Explore Ueno in Spring: Cherry Blossom Paradise
Spring in Ueno is a special season that makes you feel the arrival of spring in Tokyo. From late March, Ueno Park becomes crowded with many people as a famous spot for cherry blossoms.
Ueno Onshi Park has about 1,200 cherry trees planted, and the scenery is breathtaking. One of its charms is that you can enjoy various varieties, mainly Somei Yoshino, as well as mountain cherries and double-flowered cherries.
I personally like the area around Shinobazu Pond in the evening. The cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface and the twilight scenery create a beautiful spring atmosphere.
Enjoying spring in Ueno isn't limited to just cherry blossoms. At Ueno Zoo, you can enjoy the popular pandas and cherry blossoms at the same time. Also, the contrast between historic temples and shrines like Ueno Toshogu and Kaneiji Temple and the cherry blossoms is deeply satisfying.
In this article, I'll introduce in detail the charms and ways to enjoy spring in Ueno. Why not find your own spring memories in Ueno, where nature and the city are in harmony?
Table of Contents
・Cherry Blossom Highlights of Spring in Ueno
・What Gourmet Delights to Enjoy in Ueno in Spring?
・Spring Events and Festivals Held in Ueno
・Precautions When Enjoying Spring in Ueno
Cherry Blossom Highlights of Spring in Ueno
When it comes to spring in Ueno, the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are undoubtedly famous. I still can't forget the excitement I felt when I first saw the cherry blossoms in Ueno.
The overwhelming beauty, as if you're surrounded by a sea of cherry blossoms, is a must-see.
When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Ueno?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Ueno is typically from late March to early April. In my experience, if you visit during this time, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
However, the best viewing time may vary slightly depending on the climate of that year, so I recommend checking the latest blooming information before visiting.
Ueno Onshi Park
Ueno Onshi Park is the heart of cherry blossoms in Ueno. The breathtaking tunnel of cherry blossoms created by about 1,200 trees is breathtakingly beautiful.
What I particularly like is the diversity of cherry blossom varieties. You can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms at once, including Somei Yoshino, mountain cherries, and double-flowered cherries.
Enjoying hanami on the lawn in the park is also exceptional. The moment of chatting with friends while spreading out a picnic sheet under the cherry blossoms is the essence of spring.
At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, allowing you to experience a different, fantastic atmosphere from daytime. I make sure to enjoy the cherry blossoms both during the day and at night every year.
Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html
Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park is one of the scenic spots you should visit during the cherry blossom season. The reflection of cherry blossoms on the water surface is as beautiful as a painting, and it's the best spot for photography enthusiasts like me.
I especially recommend visiting Shinobazu Pond at dusk. The cherry blossoms illuminated by the setting sun and the pond scenery are so fantastical that words can't express it.
Every year, I visit Shinobazu Pond at this time, standing quietly and feeling the arrival of spring. As I watch the slowly changing colors of the sky and the appearance of the cherry blossoms, I forget about time.
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is also a popular spot within Ueno Park. The most famous attraction is, needless to say, the pandas.
With cherry trees scattered throughout the zoo, it's a luxurious spot where you can enjoy both the animals and cherry blossoms.
Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/
Temples and Shrines in Ueno Park
There are many temples and shrines scattered throughout Ueno Park, each radiating its unique charm along with the cherry blossoms.
I particularly like the harmony between the five-story pagoda of Kaneiji Temple and the cherry blossoms. The sight of cherry blossoms blooming with the red five-story pagoda in the background symbolizes the traditional beauty of Tokyo, and it moves my heart every time I see it.
The combination of Kiyomizu Kannon-do and Ueno Toshogu with cherry blossoms is also a sight not to be missed.
Also, Gojo Tenjin Shrine in Ueno Park has early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms. As they bloom earlier than other cherry blossoms, it's a special spot where you can feel the arrival of spring a bit earlier.
What Gourmet Delights to Enjoy in Ueno in Spring?
