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Discover the Beauty of Tokyo's Ueno Park: A Seasonal Flower Adventure With Cherry Blossoms, Lotus Blooms, and More

Discover the Beauty of Tokyo's Ueno Park: A Seasonal Flower Adventure With Cherry Blossoms, Lotus Blooms, and More

Last updated: 8 March 2023

Discover the lush green oasis that is Ueno Park, Japan's first designated park, located in Tokyo's historic Taito Ward. Spanning an impressive 5.3 hectares (13.1 acres), the park is a cultural haven featuring must-visit sites such as the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo, home to the world-famous pandas.

Renowned for its iconic cherry blossom season, or "ohanami" in Japanese, Ueno Park transforms into a magical wonderland each season. Join us on a journey through the park's seasonal attractions and experience its unique charm year-round.

Table of Contents
  1. Spring Flowers in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: 1,200 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom!
  2. Summer Flowers in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Colorful Hydrangea and Lotus
  3. Autumn in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Perfect Place to Enjoy Artistic Fall Foliage
  4. Winter in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Peonies in Bloom and Wild Birds

Spring Flowers in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: 1,200 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom!

Spring Flowers in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: 1,200 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom!

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.

mapman / Shutterstock.com
mapman / Shutterstock.com

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.

Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com
Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com

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.

Orawan Pattarawimonchai / Shutterstock.com
Orawan Pattarawimonchai / Shutterstock.com
Image courtesy of @thetimsullivan on Instagram
Image courtesy of @thetimsullivan on Instagram

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!

Summer Flowers in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Colorful Hydrangea and Lotus

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.

nui7711 / Shutterstock.com
nui7711 / Shutterstock.com

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.

Autumn in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Perfect Place to Enjoy Artistic Fall Foliage

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.

Sira Anamwong / Shutterstock.com
Sira Anamwong / Shutterstock.com

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!

KungChuyada / Shutterstock.com
KungChuyada / Shutterstock.com

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.

Winter in Tokyo’s Ueno Park: Peonies in Bloom and Wild Birds

Warabocchi around the poenies
Warabocchi around the poenies

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.

  • Ueno Park
    • Address Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3828-5644
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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