Ueno Night View 2024! Enjoy Tokyo Night View & Nightwalk
Ueno is a district in Taito City, Tokyo, famous for its zoo, art museums, lush parks, and the drinking area under the elevated train tracks. It's easily accessible, just a 10-minute train ride from Tokyo Station without transfers, making it an excellent tourist destination.
Many people visit Ueno in combination with Asakusa, and popular spots like Ueno Zoological Gardens, national art museums, and Ameyoko are bustling with tourists and locals daily.
On the other hand, among those familiar with Ueno, Ueno Park at night is popular. Known for its numerous night view spots and drinking areas like Ameyoko, Ueno comes alive at night.
In this article, we'll introduce ways to enjoy Ueno Park at night and popular night view spots in the Ueno area, focusing on the Ueno night view 2024 experience.
Ueno Park is Recommended for Enjoying Night Views
Here are three reasons why Ueno Park is recommended for enjoying night views:
1. It's always lively with both Japanese and foreign tourists
2. You can take Instagram-worthy photos
3. You can create unforgettable memories when visiting with your partner or significant other
The park is also easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station, which is served by more than five JR and subway lines. You simply need to cross the pedestrian crossing after exiting the station.
Three Recommended Spots to Enjoy Ueno Park at Night
In Front of the Ueno Park Grand Fountain
Source: Google Maps
The area in front of the Grand Fountain is located at the entrance of the Tokyo National Museum. It's famous for its colorful ice tulips that bloom from December to January. If you can visit during this time, you can experience a taste of spring even in winter.
The fountain area is also famous for beautiful photos in the evening. First, take a picture of the colorful tulips with the fountain and Tokyo National Museum in the background. After dark, take another photo of the Grand Fountain from the same spot for a fantastical night shot that contrasts with the daytime atmosphere.
Photos of the beautiful natural scenery and the museum taken at the fountain square will surely become wonderful memories.
<Facility Information>
Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Open at all times
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3828-5644
Official Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.html
Shinobazu Pond
Source: Yahoo! Maps
Shinobazu Pond, known as Ueno's oasis, is located in Ueno Park. It's famous for its lotus flowers that cover the entire pond in summer, attracting many people to photograph the beautiful scenery of blooming lotuses.
However, Shinobazu Pond is not just about lotus flowers. At night, the reflection of building lights on the water surface creates a beautiful scene. The combination of Shinobazu Pond's majestic nature and the urban building lights reflected on the water surface creates a fantastical atmosphere.
It's also conveniently located, about a 6-minute walk from the Shinobazuguchi exit of JR Ueno Station.
<Facility Information>
Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 5:00 - 23:00
Closed: Free to visit, entry to the park is prohibited from 23:00 to 5:00 the next day
Phone: 03-3828-5644 (Ueno Park Management Office)
Official Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/index_top.htm
Don't Miss the "Night Cherry Blossom Illumination" During Cherry Blossom Season!
Source: tokyotourism-onestop.jp
If you're enjoying the night view at Shinobazu Pond, don't miss the night cherry blossom illumination in spring!
Ueno is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy food and drinks while admiring the blossoms. While you can see cherry blossoms anywhere in Ueno Park, the combination of illuminated night cherry blossoms and high-rise buildings reflected in Shinobazu Pond is breathtakingly beautiful.
Note that the area around the pond is not a designated picnic spot, so avoid eating and drinking there. Enjoy a stroll and appreciate the view instead.
Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Source: Google Maps
Kiyomizu Kannon-do is a small temple modeled after Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, located just before Shinobazu Pond. It's a 5-minute walk from the Shinobazuguchi or Park exits of JR Ueno Station.
Kiyomizu Kannon-do is said to be the oldest existing building with a known construction date in the Ueno area. Standing in front of it feels like traveling back in time to the Edo period.
The best time to enjoy the night view is during the cherry blossom illumination in spring. However, even outside this period, it has a solemn atmosphere typical of Japanese temples, making it a must-visit spot for night walks.
<Facility Information>
Address: 1-29 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3821-4749
Official Website: https://kiyomizu.kaneiji.jp/#gsc.tab=0
A Thrilling Night Walk on the "Art Path" is Also Recommended
The vast grounds of Ueno Park include art museums, museums, libraries, and a zoo. It's a place where tourists enjoy sightseeing, and locals come for relaxation and healing.
While it's enjoyable both day and night, locals secretly talk about it as a place where you can have a thrilling experience that sends chills down your spine.
Here, we'll introduce two night view spots that are a bit eerie but beautiful.
The Solemn "Former Sogakudo Concert Hall"
Source: Jalan net
The Sogakudo of the Former Tokyo Music School, located in Ueno Park, is Japan's oldest Western-style music hall. It's about a 10-minute walk from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station, heading towards Ueno Zoo.
Mini concerts by Tokyo University of the Arts students and professional musicians are held on the third Thursday, first and third Sundays, and second and fourth Sundays of each month. It continues to be a place where people share music.
The recommended spot is the illuminated building at the front. For photos, try taking them from a slightly lower angle looking up at the building. This will capture a dignified image befitting Japan's oldest music hall!
<Facility Information>
Address: 8-43 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
Same hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays if the hall is not in use
Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays, special organization periods
Phone: 03-3824-1988
Official Website: https://www.taitogeibun.net/sougakudou/
Artwork by Tokyo University of the Arts Students
Source: Yahoo! News
In the square in front of the former Sogakudo in Ueno Park, there's a place called the "Art Walk." Here, works by students from Tokyo University of the Arts are displayed, creating a unique atmosphere at night.