To enjoy spring in Ueno, not only cherry blossoms but also seasonal gourmet food is essential. What I particularly look forward to are the various food stalls that appear during the "Ueno Sakura Festa."
At the food stalls lined up in the park, you can enjoy not only standard menu items like yakitori and yakisoba but also special spring-limited menus.
Also, I recommend buying a spring-limited bento box at Ueno Station and having hanami in the park.
Furthermore, Ueno is a town where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the old downtown area. After viewing the cherry blossoms, I recommend exploring Ameyoko and nearby shopping streets to enjoy local flavors.
Spring Events and Festivals Held in Ueno
Spring in Ueno is bustling not only with cherry blossoms but also with various events and festivals. I'll introduce special events that color Ueno's spring along with the cherry blossoms.
Ueno Sakura Festa
The Ueno Sakura Festa is a large-scale event representing spring in Ueno. What I particularly like is the night cherry blossom illumination event held during this period.
The night cherry blossoms, which have a different fantastical atmosphere from daytime, make you feel as if you've wandered into another world.
The event is held from mid-March to early April throughout Ueno Park. Food stalls and street vendors line up in the park, allowing you to fully enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Ueno Toshogu Spring Peony Festival
The Spring Peony Festival held at Ueno Toshogu is an event where you can enjoy a different spring charm from cherry blossoms. The event is held for about a month from early April, and I visit every year during this period.
The beautiful peony garden of Ueno Toshogu has many varieties of peonies planted, which can only be enjoyed during this period.
The collaboration of the historic shrine buildings and beautiful peonies provides a special experience unique to spring in Ueno.
Website: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/en/
Precautions When Enjoying Spring in Ueno
There are several points to be aware of to fully enjoy spring in Ueno. By paying attention to these points, you can enjoy spring in Ueno more comfortably. I'll introduce important points, including my own experiences.
Dealing with Crowds
The cherry blossom season in Ueno is very crowded. Especially on weekends, there are many visitors, so I try to visit on weekdays or early in the morning whenever possible.
Early morning in Ueno Park is still less crowded, allowing you to quietly enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms illuminated by the morning sun.
When visiting in groups, it's also important to decide on a meeting place in advance in case you get separated.
From my experience, it's effective to use easily recognizable landmarks like "Ueno Station Park Exit" or "in front of the Saigo Takamori Statue" as meeting places.
Weather and Clothing
When enjoying spring in Ueno, it's necessary to pay attention to the weather and clothing.
Every year, I make sure to check the weather forecast and cherry blossom forecast before visiting, and make flexible plans. Since the cherry blossom blooming period is affected by weather conditions, it's important to check the latest information.
Regarding clothing, be careful of the cold in the morning and evening. I always bring easy-to-layer outerwear or something to throw on. Especially when enjoying night cherry blossoms, having warm outerwear allows you to spend time comfortably as the temperature drops.
Also, as you'll likely spend a long time walking around Ueno Park, I recommend choosing comfortable shoes. Every time, I wear sneakers with good cushioning when I go out.
Manners in the Park
When enjoying spring in Ueno Park, it's very important to observe proper manners.
First, be especially careful about disposing of trash. I always bring a small trash bag and make sure to take my trash home with me.
While there are trash bins installed in the park, it's particularly crowded during the cherry blossom viewing season, so it's important to take your own trash home as much as possible.
Be mindful of noise as well. Especially at night, I don't forget to be considerate of others around me.
It's also important to take care of the trees and flowers. It's strictly forbidden to break branches or pick flowers. I always keep in mind to "look but don't touch."
Spring in Ueno is a special season that seems to condense the beauty of Tokyo's four seasons. Especially Ueno Onshi Park, where about 1,200 cherry trees bloom, shows a scene worthy of being called a cherry blossom paradise.
Please use this article as a reference and visit the Ueno area in spring, a special season. I'm sure you'll make wonderful memories!
