宿泊予約

GRIDS HOTEL＋HOSTEL TOKYOUENO GRIDS HOTEL＋HOSTEL TOKYOUENO

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GRIDS HOTEL＋HOSTEL TOKYOUENO

GRIDS TOKYO UENO

Ueno is where past and present, city life and nature, lively streets and peaceful corners all come together—a neighborhood that reveals Tokyo's many sides. Just steps from Ueno Station, GRIDS Tokyo Ueno makes an ideal base for exploring the area. Here are ten handpicked spots that capture the spirit of Ueno. There are many more hidden gems where you can experience Tokyo and Japan, so set out from GRIDS and discover the neighborhood for yourself.

  • 01

    01. Get close to the animals at Japan's oldest zoo
    Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Home to around 300 species and 3,000 animals, it offers visitors the chance to see popular animals such as Asian elephants, otters, and western gorillas up close. The zoo is also known for its rare and endangered species. As the most popular animal exhibits can get crowded, we recommend arriving early. In addition to its animals, the zoo is home to a five-story pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, making it a great place to enjoy both nature and history.

    SPOT: Ueno Zoo
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 900 m / 13-minute walk

  • 02

    02. Shop your way through Ueno's liveliest market street
    More than 400 shops crowd this bustling 500-meter street, making it one of Japan's largest shopping districts. You will find everything from sweets and fresh seafood to bags, clothing, cosmetics, and military surplus, all accompanied by the spirited calls of local vendors. The basement food market in the Ameyoko Center Building, packed with Asian ingredients and spices, is well worth a visit. Weekends and public holidays can be especially busy, so take care if you are carrying luggage or using a stroller.

    SPOT: Ameyoko Shopping Street
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 900 m / 13-minute walk

  • 03

    03. Step into history at a lavish golden shrine
    With a history stretching back nearly 400 years, this shrine is dedicated to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its gleaming gold sanctuary and ornate Karamon Gate are both designated Important Cultural Properties, and their intricate details are best appreciated up close. The grounds also feature a sacred tree more than 600 years old, while colorful peony festivals brighten the shrine each spring and winter. The shrine office offers a wide range of amulets for wishes including success at work or school, good health, and a safe childbirth.

    SPOT: Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 950m / 14-minute walk

  • 04

    04. Explore more than 110,000 works from Japan and across Asia
    The museum's main building is a striking example of Imperial Crown Style architecture, combining a Western-style structure with a traditional tiled roof. Its collection of more than 110,000 objects spans not only Japan but also China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and India. The museum theater offers immersive VR experiences, while family-friendly exhibitions and events make it easy to visit with children. In spring and autumn, the garden behind the main building opens to visitors and offers a peaceful place to enjoy the changing seasons.

    SPOT: Tokyo National Museum
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 600m/ 9-minute walk

  • 05

    05. Find a pocket of nature at Ueno's famous lotus pond
    This natural pond forms part of Ueno Park and is one of Tokyo's best-known places to see lotus flowers. In summer, lotus leaves and blossoms spread across the water, while cherry trees, hydrangeas, and ginkgo trees around the pond bring color throughout the year. Rent a boat in the central section of the three-part pond for a different view of the surrounding scenery. An antique market is also held from time to time in the nearby plaza.

    SPOT: Shinobazu Pond
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 1.1km/15-minute walk

  • 06

    06. Stroll through a leafy park rich in history and culture
    This spacious park is home to many of the attractions featured on this page, including Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the Tokyo National Museum. Wander between the sights, pause at a sunny park-side cafe or by the fountain, or learn a little history from the statues of notable figures throughout the grounds. Ueno Park is also one of Tokyo's most celebrated cherry blossom destinations and draws large crowds from late March to early April.

    SPOT: Ueno Park
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 500m/ 8-minute walk

  • 07

    07. Kick off your night in Ueno at a beloved old-school izakaya
    This old-fashioned izakaya buzzes with lively conversation every day of the week. The classic motsuyaki—grilled offal skewers—starts at just 90 yen, but do not miss the signature stew made with horse offal, a house specialty since the restaurant first opened. At the crowded counter, conversations with the person next to you often begin naturally. If the original location beneath the railway tracks is full, try the branch just a one-minute walk away.

    SPOT: Motsuyaki Daitoryo
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 750m/10-minute walk

  • 08

    08. Step back into the lost streets of old Tokyo
    This museum recreates the everyday life of Tokyo's old shitamachi neighborhoods, much of which was lost in the Great Kanto Earthquake and wartime destruction. Reconstructed streets and homes are filled with period details, from public telephones to televisions, offering a rare glimpse of the city before it became the modern metropolis we know today. Families can also try traditional toys for an even more immersive step back in time. For a distinctive souvenir, look for the museum's original tenugui towel designed in the shape of a hanten coat.

    SPOT: Shitamachi Museum
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 950m/ 13-minute walk

  • 09

    09. Enjoy traditional entertainment with a bento in hand
    With more than 150 years of history, this traditional vaudeville theater presents a lively daily lineup of rakugo storytelling, manzai comedy, acrobatics, impressions, and more. Food and drinks are welcome, and each seat has a small table, so you can relax with a bento or snack picked up in Ameyoko or at the stand near the entrance. With unreserved seating and admission available after the show has begun, it is easy to drop in whenever curiosity strikes.

    SPOT: Suzumoto Engeijo (Rakugo Theater)
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 950m/ 13-minute walk

  • 10

    10. Unwind at a historic bathhouse with a touch of Mount Fuji
    One of Japan's few bathhouses designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, Tsubame-yu opens as early as 6:00 a.m.—perfect for a refreshing soak before heading out or after a walk through Ueno Park. The atmospheric rock feature beside the baths was made with lava from Mount Fuji. Complimentary body soap and shampoo are provided, and towels are available to rent, so you can stop by empty-handed. Guests with tattoos are welcome.

    SPOT: Tsubame-yu (Public Bath)
    Distance from GRIDS Tokyo Ueno: 1.4km/ 19-minute walk