Ueno in October 2024: Highlights, Events & Festivals

In October, Tokyo still enjoys many warm days, with light long-sleeved clothing being sufficient from early to mid-month. Towards the end of the month, temperatures drop slightly, gradually bringing a sense of autumn.

Ueno is home to Ueno Zoo, the National Museum of Science, and the Ameyoko shopping street (a street lined with shops). It's also famous as one of Tokyo's major entertainment districts. With numerous tourist attractions, it's bustling with people not just on weekends but also on weekdays.

Many limited-time events are also held. The Ueno Events October 2024 range from traditional festivities to gourmet-focused events and special experiences, offering enjoyment for people of all ages.

In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to these event venues.

Table of Contents
Traditional Events in Ueno for October 2024
Special Experiences in Ueno for October
Festivals and Events in Taito Ward (where Ueno is located) in October

Traditional Events in Ueno for October 2024

Tokyo Edo Week 2024

Source: Official Instagram

Tokyo Edo Week 2024 is an event held at Ueno Park where you can experience the "delicious" (oisii) and "beautiful" (kirei) aspects of Japanese culture, themed around Japanese materials. It also focuses on sustainability and the reuse of local resources, implementing initiatives for local economic revitalization and environmental conservation.

This event, which explores Japanese culture and traditions through various themes and offers different perspectives on Japan's appeal, is popular and held annually.

The highlights include not only the essential food stalls but also mini-contents that make for an exciting experience. Enjoy live performances while munching on street food.

The performances by women in yukata are particularly Japanese in style and quite impressive.

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Date: October 11-14, 2024, 10:30-17:00
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_edo_week/

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Special Interior Opening

Source: TAITO City Official website

The Ueno Toshogu Shrine Special Interior Opening is an event where you can view the inside of the Ueno Toshogu Shrine's main hall, which is usually off-limits.

Ueno Toshogu was built around 1627 to enshrine the famous shogun "Tokugawa Ieyasu". The main hall was rebuilt by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and is known as a valuable building that has survived without being affected by wars or earthquakes. It's important for understanding history and has been designated as a national important cultural property along with the karamon gate and sukibei wall.

The highlight is the splendid interior, which gleams with gold and is also known as the "Golden Hall" (Kinsekiden). The sculptures of hawks and peonies that remain as they were at the time, and the wall and ceiling paintings by the famous painter Kano Tanyu are must-sees.

The main hall is an important cultural property and is usually closed to the public for protection. This Ueno Event October 2024 is open to only 150 people by lottery for three days, so make sure to apply for this opportunity.

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Date: October 6/20/27, 2025, 14:00-14:30 & 15:00-15:30
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 12-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: 500 yen
Website: https://www.culture.city.taito.lg.jp/ja/edo_taito/shitashimu

Ueno no Yama Cultural Zone Festival

Source: TAITO City Official website

The Ueno no Yama Cultural Zone Festival is an event where you can enjoy various cultural and artistic contents throughout the Ueno Park area (commonly known as Ueno no Yama). You can experience unique and fascinating events that are only possible in Ueno no Yama, where many cultural facilities such as zoos, art museums, museums, and music halls are concentrated.

The highlight is the collaboration of cultural historical sites and nature that can be seen on the Ueno no Yama walking tour guide. The scenery of the statue of Saigo Takamori, a key figure in Japanese politics, with yellow autumn leaves shining in the background in Ueno Park, will make you want to snap a photo.

During the event, the autumn leaves change from yellow to orange and red, and depending on the timing, you can enjoy the gradation, so a stroll is also recommended.

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Date: September-November 2024 (times vary by event)
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Varies by event (some are free)
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/kusei/sanka/release/press0608/28.html

Special Experiences in Ueno for October

Tokyo University of the Arts Sponsored Art Event: KOMOGOMO Exhibition

Source: Official Blog

The Tokyo University of the Arts Sponsored Art Event KOMOGOMO Exhibition is an event where young artists and current students from Tokyo University of the Arts, who are dedicated to their daily artistic activities, exhibit their work. It was launched with the desire to make culture and art known to more people than ever before. By directly interacting with artists and performers, you can experience art more intimately.

The highlight is the numerous one-of-a-kind works by young artists sold at the art market. They have a strength and warmth not found in mass-produced works, and you can strongly feel the artists' emotions.

The live performances of specialized instruments by musicians at the concert venue are also a must-hear. Feel the energetic world of art emanating from the artists at this Ueno Event October 2024.

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Date: September 6-8, October 19-20, 2024, April 26-29, 2025, 10:00-17:30
Access: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 8-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.komogomoten.com/

Ueno Hanatouro Ukiyo-e Lanterns

Source: 4 Travel

Ueno Hanatouro Ukiyo-e Lanterns is an event where about 200 ukiyo-e (genre paintings from the Edo period) lanterns (andon - a type of lighting) are set up in Ueno Park, illuminating the paths at dusk.

The ukiyo-e lanterns recreate "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" (scenes and landscapes of Edo city), a masterpiece painted by Utagawa Hiroshige from 1856 to 1858, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of Edo while in the modern era.

The highlight is that you can enjoy a stroll in a calm and settled atmosphere, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals during the day. The lanterns gently lit in the darkness exude a sense of wabi-sabi (a unique Japanese aesthetic sense of subdued refinement) rather than flamboyance.

The lanterns, with their delicate and detailed depictions, are perfect for a leisurely examination one by one on a long autumn night. This Ueno Event October 2024 offers a unique blend of art and atmosphere.

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Date: Mid-October 2024 to late February 2025
Access: 4-minute walk from Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 7-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: Free

Special Exhibition "Haniwa" Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of National Treasure Designation

Source: Official website

The Special Exhibition "Haniwa" Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of National Treasure Designation is an event at the Tokyo National Museum where 120 valuable "haniwa" from all over the country are gathered.

