Ueno Park is known for its cherry blossoms in spring. In the park, 1,200 cherry trees go in full bloom, and every year from late March to early April, the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is held.

During the festival, there are many vendors that sell beer, yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles), oden (Japanese pot dish with multiple ingredients) and okonomiyaki (Japanese flour-based dish with a variety of ingredients that resembles a pancake).

The main spot to see sakura in Ueno Park would be the Sakura-dori, the central path of the park with a row of cherry trees is famous. The 400-meter tunnel created by sakura trees is the perfect place to feel Japanese spring.

Sakura-dori, the holy grail of flower viewing, comes alive in spring with revellers enjoying drinks and festivities. For a more serene experience, venture towards the picturesque Shinobazu Pond. Admire the cherry blossoms from the comfort of numerous benches dotted around the pond or rent a foot paddle boat for a breathtaking view from the water.

Also, viewing Ueno Park’s cherry blossoms at night is something you don’t want to miss: 1,000 paper lanterns are lit on either side of the main path, and the sakura themselves are lit from underneath. This scene alone draws crowds! Keep in mind that the lanterns are lit until 8:00 PM.

And of course, for the ultimate sakura fantasy, don't miss out on the cherry blossoms with a pagoda in the background at Toshogu Shrine, right near the zoo!

Ueno Park is a riot of color from early May through to early July, with the arrival of the stunning hydrangea blooms. Take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Shinobazu-dori Ave., where vibrant hydrangeas adorn the walkway. As summer kicks in from mid-July to mid-August, the serene Shinobazu Pond becomes awash with the vibrant hues of the lotus flowers, offering a quintessential summer spectacle.

At the lotus observation deck that was completed in 2014, there are many people with cameras, as you can get a close look at the lotus.

As a side note, lotus flowers open early in the morning and close by mid-day, so be sure you plan with that in mind.

Around Shinobazu Pond, when the lotus bloom in summer, the Edo Shumi Noryo Taikai - also known as the Ueno Summer Festival - is held from mid-July to early August.

They have many events such as music performances and plays at the outdoor stage Suijo Ongakudo, parades, bon dance, flea markets, and toro nagashi – a ceremony where paper lanterns are floated on the pond.

We recommend experiencing the Japanese summer festival after viewing Ueno Park’s famous lotus flowers.

The autumn foliage in Ueno Park is also charming. From late November to early December, leaves on gingko, Japanese zelkova, maple, and cherry trees start to color and bring excitement to visitors.

There is a large gingko tree behind the statue of Saigo Takamori at Sanoudai-hiroba, which gives the statue a very noble look standing in front of a yellow background. This is exactly the kind of scenery that you’ll want to snap photos of!

Also at the Kiyomizudo Hall grounds you can see bright red maple trees.

There are other spots to see such as the path lined with ginko trees leading to the Tokyo National Museum, and the golden tulip tree in front of the museum’s main hall.

The contrast between Japan’s important cultural property, Hyokeikan - with the blue dome shaped roof, and the autumn leaves, can only be seen during autumn.

To the north side of the main hall of the museum, there is a garden that is only open to the public during spring and autumn. The garden is available to people who enter the museum.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine plays host to the annual Peony Flower Festival every February, showcasing around 40 types of 200 winter peonies. These charming flowers are carefully swathed in a straw protection layer, known as "warabocchi," to shield them from frost. Breathe in the delightful fragrance of Japanese allspice and early blooming plum trees, and take in the serene winter wonderland as you amble amidst the blooms.

Bird watching is another activity you can enjoy at Ueno Park. During this period there are many wild birds at Shinobazu Pond such as ducks, black-headed gulls, herons, and common moorhens.

Depending on the season you visit, there are many ways to enjoy Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Each season offers unique flowers and events. While exploring Ueno Park you will find scenery that will make you forget that you are in the giant city of Tokyo.