Ueno in Winter: A Serene Escape in the Heart of Tokyo
Winter in Ueno is a quiet, large park just a step away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. When I first visited Ueno in winter, I was captivated by its calm atmosphere.
Indeed, winter in Ueno may have fewer attractions compared to spring or autumn, but that's precisely why you can enjoy this area without the crowds.
Seasonal exhibitions are held in museums, exuding a cultural aroma. During the year-end and New Year holidays, traditional events take place, providing an excellent opportunity to experience Tokyo's culture.
And the taste of oden and meat buns eaten on cold days in the Ueno area, such as Ameyoko, is exceptional, warming both body and soul.
In this article, I'll introduce the charm of Ueno in winter, interweaving my own experiences. From snow-covered park scenery to heartwarming winter gourmet food, and traditional New Year's customs, please enjoy Ueno's unique winter offerings!
Table of Contents
・Winter Attractions in Ueno
・Winter Events and Festivals in Ueno
・Winter Gourmet Delights in Ueno
・Tips for Enjoying Winter in Ueno
Winter Attractions in Ueno
Ueno in winter has a unique charm different from other seasons. I'll introduce ways to enjoy winter-specific attractions, such as snow-covered park scenery and leisurely museum visits.
Winter Scenery of Ueno Park
The winter landscape of Ueno Park is filled with tranquility and beauty. While snow doesn't accumulate frequently in Tokyo, there are a few days each year when snow piles up. On such days, you can enjoy the sight of Ueno Park transforming into a silver world.
I still can't forget the excitement I felt when I first visited snow-covered Ueno Park. The usually lush trees were covered in white snow, creating a scene that looked like a painting.
Also, as there are fewer visitors to the park in winter compared to other seasons, you can enjoy Ueno Park in a relaxed atmosphere. It's an ideal season for those who want to stroll leisurely while avoiding crowds.
Winter-Limited Museum Events
In Ueno Park, there are many museums and art galleries, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Ueno Royal Museum. These facilities hold various special exhibitions for each season, and winter is no exception.
Also, one of the charms of winter museums is that you can escape the cold outdoor temperature and leisurely appreciate the works in the warm interior.
Whether you're an art lover or not particularly knowledgeable about art, check the websites and social media of each museum to find exhibitions that interest you. I'm sure new discoveries and excitement await you.
Winter Events and Festivals in Ueno
In winter Ueno, various traditional events and festivals are held, centered around the year-end and New Year period. It's a precious opportunity to experience Tokyo's culture and feel the changing of seasons along with the locals.
Year-End and New Year's Traditional Events
In the Ueno area, many traditional events are held during the year-end and New Year period. By participating in these events, you can feel the depth and beauty of Tokyo's culture firsthand.
First, on New Year's Eve, the bell-ringing ceremony (Joya no Kane) is held at Kan'ei-ji Temple. Joya no Kane is a Buddhist traditional event where the bell is rung 108 times at the end of the year. These 108 times are said to represent the number of human worldly desires. Listening to the bell sound with reflections on the past year and hopes for the coming year is a special experience.
As the new year begins, Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) is held at Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Hatsumode is a traditional event where people visit a shrine or temple for the first time in the new year to pray for safety and happiness throughout the year. Hatsumode at Ueno Toshogu Shrine is particularly popular and crowded with many worshippers.
Also, at the end of the year, there's a big sale at Ameyoko. Ameyoko is a shopping street near Ueno Station, and many stores hold special sales at the end of the year. Clothing and other items are sold at bargain prices, attracting many shoppers.
I visit every year, and the joy of the lively atmosphere and getting good deals is exceptional. However, it gets very crowded, so physical strength and patience are necessary.
By participating in these traditional events and festivals, you can deeply understand Tokyo's culture and customs, and share the joy of welcoming the new year with local people.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine Peony Garden
At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, you can enjoy beautiful peonies twice a year, in winter and spring, when the peony garden opens. The winter opening period is from January to late February, where you can appreciate the beauty of winter peonies blooming in the cold season.
When I first visited the winter peony garden, I was breathless at its beauty. It happened to be snowing at the time, and the sight of colorful peonies blooming covered in snow and frost was like a condensation of winter's beauty.
As you walk through the peony garden, you can observe various types of peonies. Comparing the unique colors and shapes of each variety is also one of the pleasures.
Website: https://uenobotanen.com/english/
Winter Gourmet Delights in Ueno
When visiting Ueno in winter, you shouldn't miss out on seasonal gourmet delights. While there aren't special gourmet foods unique to Ueno, foods that warm your body in the cold season taste exceptionally delicious. Especially oden and meat buns are indispensable for enjoying winter in Ueno.
Oden
Oden is a staple winter dish in Tokyo, where various ingredients are simmered in broth. Ingredients like daikon radish, konjac, eggs, and deep-fried fish cakes absorb the flavor of the carefully simmered broth, creating a dish that warms both heart and body.
