city serves as the capital of the country, and is an important center of commerce, trade, culture and more.
Given its long history, cosmopolitan influences and global connectivity, the city has become an interesting place to check out, where the old and new are everywhere.
Of the many such places in the city, one region would be that of Ueno. Historically a working-class region of Tokyo, it is a ward in the Taito district of Japan, and is today become an important center for culture and history.
Visitors to Ueno will have much to check out and do, should they ever visit the place.
Given in the list below, are some interesting things to do and engage yourself with, while visiting Ueno.
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1. Relish on candy in Ameya-Yochoko
If there is one place in Ueno to have your sweet tooth delighted, it would be the shopping street of Ameya-Yochoko.
The street is well known for its vast collection of candy stores from end to end. Historically associated with traditional Japanese sweets, it is today a place where the old and new mix freely, creating a flavor like nowhere else.
So if you are a fan of everything sweet and tasty, make sure to check out this little stretch and buy yourself something delicious.
2. Visit the Ueno Toshogu
There are numerous shrines located in and around Ueno.
Of them all, one of the most important would be that of Ueno Toshogu.
It is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was one of the main figures behind the infamous Edo period.
There are several amazing things about the shrine, which include among others, a very traditional form of architecture, gold-covered structures, a lovely peony flower garden and a sense of serenity as well as ambience.
3. Engage Yourself in the Culinary Culture of Ueno
When one talks about the cultural heritage of Ueno, you could say that it extends to the many culinary specialties as well.
It is a little something which many don’t know about, which is that Ueno has numerous culinary classes. Teaching everything from the traditional to the modern, Ueno is a great place to learn how to make Japanese cuisines, from the beginning to the end.
What makes these classes especially fun is that in addition to the classes themselves, you will also be engaged in many other things such as tea parties, visits to the local markets and maybe even a lesson in speaking Japanese or reading Kanji.
4. Take a stroll in Ueno Park
There are several amazing public spaces in and around Ueno.
Of them all, one of the most beautiful and famous, would be the Ueno Park, located near the temple of Kan’ei-ji. In fact, the park was built on lands that at once time belonged to the temple, not too long ago.
One of the most famous attractions in Ueno Park would be the walkways lined with cherry blossoms. Pink in color, they light up the whole park wherever they grow, making the entire place look like a magical paradise.
In addition to this, the park is also known for several museums which showcase the art and culture of Japan. One of the most important would be the Tokyo National Museum, famous for its vast collection artworks and archeological finds.
5. Explore the vast collections of animals in Ueno zoo.
Of the many zoos in Japan, one of the best would be the one in Ueno.
With a collection of over three thousand animals, Ueno zoo is an excellent way to spend time in this part of Tokyo. Founded in 1883, it is a popular tourist destination, well known for its amazing collections and a smaller petting zoo where visitors get to interact with wild animals.
Last but not the least, it should be added that there are many more interesting things all over Ueno, if you are really into the place.
Feel free to get lost in this little region of Tokyo, for you will be surprised at what you may come across.