Haniwa are unglazed clay figurines that were arranged around the tombs of kings, known as kofun. Their history is ancient, said to have been made from about 1750 years ago. Over the 350 years of the Kofun period, the shapes of haniwa varied by region and era, making them important materials for understanding the lifestyle of the time.

The highlight is the "Haniwa Dancing People," which will be unveiled for the first time after restoration. The rounded appearance combined with the unique ennui of haniwa is soothing just to look at.

This Ueno Event October 2024 offers a unique glimpse into ancient Japanese culture.

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Date: October 16 - December 8, 2024, 9:30-17:00
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station Park Exit or Uguisudani Station South Exit, 15-minute walk from Ueno Station (Ginza Line, Hibiya Line) or Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line), 15-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Admission: General 2100 yen, University students 1300 yen, High school students 900 yen
Website: https://haniwa820.exhibit.jp/

Huang Tu-shui and His Era

Source: Let's Enjoy Tokyo

Experience the works of Huang Tu-shui (koudosui), a famous sculptor known as the first Taiwanese international student at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, at the University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts.

Did you know that Huang Tu-shui greatly influenced modern art in East Asia and has been gaining attention in recent years? This exhibition will showcase 10 pieces and documents from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, along with 48 works from the Geidai Collection created during his studies at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts from the Taisho to early Showa periods.

A highlight is "Kanrosui (1919)," which was designated as a national treasure in Taiwan in 2023. Don't miss the chance to see this highly talked-about work up close.

Event Details:
- Date: September 6 - October 20, 2024, 10:00 - 17:00
- Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Nezu Station (Exit 1, Chiyoda Line), 15-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station (Main Exit) or Ueno Station (Exit 7, Hibiya Line/Ginza Line)
- Admission: Adults 900 yen, University students 450 yen
- Website: https://museum.geidai.ac.jp/exhibit/2024/09/Huang-Tu-Shui.html

Ueno Event October 2024: Salsa Street 2024

Source: Let's Enjoy Tokyo

Salsa Street 2024 is an event at Ueno Park where you can enjoy various salsa-themed content, including salsa cuisine, salsa music, and salsa dance.

Salsa means sauce, which is made by mixing vegetables, fruits, and spices. The event's concept is "Let's mix and enjoy ourselves regardless of race or culture, just like salsa!"

A highlight is the food booth area, with about 35 stalls planned. You'll find a wide array of Latin-inspired spicy foods and drinks from Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and more. It's the perfect time of year for outdoor activities, so come and enjoy the autumn appetite under the open sky.

Event Details:
- Date: October 5-6, 2024, 10:00 - 19:00
- Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://wsavannast.com/events/salsa-street/

Festivals and Events in Taito Ward (where Ueno is located) in October

Chrysanthemum Memorial Service "Golden Dragon Dance" Performance

Source: Official website

The Chrysanthemum Memorial Service featuring the "Golden Dragon Dance" performance is an event held at the main hall of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Visitors can exchange their brought chrysanthemums for blessed ones that have undergone a purification ceremony. On this day only, "Chrysanthemum Amulets" are given out, believed to bring longevity and good health.

The highlight, the "Golden Dragon Dance" performance, takes place in the temple grounds. Named after Sensoji's alternate name, Kinryuzan (Golden Dragon Mountain), it's based on the temple's origin story of a golden dragon descending from the sky to create a pine forest.

The golden dragon, about 18 meters long and weighing 88 kilograms, is truly impressive. Watch as it's maneuvered through Nakamise Street and the temple grounds in a captivating performance.

Event Details:
- Date: October 18, 2024, at 11:30, 14:00, and 15:30
- Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Isesaki Line, Tsukuba Express), 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Asakusa Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/16.html

Yanaka Festival

Source: TAITO City Official website

The Yanaka Festival is a community-oriented event with Hatsune no Mori as its main venue, featuring food stalls, musical performances by local elementary and middle school students, and hero shows. Sub-venues include Yanaka Elementary School, the former Yoshidaya Liquor Store, and Yanaka Goryo Tower Ruins Children's Plaza, offering street performances and various other attractions. It's guaranteed fun for both adults and children!

A highlight is the Yanaka Festival Stamp Rally. Explore the nostalgic streets of Yanaka while collecting stamps. You're sure to discover the unique charms of this local area. Collect all the stamps to receive a special gift.

Event Details:
- Date: October 12-13, 2024, 10:00 - 16:00
- Access: 6-minute walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line), 8-minute walk from Nippori Station (Yamanote Line, Keisei Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/yanakamatsuri.html

Yanaka Chrysanthemum Festival

Source: TAITO City Official website

The Yanaka Chrysanthemum Festival at Daien-ji Temple is a chrysanthemum-themed event featuring chrysanthemum doll displays, direct sales of chrysanthemums from producers, and chrysanthemum-infused foods like inari sushi, namasu (pickled vegetables), and sake. On Saturday evening, there's a parade, and on Sunday evening, you can enjoy traditional events like gagaku performances (traditional Japanese court music) and a wooden sword prayer lighting ceremony.

A highlight is the chrysanthemum dolls adorned with various colors and shapes of chrysanthemums. This tradition carries on the "Dangozaka Chrysanthemum Dolls" that continued from the Edo period to the Meiji era, giving you a sense of history.

As this event is held on the same days as the Yanaka Festival mentioned earlier, why not enjoy both together?

Event Details:
- Date: October 12-13, 2024
- Access: 5-minute walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line), 10-minute walk from Nippori Station (Yamanote Line, Keisei Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/yanaka-kikumatsuri.html