Directions to the museums in Ueno Park

Ueno (上野) is a key transport hub in the heart of old Tokyo. It is popular with both tourists and Japanese alike for Ueno Park, which is home to several of the capital’s most important museums and art galleries, as well as Ueno Zoo. It is also well-known for the night market of Ameya Yokocho which runs between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station (one-stop south on the Yamamote Line).

Ueno Park at the surrounding area

One could easily spend an entire day in the museums and art galleries of Ueno Park alone. If you’re a museum lover or an art fanatic, you might want to consider getting a Grutto Pass which entitles holders to discounts for many of the museums and art galleries in the capital.

Key Attractions

Ameyoko Center Building

Long-standing building in the center of Ameyoko and one of the best places to buy Asian food in Tokyo
10:00-20:00

Ameyoko / Candy Alley

Ameyoko runs along and under the rail tracks between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station to the south. One of the capital’s most famous night markets with enough souvenirs to keep any traveller entertained.

Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens

The former home of the Iwasaki Family, the founders of the Mitsubishi group. The grounds passed into government possession after the war and the structures are today recognized as Important Cultural Assets.
9:30-17:00
¥400

National Museum of Nature and Science

Museum focusing on mankind’s interaction with nature, and the evolution and role of technology in society
9:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays unless it is a public holiday, in which case the museum is open on Monday and closed on Tuesday
Adults ¥620 | High school students and younger can enter for free

National Museum of Western Art

Western Art established from the art collection of Matsukata Kojiro
9:30-17:30 (until 20:00 on Friday). Closed on Mondays unless it is a public holiday, in which case the museum is open on Monday and closed on Tuesday
Adults ¥430 | Students ¥130 | Children can enter for free

Shitamachi Museum

History museum showcasing life during the Edo period
9:30-16:30. Closed on Tuesdays
Adults ¥300, children ¥100

The Ueno Royal Museum

Museum housing temporary exhibitions ranging from calligraphy to classical Japanese paintings
Open 10:00-17:00, 7 days per week
Entrance fee differs by exhibition

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Museum in Ueno Park which aims to be “a place for creativity and coaction”
Open 9:30-17:30, although often until 8pm on Fridays during Special Exhibitions. Special Exhibitions and Thematic Exhibitions are closed Mondays (except national holidays, when the museum will be closed on the following day instead). All other exhibitions are closed every 1st and 3rd Monday (except national holidays, when the museum will be closed on the following day instead)
Entrance fees differ by exhibition

Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest national museum with over 110,000 works of art and artifacts from across Japan and Asia, including 87 designated national treasures.
9:30-17:00 (until 18:00 at the weekend). Closed on Mondays unless it is a public holiday
Adults ¥1,000

Ueno Park

Famous park which is home to five museums, two concert halls, and Ueno Zoo. Especially popular during the cherry blossom season.
5:00-23:00

Ueno Zoo

Japan’s oldest zoo is home to over 400 species, but it is most famous for its giant pandas.
9:30-17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00). Closed on Mondays (unless a public holiday).
Adults ¥600, students (13-15) ¥300, U13s can enter for free. Free admission for everyone on March 20, May 4 and October 1.
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