In the area from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station, there are many shops serving oden. Whenever I visit Ueno in winter, I always stop by these oden shops. When I bite into hot oden on a cold day, its warmth and gentle flavor permeate to the core of my body.
Dai Chan
Source: Tabelog by Dai Chan
"Dai Chan," an izakaya in the Okachimachi area, is one of the best places to enjoy oden. When I first visited this store, I was impressed by its comfort and the deliciousness of the food.
Dai Chan offers not only oden but also typical izakaya menu items like yakitori. However, if you visit in winter, you can't miss the oden. Their oden has an authentic taste, with carefully prepared broth that brings out the flavors of the ingredients.
One of Dai Chan's attractions is its pricing. You can enjoy yourself sufficiently with a budget of about 3,000 yen per person, which is very reasonable. The ability to casually enjoy high-quality food is probably why it's popular among both locals and tourists.
What I recommend is combining oden with yakitori. First, warm your body with hot oden, then savor the aromatic yakitori. I think this combination is the best way to fully experience Tokyo's izakaya culture.
<Store Information>
Address: 5 Chome-25-7 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5816-0361
Hours (Mondays to Thursdays): 4 PM–11 PM
Hours (Fridays): 4 PM–11:30 PM
Hours (Saturdays): 12 PM–11 PM
Hours (Sundays): 12 PM–10 PM
Website: http://daichan-okachimachi.owst.jp/
Meat Buns (Nikuman)
Meat buns (Nikuman) are Chinese cuisine made by wrapping meat and vegetable fillings in wheat flour dough and steaming them. They are especially popular in Japan during the winter season, and there are many meat bun shops and Chinese restaurants around Ueno and Ameyoko.
For me, biting into a hot meat bun while walking around Ueno in winter is one of the pleasures of this season. Meat buns with their fluffy exterior and juicy interior are the perfect food to warm your body on a cold day.
Also, since meat buns are easy to eat, I recommend enjoying them as a light snack while strolling through Ueno Park or between museum visits.
PAOPAO
Source: Google Map by Pipineko
"PAOPAO," located inside Ueno Station, is one of the meat bun shops I frequently use. Being inside the station makes it very convenient to access, perfect for stopping by before or after sightseeing in Ueno or during train waiting times.
The biggest attraction of PAOPAO is that you can try various types of meat buns for under 300 yen each. Also, PAOPAO serves their meat buns piping hot straight from the steamer. They take them out of the steamer after you order, so you can always enjoy meat buns in the best condition.
PAOPAO is ideal for quickly replenishing energy when tired from sightseeing or satisfying small hunger during train waiting times. They also offer takeout, so it's handy as a companion for picnics in Ueno Park.
<Store Information>
Address: B-501, Inside JR East Ueno Station 3F, ecute Ueno, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3845-6004
Hours (Mondays to Fridays): 4 PM–11 PM
Hours (Saturdays to Sundays): 8 AM–9 PM
Website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t9fR6x71EvmVtmkz9
Tips for Enjoying Winter in Ueno
There are several points to keep in mind to fully enjoy winter in Ueno. With proper preparation, you can savor the charms of winter Ueno more comfortably.
Cold Weather Precautions
The most important thing in enjoying winter in Ueno is proper cold weather precautions. Tokyo's winters are colder compared to other seasons, and adequate preparation is necessary, especially if you're planning many outdoor activities like in Ueno Park.
It's also important to deal with the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Many museums and shops have heating, so it's advisable to dress in layers that are easy to put on and take off. I usually prefer a style of layering thin sweaters or cardigans. This makes it easier to adjust according to location and temperature changes.
By taking proper cold weather precautions, you can fully enjoy the charms of winter Ueno without worrying about the cold. Being comfortable allows you to savor Ueno's culture and scenery more deeply.
Shop and Restaurant Operating Hours
In winter Ueno, especially during the year-end and New Year period, many shops and restaurants have different operating hours than usual.
From around December 29th to January 3rd, many stores close or shorten their business hours. For example, restaurants that usually operate until late at night might close earlier, or museums might have temporary closures.
On the other hand, many stores hold New Year's sale events starting from January 2nd or 3rd. These stores might start operating earlier than usual.
Also, major tourist spots like Ueno Zoo and museums often operate on special schedules during the year-end and New Year period.
I recommend checking the latest operating information on the official websites or social media of the stores or facilities you want to visit. If you have any questions, it's also a good idea to ask hotel staff directly or use translation apps to ask locals.
Winter in Ueno is full of charms that can't be experienced in other seasons, including its tranquility, traditional events, seasonal limited events, and foods. Snow-covered Ueno Park, heartwarming winter gourmet delights, and year-end and New Year's traditional events - experiences unique to this season await you.
With proper cold weather precautions and prior information gathering, you can comfortably enjoy winter in Ueno. A walk in the quiet park, leisurely time at museums, and an array of warm foods. These experiences will surely become unforgettable memories.
Please use this article as a reference to enjoy winter in Ueno!
