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 designed by architect Le Corbusier were registered as World Heritage Sites in 2016. Western paintings and modern French sculptures etc. 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 Shopping Street

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

This shrine is dedicated to a god who is closely connected not only to academics but also to sports. It is also known as a famous spot for plum blossoms, and the "Plum Festival" is held every year from February 8th to March 8th, during which approximately 300 plum trees bloom beautifully. During the period, the festival will be lively with various events, including the opening of famous local stores.

Yushima/Hongo 3-chome/Ueno Hirokoji/Ueno Okachimachi (subway), Okachimachi/Ueno/Ochanomizu (JR)

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. It features shops, galleries, and offers the opportunity to tour the dyeing paper workshop (irregular 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

Akihabara was known as Honichi Electric Town. In recent years, there have been an increase in the number of stores selling computers, smartphones, earphones, and digital devices, as well as stores selling plastic models, figures, card games, etc., and everyone from children to adults can enjoy shopping here. The pedestrian paradise held every Sunday (cancelled in case of rain) attracts many people to stroll through the charming Akihabara area.

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. In a space where the red bricks, stairs, walls, and platform remnants of the former Manseibashi Station have been brought back to life, stylish shops, restaurants, and cafes gather, and art exhibitions are also held.

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