Ueno Park — Museums, Zoo, & Cherry Blossoms

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Ueno Park — Museums, Zoo, & Cherry Blossoms

Ueno Park (上野恩賜公園, Ueno Onshi Koen) is Tokyo's largest public park (133 acres), housing five major museums, a zoo, shrines, and 1,000+ cherry trees that make it Tokyo's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot. The park's museums — Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館, Japan's oldest and largest museum), National Museum of Western Art (西洋美術館, UNESCO World Heritage Le Corbusier building), and National Museum of Nature and Science — make Ueno Tokyo's cultural heart.

The park's cherry trees (mostly Somei Yoshino) line a 500-meter path from the main entrance to Shinobazu Pond, creating a tunnel of blossoms. During bloom season (late March-early April), the park attracts 3 million visitors in one week for hanami parties — picnicking under cherry trees with food, drinks, and celebrations. The combination of museums, zoo, and natural beauty makes Ueno Tokyo's most diverse single destination.

Opening Hours

Park: Open 24/7 | Museums: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Ueno Zoo: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Museums and Zoo: Closed Mondays (if holiday, closed following Tuesday)

Entrance Fee

Park: Free | Tokyo National Museum: ¥1,000 | National Museum of Western Art: ¥500 | Ueno Zoo: ¥600

Best Season

Late March–early April (1,000+ cherry trees, hanami parties) | Year-round for museums

Visit Duration

2-4 hours (park walk + 1-2 museums)

Getting There

Access Information

Ueno Park: Ueno Koen, Taito-ku. JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Keisei Ueno Station. Park free entry, open 24/7. Museums: ¥600-1,000 each, hours 9:30-17:00 (closed Mon). Ueno Zoo: ¥600, 9:30-17:00 (closed Mon). Cherry blossom season: late March-early April.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Cherry blossom timing:** Peak bloom lasts 5-7 days (late March-early April, exact dates vary ±5 days annually). Check Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts in mid-March. The park's central path