❶ Ueno Zoological Gardens

Japan’s oldest urban zoo, which opened in 1882. It is home to roughly 300 species and 3,000 animals (as of September 30, 2023). Especially popular are the giant pandas.

Ueno (JR, Subway, Keisei), Nezu (Subway)

https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/

❷ Ueno Park

Ueno Park was designated as Japan’s first park in 1873. In addition to the famous statue of Saigo Takamori (samurai and nobleman, 1828-1877) and Shinobazu Pond, the park is also known for cherry blossom viewing. There is also a zoo, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the Tokyo National Museum, and the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo on the premises, allowing visitors to explore history and art.
Cherry blossoms are usually at their best in March to April.

Ueno (JR, Subway, Keisei)

https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

❸ The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo

Japan’s only national art museum entirely focused on Western art. The main building and front garden designed by architect Le Corbusier were registered as World Heritage Sites in 2016. Western paintings and modern French sculptures are on permanent display.

Ueno (JR, Subway), Keisei-Ueno (Keisei)

https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/

❹ Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens

This was the former residence of the Iwasaki family, founders of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu (financial conglomerate). The remaining Western-style residence, Japanese-style house, and billiards house are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can stroll through the spacious garden and the wooden, Western-style building considered to represent modern Japanese residences, designed by the British architect Josiah Conder, who is called the father of modern Japanese architecture.

Yushima (Subway), Ueno-hirokoji (Subway), Ueno-okachimachi (Subway)

https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/

❺ Ameyoko

Ameyoko is one of Japan’s most prominent shopping streets, with over 400 shops along the roughly 500-meter street between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station. There are many specialty stores dedicated to the true enthusiast, and visitors can enjoy walking through the maze-like shopping arcade to shop and grab a bite to eat.

Ueno (JR, Subway, Keisei), Okachimachi (JR)

https://www.ameyoko.net

❻ Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Not only is this shrine dedicated to the god of learning, but it is also known for plum blossom viewing, with the “Plum Blossom Festival” being held every year from February to early March. Some 300 plum trees bloom here, creating beautiful scenery for visitors. In the shrine’s repository of treasure, you’ll find Japanese paintings of plum blossoms alongside exhibits of rare swords.

Yushima (Subway)

https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp

❼ Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan

A place to easily enjoy the charms of Japanese washi paper and origami art of paper folding, with shops, galleries, etc., and options to tour the dyeing workshop (irregular operating schedule). Origami and washi classes are also offered (reservations required).

Ochanomizu (JR, Subway), Suehirocho (Subway), Shin-ochanomizu (Subway)

https://origamikaikan.co.jp/lp/english_guide.html

❽ Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)

This shrine boasts a history of around 1,300 years. In Tokyo, it is affectionately known as “Myojin-sama.” It is a popular “power spot” said to magnify one’s luck in competitions, making it a good place to visit before the Tokyo Marathon. Also famous is the “Victory Amulet,” a good luck charm available at the shrine.

Ochanomizu (JR, Subway), Shin-ochanomizu (Subway), Suehirocho (Subway), Akihabara (JR, Subway, Tsukuba Express)

https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/what/

❾ 2k540＆SEEKBASE＆CHABARA

You’ll find this commercial complex underneath the elevated railway tracks between JR Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station. 2k540 is a town created under the theme “craftsmanship,” where shops and studios gather. At SEEKBASE, you’ll encounter shops selling carefully selected products and food, while CHABARA is a food theme park offering delicacies from all over Japan.

Akihabara (JR, Subway, Tsukuba Express), Okachimachi (JR)

https://www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/2k540/ https://www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/seekbase/ https://www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/chabara/

❿ Akihabara

Affectionately known as “Akiba,” this is one of Japan’s most famous electric products towns where you’ll find store after store of electronic goods. Globally, it is known as a pop culture town with its many stores specializing in anime, comics, and game merchandise.

Akihabara (JR, Subway, Tsukuba Express), Suehirocho (Subway)

https://akiba.or.jp/wp_en/

⓫ mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI

This hot spot can be found inside the remains of the old Manseibashi Station, which was located between Ochanomizu Station and Kanda Station until 1943. After breathing life back into its red bricks, stairs, walls, and platforms, the Old Manseibashi Station is now home to trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Akihabara (JR, Subway, Tsukuba Express)

https://www.ecute.jp/en/

⓬ Ogawamachi

Sporting goods stores are gathered in this popular area known as the “Kanda Sports Goods District.” Visitors will find gear for baseball, soccer, tennis, mountain climbing, outdoor activities, running, skiing, snowboarding, and surfing, among many other sports.

Jimbocho (Subway), Ogawamachi (Subway)

https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/en/spot/detail/496