Trail in Ueno Park! Best Routes for Walking and Hiking in Ueno Park
Ueno is a district in Taito-ku famous for its nature-rich park, zoo, art museums, and the drinking district under the elevated railway. It's close to central Tokyo and easily accessible as a tourist destination.
JR Ueno Station is serviced by the Shinkansen, making it an excellent base for sightseeing. Many visitors combine their trip to Ueno with a visit to Asakusa. Ueno Station, museums, and the shopping street called "Ameyoko" are bustling with tourists and locals daily.
Among the many attractions in Ueno, Ueno Onshi Park (Ueno Park) stands out. It's famous as one of Tokyo's premier natural spots, and along with the Imperial Palace, it's popular among locals for running. It's also a favorite spot for tourists, and you can often see foreigners enjoying morning and evening runs.
In this article, we'll introduce the charm and features of Ueno Park, as well as the best routes for trails and hiking in Ueno Park.
Ueno Park: An Urban Oasis with Breathtaking Nature in Tokyo
Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen) is a lush green park in the heart of Tokyo's metropolis. It's beloved as an urban oasis where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons - cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and autumn foliage.
The park, covering 54 hectares, consists of a plateau called "Ueno no Yama" (Ueno Hill) and Shinobazu Pond. It's also known as "Ueno no Mori" (Ueno Forest). Within the vast park grounds, there are facilities for enjoying art such as museums and art galleries, as well as a zoo, making it perfect for sightseeing.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 5:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3828-5644 (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Construction Bureau)
- URL: - URL: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.html
- Admission: Free
Directly Connected to JR Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station for Excellent Access
Ueno Park is directly connected to JR Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station, making access excellent. There's no worry about getting lost on the way to the park. Ueno is also just a few train stops away from JR Tokyo Station, so it's easy to include in your sightseeing plans. If you want to refresh and feel nature during your sightseeing, be sure to stop by Ueno Park.
Characterized by a Calm Atmosphere Surrounded by Abundant Nature
Surrounded by abundant nature and rich in greenery, Ueno Park is characterized by a calm atmosphere that's hard to believe exists in the middle of the city. The clean air makes it popular among locals as a course for walking and hiking in Ueno Park.
Ueno Park is a running spot that I can confidently recommend. Enjoy a pleasant run while feeling the nature and forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.
3 Recommended Running Courses in Ueno Park According to Locals!
Short Course Around Shinobazu Pond and Boat Pond (About 1.3km)
The most popular spot for hiking in Ueno Park is Shinobazu Pond.
Starting from "Bentendo," this approximately 1.3km course that circles the "Lotus Pond" and "Boat Pond" of Shinobazu Pond has little elevation change, making it enjoyable even for beginners. There are vending machines and toilets along the way, so you can easily take a break when tired.
The highlight of this course is that you can enjoy the view of the pond while running. Please sweat pleasantly while feeling the cool air from the water.
Shinobazu Pond is a popular tourist spot and can get crowded on weekends. Be careful not to bump into other runners or tourists by slowing down when passing.
<Course Information>
Distance: About 1300m
Surface: Stone pavement, asphalt
Elevation: Flat
Path width: Relatively wide
Traffic lights: None
Enjoy Running at Your Preferred Distance Using the Three Types of Ponds in Shinobazu Pond
Source: Machinoiitokoro
Shinobazu Pond is divided into three ponds: "Lotus Pond," "Boat Pond," and "Cormorant Pond." Each has a different circumference, allowing you to customize your running distance.
You can choose from various courses, from an easy 750m lap around the Boat Pond to a roughly 2km course circling the outer moat. Enjoy your run without overexerting yourself, based on your physical condition for the day.
Medium Distance Course: JR Ueno Station - Tokyo National Museum - Shinobazu Pond - Shinobazu Exit (About 2.7km)
Another popular course starts from JR Ueno Station, passes by Tokyo National Museum, and circles the Lotus Pond of Shinobazu Pond. The charm of this course is that JR Ueno Station serves as both the start and end point, allowing you to easily begin your run from the station.
There are lockers at the park entrance, so you can store your belongings and run lightly. The path from Tokyo National Museum to Shinobazu Pond is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring, making it a highly recommended course during that season. If you feel like running a bit more, you can add an extra lap around the outer circumference of Shinobazu Pond.
Along the way, in addition to vending machines and toilets, there's also a Starbucks. For those not used to running, I recommend enjoying your run while taking a cafe break.
<Course Information>
Distance: 2.7km
Surface: Stone pavement, asphalt
Elevation: Gentle
Path width: Relatively wide
Traffic lights: None
Longer Course: Sendagi Station - Tokyo National Museum - Shinobazu Pond - Fuku no Yu (About 7km)
For those who want to enjoy a full-fledged run, I recommend the course starting from Tokyo Metro Sendagi Station, passing by Tokyo National Museum, heading to Shinobazu Pond, and ending at the public bath "Fuku no Yu."
The charm of this approximately 7km course is that you can enjoy running while experiencing two different sceneries: the downtown atmosphere of the area called "Yanesen" and the nature-rich Ueno Park.
At the goal, Fuku no Yu, you can wash off your sweat and refresh your tired body by soaking in the bath.
This course runs through general roads. Please be careful of cars, pay attention to passing bicycles and pedestrians, and enjoy your run while observing proper manners.
<Course Information>
Distance: About 7km
Surface: Asphalt, stone pavement
Elevation: Gentle
Path width: Relatively wide
Traffic lights: Present
Refresh by Washing Off Sweat at "Fuku no Yu," a Designer Public Bath Created by a Bathhouse Architect
Source: Tripadvisor
"Fuku no Yu" is a designer public bath rebuilt in 2011 by bathhouse architect Kentaro Imai.
