Free Things to do in Ueno Park
Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM
Ueno Park was established in 1873 and the grounds used to be
part of Kaneiji Temple. The park is situated next to the Ueno station and be
easily accessed by the yamanote line. So, it is a great stop for anyone looking
for a little relaxation in Tokyo. Here are just a few of the ways you can spend
your day here without spending a single penny.
1. Relax at the Fountain
When you first enter the park from the Ueno
Station side, you will notice the large fountain just to the left of the
National Science museum. This is a great place to take pictures and rest before
or after spending a day shopping in Ueno.
2. Have a picnic
There are many beautiful spots in the park
where this can be done, but my favorite is sitting on one of the various
benches facing Shinobazu pond, surrounded by the lotus flowers. What a beautiful
way to relax and reenergize for the day ahead.
3. Gaze across the pond at the Swan Boats
Shinobazu Pond is best known for its swan
boat rides, and while that is definitely something you should try while
visiting the park, it can be just as fun watching them float by on the banks.
Also a great way to get some shots of the pond itself.
4. Browse the antique vendors surrounding the
Pond
In the summer time, there are many antique
stalls that will line up around the area near Bentendo Temple. Here you can
window shop some beautiful Japanese antiques while enjoying the summer breeze.
5. Admire the Lotus Blooms
Another great way to enjoy Ueno in the
summer time is to see the lovely lotus in bloom. On the way to Shinobazu Pond
you can see the many lotus blooms surrounding Bentendo Temple. They are absolutely
gorgeous and you will not be the only one taking pictures.
6. Bentendo Temple
Bentendo Shrine is the beautiful shrine you
can see near Shinobazu Pond. One of the best place to photograph this shrine is
on the other side near the exit to Ueno. There you will see a little bridge
that goes into the field of Lotus flowers and gives you a lovely view of the
cityscape and Bentendo Temple.
7. Ueno Toshogu Shrine
This shrine is one of many dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the
Edo Shogunate. It is a gorgeously built shrine that is lovely to photograph.
The inner shrines are 500 yen, but the main part is free.
8. Ueno Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
This temple has an overlook on a wooden balcony that is
perfect for pictures. The temple was originally built as part of Kaneiji Temple
and houses the image of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception.
9. Ueno Kaneiji Temple
Kaneiji Temple was once the wealthiest and
largest temple in the city before the Boshin War where it was destroyed. It is
worth a visit to see this important piece of Japanese history up close.
10. See the statue of Prince Komatsu Akihito
Prince Komatsu Akihito was a general in the Boshin War and played a central role in the founding of the Japanese Red Cross. His statue can be found in Ueno Park and is worth a visit to learn more about the history of Japan.
Have you gotten the chance to visit Ueno Park? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your pictures on Instagram @katescuriouswanderings
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