TASTE OF UENO: PARK, ZOO, SAKURA SPOT, CULTURAL AND GASTRONOMIC CENTER

Ueno (上野), built on a hilly area commonly known as “Ueno no Yama” (Ueno Mountain), has developed as a cultural and artistic center since opening as Japan’s first park in May 1876. Today, many important cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries, zoos, and art universities, are located in Ueno Park. 

In the decades since the park’s opening, it has become an important cultural center for the importation of Western culture into Japan. Despite the devastation caused by the earthquake and war, there were always people who loved Ueno and worked hard to preserve its culture.

Make sure to take a quiet and pleasant stroll to enjoy Ueno Park during your next trip to Japan. Knowing history can make your walks in the park more rewarding than usual. To get to this area, you can take the train or the subway, which are very easy to access.

A History, A Saigo Takamori 西郷 隆盛

If you enter Ueno Park, you will find yourself in front of the impressive statue of a man and his dog immortalized in bronze. This statue represents the legendary samurai Saigo Takamori, one of the most influential samurai in all of Japan. Saigo Takamori is often referred to as the “last true samurai,” and his statue is an iconic monument in Ueno.

In 1868, Saigo negotiated with Kaishu Katsu the unification of Japan without bloodshed. He also defeated a group of rebels who opposed the new union. He thus solidified the new united Japanese government. The statue was erected at the site of the battle of the Boshin War. Ueno was spared from a destructive battle. Many people have visited this tourist destination, which represents the place where the era of Shogun Tokugawa ended.

Built in 1898 by sculptor Koun Takamura (高村光雲), the statue is a one-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station. The original Kagoshima statue was modified by Koun Takamura’s disciple Sadayuki Goto (後藤貞行), and in his version, Saigo poses with his dog “tsun” as if he were going on a rabbit hunt.

Ueno Park and Sakura

If you can get there during the cherry blossom season in late March or early April, you’ll get a great view of the hundreds of sakura trees that frame Ueno Park 上野公園 and Shinobazu Temple and Pond (不忍池).

The park is known as one of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms. It’s also the perfect time to admire the splendor of Shinobazu Pond, covered in pink and white lotuses, while autumn sees the thousands of trees that line it turn red, orange, or yellow.

On the opposite bank of the river, the skyscrapers become visible, in addition to the Totenben Ueno headquarters building and others. The main building, the Imperial Palace Museum, was built in the park in 1881. The Tokyo National Museum (renamed in 1952) has made a name for itself abroad as one of the leading museums in Japan. The main building opposite was completed in 1937 and opened the following year.

Ameya-Yokocho アメヤ横丁

At the entrance above you, you will see the neon sign “アメ横” (“Ameyoko”), which welcomes you to this shopping street, a place not to be missed. There are about 400 shops between Ueno and Okachimachi, under the elevated railway tracks. Most shops sell food, but there is also a wide range of products, including clothing and imported goods.

There are two theories about the origin of Ameya-Yokocho: “Ameya (ame = candy, ya = store) Yokocho” and “America Yokocho.” During the post-war unrest, slums and a drug market appeared on the west side of the bridge between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. The name “Ameya-Yokocho” came from the fact that many stores selling sweet potato candy were set up near Ueno Station, where soldiers from China and other countries started doing business.

Later, many stores selling goods provided by the American occupation forces were established, hence the name “America Yokocho.” Since this area appeals to travelers and locals alike, many restaurants and bars can be crowded.  In recent years, the area has become famous as a film location and a must-see site.

Ueno’s delicacies

First of all, we would like to introduce you to Inshotei 韻松亭 restaurant, which is surrounded by Ueno Park and offers a great view. The restaurant specializes in Kaiseki (a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and presentation) and chicken dishes such as sukiyaki, steamed chicken salad, and others. 

The service is presented specially: in bamboo dishes, you will find a bit of everything like fresh seasonal vegetables, fish, and soybeans served with rice and miso soup. A dining experience in the middle of nature, so come and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of Ueno.

Gyukatsu Motomura 牛かつもと村 is famous for its fried beef cutlets, commonly known as “牛かつ” (“Gyukatsu”) in Japan. The meat is tender and juicy, cooked to a medium rare, then grilled on a stone plate and topped with a little wasabi and soy sauce. Lastly, breadcrumbs are well ground, then coated to cover the meat, and fried.

The restaurant is equipped with a mini stone grill for customers who prefer their steak more grilled than medium rare, so you can choose the ideal cooking for yourself.

Café Lapin is a coffee roaster located near Okachimachi and Ueno stations, near the Matsuzakaya department stores. As soon as you enter the store, you will find the roasting room right next to it. There is a wide variety of sandwiches, toast, and croissants available. You should also have a delicious “Mélange Café” coffee with a rich, thick taste, which can be accompanied by mixed sandwiches of ham, lettuce, and egg and served with potato salad.

Or let yourself be tempted by a pizza toast with salami, green peppers, and cheese. Also served with potato salad. Coffee and cakes are homemade, so enjoy!

Izuei Honten dates back about 300 years. Edo, as Tokyo was then known, was the birthplace of a rich and varied food culture, including sushi, soba, and tempura. Unagi (freshwater eel) was practically synonymous with Edo food.

The restaurant desires to share the food culture of Japan and Edo unagi cuisine with the world. The menu consists of many fixed dishes, which vary from the accompaniments and the quantity of eel. They are grilled over a wood fire and always include rice and a special sauce. Izuei Honten is a specialist in unagi, right next to Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park.

Ueno Zoo 上野動物園

The Ueno Zoo was opened in 1882 as a museum annex under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Trade. At that time, Japanese animals were the main attraction. Later, tigers, camels, and other overseas animals were added. After being under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Imperial Household, the zoo was donated to the city of Tokyo in 1924 and became the “Ueno Imperial Gift Park Zoo.”

Ueno Zoo was the first zoo to open in Japan, established in 1882. Today, the Zoo is home to about 400 different species of animals, including three giant pandas.

Around 10 million travelers visit Ueno every year. No doubt, a visit to this amazing place will leave you with fond memories. Enjoy what Ueno’s heritage has to offer, which is an enjoyable introduction to Japanese culture. While a highlight of the Sakura season, Ueno is great year-round—you can also enjoy the plum blossoms in February or the plentiful summer festivals.

Featured image by Trevor Paxton on Unsplash

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