Ueno in November 2024: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Ueno is packed with attractions, from the shopping street Ameyoko to Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo, offering more than can be explored in a single day. In November, Tokyo, where Ueno is located, begins to feel the onset of winter with maximum temperatures not reaching 20 degrees Celsius.
November in the Ueno area, with its pleasant outdoor conditions, hosts various events centered around traditional celebrations like "Shichigosan," as well as special experiences and culinary events unique to the month. Let's explore these popular tourist spots while participating in events that only occur during this time.
In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, dates, and access details for these Ueno Event November 2024 attractions.
Table of Contents:
1. Traditional Events in Ueno for November 2024
2. Special Experiences in Ueno for November
3. Culinary Events in Ueno for November 2024
Traditional Events in Ueno for November 2024
Shichigosan
Shichigosan is a tradition where children visit shrines to pray for healthy growth when they turn 3, 5, and 7 years old. This custom dates back to the Heian period and has been cherished as a traditional Japanese practice for a long time.
The Chitose Ame (thousand-year candy) given during Shichigosan is characterized by its red and white colors, symbolizing the wish for longevity.
Shichigosan at Shitaya Shrine, Home to Tokyo's Oldest Inari Deity
Source: Official website
Shichigosan at Shitaya Shrine, which houses Tokyo's oldest Inari deity (god of rice cultivation and agriculture), is popular for its easy access from various train lines, making it convenient for families with young children. Built about 1,300 years ago, Shitaya Shrine has been beloved by locals as a guardian of the Ueno area.
A highlight of Shichigosan at Shitaya Shrine is seeing families in traditional dress taking commemorative photos in front of the old-fashioned tea ceremony umbrella before the main shrine. Being a local, intimate shrine, you can experience a genuine local Shichigosan atmosphere.
The gifts presented to children are child-friendly and abundant. Don't miss the radiant smiles of the children receiving their Shichigosan presents.
Date: November 16, 2024
Access: 2-minute walk from Inaricho Station on the Ginza Line, 5-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station on the Oedo Line, 6-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Yamanote Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://shitayajinja.or.jp/pray/
Shichigosan at Asakusa Shrine is Also Popular Every Year!
Source: TAITO Odekake Navi
Asakusa Shrine, adjacent to Sensoji Temple, is a popular Shichigosan spot due to its convenient location. The surrounding area has many kimono rental shops where you can easily rent traditional attire, as well as restaurants perfect for Shichigosan celebratory meals, making it popular among visitors from afar.
A highlight is witnessing the traditional Shichigosan visits at Asakusa Shrine, which was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1951. The sight of parents and children in kimono visiting this shrine, which has retained its original appearance without damage from fires or earthquakes, blends seamlessly, allowing you to experience Japanese tradition up close.
Shichigosan visits tend to be more crowded on weekends and holidays than on weekdays. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere for your Shichigosan visit, we recommend visiting on a weekday.
Date: November 16, 2024, reception from 9:00 AM
Access: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu Lines; 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/info/1373/
Fire-Walking Ritual (Akiba Shrine)
Source: TAITO Odekake Navi
The fire-walking ritual at Akiba Shrine is an event where worshippers who receive a talisman for protection against fire disasters walk barefoot over a path of burning embers, praying for good health and fire prevention. Akiba Shrine is famous as a deity of fire prevention, and the fire-walking ritual is part of the fire extinguishing festival.
A highlight is watching the shrine priest take the first walk on the path made of burning wood. The sight of the priest walking on the path still radiating heat from the flames is brave and truly impressive.
After the priest completes the walk, general worshippers can also walk the path. The heat gradually decreases over time. For the full experience of this Japanese festival, try walking early while it's still hot!
Date: November 6, 2024, from 4:00 PM
Access: 5-minute walk from Iriya Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/hiwatarinoshinzi.html
Ueno no Yama Culture Zone Festival
Source: TAITO City Official website
The Ueno no Yama Culture Zone Festival is an event where you can enjoy various cultural and artistic contents around Ueno Park (commonly known as Ueno no Yama). With cultural facilities such as zoos, art museums, museums, and music halls concentrated in Ueno no Yama, this event offers content unique to the area, allowing you to fully enjoy the autumn of arts.
A highlight is the guided tour of Ueno no Yama, where you can see cultural and historical sites blending into nature. The collaboration between the statue of Saigo Takamori, a key figure in Japanese politics, located in Ueno Park, and the yellow autumn leaves is a must-see.
This season is the peak for autumn foliage. While visiting tourist spots, enjoy the quintessentially Japanese activity of autumn leaf viewing.
Information:
Date: September - November 2024 (times vary by event)
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Takasaki, Utsunomiya, Ginza, and Hibiya Lines; 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Varies by event (from free)
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/kusei/sanka/release/press0608/28.html
Special Experiences in Ueno for November
3rd Asakusa Riverside Relay Marathon
Source: SPOPITA
The 3rd Asakusa Riverside Relay Marathon is an event where you run 42.195 km with your teammates on a course that includes the Taito Riverside Sports Center athletic field and part of Sumida Park. As it's a relay, even beginner runners can take on the challenge, and the course offers views of Tokyo Skytree from various points, which is part of its appeal.
