11 Best Photo Spots in Ueno: Ueno Park, Ameyoko, Dinings
Ueno is a vibrant area featuring various attractions including a zoo, art museums, and parks, as well as restaurants and bars under the elevated train tracks. Due to its excellent accessibility from the city center and Shinkansen connections, many tourists visit Ueno along with the famous tourist spot Asakusa.
Ueno Park, home to art museums, museums, and the zoo, is particularly bustling during the day. However, among those who know Ueno well, the park is also popular at night. Ueno is known as an area that comes alive after dark, with its scenery becoming even more enchanting. Besides Ueno Zoo, there are many spots where you can enjoy nighttime views.
This article will introduce recommended photo spots in Ueno, focusing on must-visit photography locations in Ueno Onshi Park.
Ueno Has Many Photogenic Spots, Including Ueno Park and Ameyoko
Ueno is full of Instagram-worthy locations. The popular Ueno Park offers different scenery throughout the seasons, with full cherry blossoms in spring, blooming lotus flowers in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage in fall, ensuring beautiful photos any time you visit.
The scenery of Ameyoko, a popular shopping street in Ueno, is also worth capturing. You can take unique photos featuring colorful signboards, a lively atmosphere, and traditional buildings that are characteristic of Ameyoko.
There are many other photogenic spots throughout Ueno.
11 Photogenic Spots in Ueno! Perfect for Instagram
Ueno Onshi Park
Source: town.mec-h.com
Ueno Onshi Park, designated as Japan's first public park in 1873, is a historic location. The park contains various facilities including Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum, making it famous as a spot where nature and culture blend. With its diverse facilities, there are many attractive photo opportunities.
Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 5:00-23:00
Closed: Wednesdays from December to February
Phone: 03-3828-5644
Official Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.html
Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond, located in the center of Ueno Park, is divided into three sections: Uno Pond, Hasu Pond, and Boat Pond. The lotus flowers blooming around Shinobazu Pond in summer are particularly famous. My recommended photo spot is the Hasumi Deck on the floating pier on the south side of the pond. You can capture dreamlike images of lotus flowers reflected in the water along with the sky.
The lotus flowers only bloom between 7:00-9:00 AM, so early morning visits are recommended.
Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 5:00-23:00
Closed: Wednesdays from December to February
Phone: 03-3828-5644
Official Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.html
Ueno Zoo
Source: WALKER PLUS
Ueno Zoo, despite being located in central Tokyo, houses approximately 3,000 animals of about 300 species.
Among the various animals, the recommended photo spot is the Giant Pandas in "Panda Forest" in the West Garden. It's adorable to capture them playing at their own pace or eating in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat of Chinese highland forests.
When photographing, avoid using flash to not startle the pandas. Using a faster shutter speed will help you capture better photos.
Address: 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), Year-end holidays (December 29 to January 1)
Phone: 03-3828-5171
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/
Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Source: Official website
Ueno Toshogu Shrine, built in 1627, is a historic shrine known for its power to grant success, victory, and health. The highlights include gold-leaf decorated buildings and phoenix sculptures.
For the best photo, position yourself a few meters in front of the large stone torii gate at the entrance to capture the main shrine building perfectly framed within the gate. Visiting on a sunny morning will result in particularly beautiful photos.
Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: (October-February) 9:00-16:30, (March-September) 9:00-17:30
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3822-3455
Official Website: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/
Kanei-ji Temple
Source: Official website
Kanei-ji Temple is the burial place of six famous historical figures from Japanese history. It's popular among tourists due to its many historically significant locations.
A notable photo spot is the Ueno Daibutsu (Great Buddha), of which only the face remains. This unique Buddha statue, having lost its body to war and disasters, is also known as the "Gokaku Daibutsu" (Success Buddha) because it "can't fall any further" (a play on words in Japanese, where failing a test is expressed as "falling").
Taking photos directly from the front will capture the imposing presence of the Buddha's face.
Address: 1-14-11 Ueno Sakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3821-4440
Official Website: https://kaneiji.jp/
Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Source: Google Maps
Kiyomizu Kannon-do, built in 1631, is modeled after the famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto.
A major attraction and popular photo spot is the "Moon Pine" (Tsuki no Matsu) located in front of Kiyomizu Kannon-do. It's called this because its branches spread out in a circular shape resembling a full moon.
When taking photos, try to capture the branch shape with Bentendo Hall on Shinobazu Pond in the background. The view is particularly beautiful on clear autumn days or during cherry blossom season.
Address: 1-29 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3821-4749
Official Website: https://kiyomizu.kaneiji.jp/
National Museum of Nature and Science
Source: TAITO City Official website
The National Museum of Nature and Science is Japan's only comprehensive science museum, exhibiting about 25,000 items related to natural history and the history of science and technology. It consists of the Japan Gallery, where you can learn about Japanese ecosystems, and the Global Gallery, which focuses on Earth's nature and science.