Past the modern entrance, you'll find a space that exudes Japanese essence with an impressive mural of Mount Fuji. The stylish interior has gained popularity, attracting not only locals but also visitors from all over the country.
"Fuku no Yu" can also be used as a running station, allowing runners to store their belongings before heading out for a run. You can start empty-handed, with a relaxing bath time waiting for you at the goal. A bath after running is the best!
<Basic Information>
- Address: 5-41-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-24:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 8:00-24:00
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone: 03-3823-0371
- URL: http://www.sentou-bunkyo.com/pg65.html
- Fee: 550 yen
3 Points to Make Your Trail More Attractive by Season!
Ueno Park, where you can enjoy scenery throughout the four seasons, exudes a different atmosphere depending on the season.
Here, I'll introduce my confidently recommended courses for each season. Checking these will make your hiking in Ueno Park even more enjoyable!
In Spring When Cherry Blossoms Are in Full Bloom, Include the Path Between Shinobazu Pond and Boat Pond in Your Course!
Source: JR Mall
Ueno Park is also famous as a cherry blossom spot. There are 800 cherry trees planted in the park, and during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April, the cherry blossoms in the park bloom beautifully.
While you can enjoy cherry blossoms wherever you run in the park during this season, my recommendation is the path between the "Lotus Pond" and "Boat Pond." Along the narrow path, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, their flowers seemingly about to overflow.
The cherry blossom promenade stretching from the National Museum to Shinobazu Pond is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. During the cherry blossom season, be sure to incorporate it into your course and enjoy your run while appreciating the cherry blossoms.
In Autumn Colored by Fall Foliage, Enjoy Running While Stopping by Kaneiji Temple and Ueno Toshogu Shrine!
Source: Tokyo Trip
Ueno Park is also popular as a spot for autumn foliage. By late November, the plantings in the park are dyed red and yellow. In particular, the autumn foliage at Kaneiji Temple and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, where you can feel a sense of Japan, is a must-see.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a popular autumn foliage spot within Ueno Park, and the five-storied pagoda towering against the backdrop of ginkgo trees and autumn leaves is stunningly beautiful.
You can efficiently tour by getting off at JR Nippori Station, passing through Yanaka Cemetery, stopping by Kaneiji Temple, and then heading to Ueno Park.
It's a short course of about 1.8km, so you can enjoy running while taking in the autumn foliage scenery.
In Summer When Powerful Fresh Greenery is Attractive, Running While Enjoying the Lotus of Shinobazu Pond is Recommended!
Source: kensetsu.metro.tokyo
From early July, lotus flowers bloom in Shinobazu Pond. This scenery can be observed until late August, with a beautiful contrast of pink and green spreading across the pond.
Lotus flowers open around 7 am and reach full bloom around 9 am. Since the flowers close during the day, it's recommended to view the lotus flowers early in the morning.
Also, especially in July and August, Tokyo experiences many extremely hot days with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, making it unsuitable for running during the day. It's best to run during the cool morning hours or after evening. Enjoy your summer running life while being careful of heat stroke and not forgetting to stay hydrated.
Recommended for Park Strolls! Must-Check Spots When You Come to Ueno Park
Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Source: Official website
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a shrine within Ueno Park dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who ruled Japan for many years from 1603 during the Edo period. It's said to bring benefits for career advancement, victory, and longevity, and is cherished as a power spot.
My recommendation is the "Peony Garden," which reaches its best viewing times in spring, autumn, and winter. During the season, a peony festival is held where you can enjoy the peonies in the garden. The beauty of the large, full-blooming peonies is a must-see.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: October-February 9:00-16:30 / March-September 9:00-17:30
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3822-3455
- URL: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/index.html
- Admission: Free
Kanei Ji Temple
Source: Official website
Kanei Ji is a temple founded in 1625. At that time, Tokyo was called Edo, and it was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. Kan'eiji was built to protect Edo Castle's northeastern quarter, a direction considered unlucky, from evil spirits.
In its early days, most of what is now Ueno Park was part of Kan'eiji's grounds. Today, you can still sense the legacy of the temple in places like Bentendo Hall at Shinobazu Pond and the Five-Story Pagoda located in Ueno Zoo.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-14-11 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Phone: +81-3-3821-4440
- Website: https://kaneiji.jp/
- Admission: Free
Tokyo National Museum
Source: Official website
The Tokyo National Museum, established in 1872, is Japan's oldest museum. It houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties related to Japanese and Asian art and history, with over 3,000 items on display at any given time.
The museum is divided into six exhibition halls, offering diverse perspectives on its collections. One of my top recommendations is the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, which features Buddhist statues from across Asia, including India and China, some of which are designated as important cultural properties. It's one of the best places in Japan to appreciate a wide variety of Buddhist statues.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays, December 17, and December 23 to January 1, 2024
- Phone: +81-50-5541-8600 (Domestic and International)
- Website: https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
- Admission: Adults ¥1,000 (special exhibitions may cost extra), University students ¥500, free for high school students and younger
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Source: FASHION PRESS
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is located within Ueno Park. It regularly hosts exhibitions featuring famous artists and creators, showcasing high-quality paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more.
While viewing works by renowned artists is enjoyable, I recommend the "Open Call Exhibitions." These are unique works by local artists with a passion for the arts, and they often offer a different perspective. Many open call exhibitions are free, so if you come across one, be sure to check it out.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Mondays (or the following day if a public holiday), December 21, 2024 - January 3, 2025
- Phone: +81-3-3823-6921
- Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/en/index.html
- Admission: Free (special exhibitions may cost extra)