A highlight is watching the final runner of each team cross the finish line after teammates have passed the baton. When I attended, the bright smiles of the runners after crossing the finish line, having diligently passed the baton, left a strong impression.
A new "temporary team" option has been introduced, allowing individuals to enter in advance and form teams on the day of the event, making participation even easier. Take this opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Asakusa while running.
Date: November 23, 2024, reception starts at 9:00 AM
Access: 12-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu Skytree Lines
Admission: Varies depending on the number of entrants
Website: https://asakusa-relayma.com/
Ueno Hanatouro Ukiyo-e Lanterns
Source: 4 Travel
Ueno Hanatouro Ukiyo-e Lanterns is an event where about 200 lanterns decorated with ukiyo-e (genre paintings from the Edo period) are set up along the main street of Ueno Park, with lights illuminating them from dusk. It started in 2007 to attract tourists.
The ukiyo-e lanterns feature reproductions of "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" (a series of landscape prints of Edo), a masterpiece created by Utagawa Hiroshige, a famous Japanese artist who continued to depict Japanese landscapes, from 1856 to 1858.
A highlight is enjoying an evening stroll while viewing the lanterns softly lit in the darkness. Unlike the bright and flashy illuminations, you can experience a calm and warm atmosphere.
With fewer people around, you can enjoy a different scenery from daytime. Why not spend an autumn evening leisurely observing the townscapes of Edo depicted on the lanterns?
Information:
Date: Mid-October 2024 to late February 2025
Access: 4-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Takasaki, Utsunomiya, Ginza, and Hibiya Lines; 7-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Free
Special Exhibition "Haniwa" Commemorating 50 Years of National Treasure Designation
Source: Official website
The special exhibition "Haniwa" commemorating 50 years of National Treasure designation is an event at the Tokyo National Museum where 120 valuable haniwa from across the country are gathered.
Haniwa are unglazed terracotta figurines that were arranged around the tombs of emperors and high-ranking individuals. They were made from about 1750 years ago and were believed to protect the souls of the deceased. During the 350 years of the Kofun period, the shapes of haniwa varied by region and era, making them valuable materials for understanding the lifestyles of the time.
A highlight is the first public display of "Haniwa Dancing People" after restoration. You'll be soothed just by looking at the softly rounded appearance and unique expressions of the haniwa.
Information:
Date: October 16 - December 8, 2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station Park Exit or Uguisudani Station South Exit; 15-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Ginza and Hibiya Lines, Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line, or Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: General 2100 yen, University students 1300 yen, High school students 900 yen
Website: https://haniwa820.exhibit.jp/
Culinary Events in Ueno for November 2024
Liquor Store Standing Bar Festival
Source: Official website
The Liquor Store Standing Bar Festival is an event in Ueno Park where you can enjoy sake, shochu, beer, and wine selected by alcohol professionals. Participating liquor stores have 100 years of history or stock rare products, making for a unique lineup of shops. There are also numerous food court stalls offering perfect snacks to accompany your drinks, ensuring your drinking experience will be enjoyable.
A notable point is that drinks are sold at reasonable prices starting from 300 yen per glass. This event is highly rated by foreign tourists as it allows them to casually experience Japanese drinking culture.
Musicians also perform live on stage, so you can get excited and groove to the music while enjoying a tipsy mood!
Date: November 15-17, 2024
Access: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station on JR and Keisei lines
Admission: 500 yen (includes two sake tasting experiences), free for those under 20
Website: https://kakufes.com/
Festivals and Events in November in Taito Ward, Where Ueno is Located
Tori no Ichi
Source: Tokyo Shinbun
Tori no Ichi is an event held on the Days of the Rooster in November (days that fall under the zodiac sign of the Rooster) to pray for good luck and prosperous business. While Tori no Ichi is held at shrines across Japan, Otori Shrine is famous as the birthplace of Tori no Ichi. It is said to have the largest number of stalls in Tokyo and attracts many tourists every year.
A highlight is the kumade, a lucky charm believed to bring good fortune and business prosperity, sold on the Days of the Rooster. With a wide variety of designs including maneki-neko (beckoning cats), the Seven Lucky Gods, and Sanrio characters, it's enjoyable just to look at them.
There are many stalls selling kumade in the shrine grounds, so why not try to find a design that's perfect for you? They also make great souvenirs.
Date: November 5, 17, 29, 2024
Access: 7-minute walk from Iriya Station, 10-minute walk from Minowa Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/torinoithi.html
Dance of the White Heron
Source: asakusa.gr.jp
The Dance of the White Heron is an event where people dressed as white herons, warriors, pole twirlers, large umbrella bearers, and musicians perform a dance while playing the "Song of the White Heron." It originated from the "Heron Dance" in the "Sensoji Keian Engi Emaki" from 1652 and was revived in 1968 as part of Tokyo's centennial celebration.
A highlight is the sight of dancers in Heian-era costumes (clothing worn by nobles and imperial family members during the Heian period) performing the dance. The unique atmosphere reminiscent of ancient times can make you feel as if you've time-traveled to the Heian period.
The dance has a unique, graceful slowness different from modern dance, and you'll likely find yourself captivated by the perfectly synchronized movements of the performers.
Date: November 3, 2024
Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Isesaki, and Tsukuba Express lines; 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Asakusa Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/23.htm