During the day, many people walk their dogs in this area, and I thought it was nice to be able to glance at artwork in passing.
However, when I passed through at night, it was completely deserted and silent, giving a slightly scary impression. The exquisite artworks by Tokyo University of the Arts students are so realistic that they seem as if they might come to life at any moment. This realism of the art pieces and the lack of people are why it's rumored to be "thrilling."
Why not try a different way of enjoying Japan's night in the park surrounded by historic buildings?
<Spot Information>
Address: Garden path in front of the former Sogakudo
Opening Hours: During park opening hours
Three Must-See Night View Spots in Ueno
JR Ueno Station
Source: Panasonic
JR Ueno Station is used by over 160,000 people daily. With art museums and museums in the surrounding area, it's sometimes called the forefront of Japan's "manufacturing culture."
As a symbol of this, the station has installed projectors that display art videos and stained glass windows that show Ueno's history.
At night, JR Ueno Station is illuminated with warm orange lights. Combined with the scene of people coming and going, the gentle light-filled Ueno Station seems to watch over people like a lighthouse.
<Facility Information>
Address: Ueno 7-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: From first train to last train
Closed: None
Official Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/station/info.aspx?StationCd=204
Ameyoko
Ameyoko is a market that began as a black market after World War II. Today, it's a lively tourist spot famous for its various shops selling fresh seafood and street food from morning to night.
When visiting Ameyoko, we recommend going after 8 PM when shops other than izakayas and restaurants start closing. The contrast between the deserted atmosphere of closed shutters and the bustling izakayas filled with tourists and locals vividly expresses the downtown feel of Ueno.
At this time, Ameyoko perfectly fits the description of a "deep city." You can enjoy an atmosphere that's 180 degrees different from Ueno Park! Please go and experience the atmosphere of Ameyoko for yourself while enjoying some bar hopping.
<Facility Information>
Address: Ameyoko Plaza, 6-10-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Ameyoko Shopping Street Association)
Opening Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 03-3832-5053
Official Website: https://www.ameyoko.net/#google_vignette
For Bar Hopping in Ameyoko at Night, "All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno" is Recommended
For those who want to casually enjoy Ameyoko at night, an all-in-one bar hopping tour is recommended. This tour, which takes you through hidden areas of downtown known only to locals, allows you to enjoy Ueno's nightlife like a local.
With an English-speaking guide and drinks and food included in the fee, you can participate hands-free and spend the night in an unfamiliar place with peace of mind.
Depending on the tour content, you might even experience the Japanese culture of eating ramen as a "shime" (closing meal after drinking).
If you're interested in a tour where you can fully enjoy Japanese nightlife in Ueno, please feel free to participate!
Ueno-no-mori Sakura Terrace
Source: 4 Travel
Ueno-no-mori Sakura Terrace is the building right in front of you when you exit from the Shinobazuguchi exit of JR Ueno Station.
From the rooftop on the 4th floor, you can get a panoramic view of famous spots around Ueno, including Tokyo Skytree and Ameyoko.
There are hardly any other facilities where you can see the entire surrounding area. If you want to enjoy the night view before leaving Ueno, Sakura Terrace is recommended.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-54 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Closed: Sakura Terrace's closing days
Official Website: https://www.ueno-sakura.jp/
Three Recommended Spots for Night Views in Taito City, Same as Ueno
Around Umaya Bridge
Source: Jalan net
The area around Umaya Bridge connects Kuramae in Taito City and Honjo in Sumida City. The three green arches of Umaya Bridge are particularly beautiful and are illuminated with white lights at night.
Around Umaya Bridge, you can see not only the illuminated bridge but also Tokyo Skytree, Komagata Bridge, and Kuramae Bridge. With many romantic night view spots, it's perfect for dates.
It's about a 2-minute walk from Kuramae Station on the Toei Oedo Line or Asakusa Line, so please stop by on your way back from sightseeing in Asakusa.
I always recommend Umaya Bridge to my friends who come to Japan for sightseeing as a couple!
<Spot Information>
Address: 2-15 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Kasuga-dori Street
Sumida River Walk
Source: TAITO City Official website
Sumida River Walk, about 5 minutes from Asakusa Station, is a pedestrian-only bridge that opened in June 2020.
The illumination of Tokyo Skytree and the bridge after sunset is one of the highlights, as it's specially lit up in different colors for each season and event.
I love not only the illumination but also the unique "clop-clop" sound of footsteps on the wooden deck and the night breeze, so I often visit for a walk.
Also, enjoy the thrill of trains passing by at super speed!
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Closed: None
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-mizumachi.jp/
Observation Terrace at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Source: Wikipedia
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a tourist information center located in front of Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa. The observation terrace on the 8th floor offers a panoramic view of Tokyo Skytree and the streets of Asakusa, making it a popular night view spot.
The center's exterior design, which looks like seven wooden houses stacked on top of each other, is also distinctive. The building itself is Instagram-worthy, so be sure to take a photo when you visit!
I visited recently and was surprised by the breathtaking view of Senso-ji Temple from the observation terrace.
<Facility Information>
Address: 2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3842-5566
Official Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/index.html