Popular photo spots include the Tyrannosaurus skeleton specimen and the blue whale model on the basement floor. Taking photos from directly below creates impressive shots that convey their massive scale.
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day), Year-end holidays (December 28 to January 1)
Phone: 03-5777-8600
Official Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/
Tokyo National Museum
Source: Official website
The Tokyo National Museum, opened in 1872, is Japan's oldest museum. The main attraction is the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), which houses Japanese art and Buddhist statues and is recognized for its historical value.
The recommended photo spot at the Tokyo National Museum is the open atrium entrance. With its grand marble staircase spreading out before you, taking photos here will make you feel like the protagonist of a drama or movie.
Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday, closed the following weekday), Year-end holidays
Phone: 03-5777-8600
Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/
Saigo Takamori Statue
Source: Asoview
The Saigo Takamori Statue is a bronze statue symbolizing Saigo Takamori, who led the country's reform in the late 19th century known as the Meiji Restoration. Standing about 3 meters tall, it features a heroic pose alongside his beloved dog, Tsun.
With Shinobazu Pond in the background showing different scenery throughout the seasons, you can capture varied photos depending on when you visit. It's recommended to take photos during the soft light of early morning or evening for a more ethereal atmosphere.
Address: 1 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 5:00-23:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3828-5644
Ameyoko
Ameyoko is a shopping street with approximately 400 stores located under the elevated tracks between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station. It's a popular spot for food walks and shopping, always bustling with locals and tourists.
The best place to capture Ameyoko's charm in photos is the Ameyoko Central Building. It features a mini-terrace where you can use remote photography to capture overhead angles of Ameyoko, allowing you to take unique photos that wouldn't be possible with selfies. Visit during the daytime to capture the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: Ueno 4 & 6-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 03-3832-5053 (Ameyoko Shopping Street Association)
Official Website: http://www.ameyoko.net/
Shitaya Shrine
Source: Official website
Shitaya Shrine, built in 730, is a shrine with a very long history and is said to possess powers related to business prosperity and household safety.
A popular photo spot that attracts tourists is the Chozuya, a purification fountain where visitors wash their hands and mouth. At the beginning of each month, the Chozuya is decorated with seasonal, colorful flowers, making it a popular spot for photographs.
Visit during the daytime at the beginning of the month for the best photos.
Address: 3-29-8 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3831-1488
Official Website: https://shitayajinja.or.jp/
JR Ueno Station
Source: Panasonic
JR Ueno Station is one of Tokyo's major stations, serving both regular and Shinkansen express trains. The station itself is a popular destination with various dining and shopping spots inside.
A recommended photo spot is the Poleia Plaza in front of the Uenohirokoji Exit. There's an object featuring the letters "UENO" - perfect for commemorative photos of your visit to Ueno.
Address: 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 5:30-22:00 (Central Gate)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3841-8069
Official Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/stations/204.html
More Photogenic Spots in Taito Ward Around Ueno
Taito Ward, where Ueno is located, is known as a shitamachi (downtown area) with many traditional and historical spots, attracting many foreign tourists interested in Japanese culture. Here are more photogenic spots in Taito Ward around Ueno.
Kaminarimon (Sensoji Temple)
Source: Official website
Kaminarimon is the entrance gate to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and is so iconic that it's synonymous with Asakusa itself.
The highlight is the massive lantern hanging in the center of the gate, approximately 3 meters tall with large characters spelling "Kaminarimon." While it's usually crowded with photographers, you can get calmer shots early in the morning or in the evening.
The gate is also beautifully lit up at night, offering another excellent photo opportunity.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3842-0181
Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Old Iwasaki Garden
Source: Tokyo Park Association
Old Iwasaki Garden, built in 1896, consists of a mansion and garden recognized for their historical value. The property is divided into three buildings: a Western-style building, a Japanese-style building, and a billiard room, with the Japanese building featuring a traditional garden.
A notable photo spot is the large staircase in the Western building, which incorporates 17th-century Jacobean style. Taking photos from just below the stairs to capture the entire view results in an elegant shot. Note that indoor photography is only allowed on weekdays.
Address: 1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Year-end holidays
Phone: 03-3823-8340
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/kyu-iwasaki-tei/index.html
Sumida River
The Sumida River is a major river flowing through Tokyo, offering different scenic views throughout the seasons, from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage.
Makura Bridge is an excellent spot to capture both the Tokyo Skytree, a representative Tokyo landmark, and the Sumida River in one shot. From the bridge, you can photograph Tokyo Skytree reflected in the water, which is particularly romantic at night. As it's also a train crossing point, you can capture dynamic photos when trains pass by.
Address: Tokyo
Hours: Always open
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5608-1111 (Sumida City Office)