Ueno in Tokyo with Kids
Welcome to Ueno, Tokyo – a vibrant neighborhood offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern excitement. During our trip to Japan, we had the pleasure of staying in Ueno, where we experienced delightful moments and discovered some fantastic places that made this trip truly memorable. Join us as we recount our adventure in this bustling district of Tokyo!
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Ueno Park with friends
Day 2 - Kappabashi for Shopping
Day One:
Ueno Park in the rain: Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo are two iconic attractions that cater to both nature lovers and children. Ueno Park is an oasis of greenery, offering serene walking paths, tranquil ponds, and beautiful cherry blossom trees during the blooming season. We met our old friends at a kid-friendly cafe, EVERYONE’s CAFE in the park for brunch. Unfortunately it was raining heavily and we decided to stay at the cafe to catch up, instead of walking around the park.
Ueno Zoo, located within the park, is another kid-friendly spot if you are planning your trip in the area. Although we didn’t visit there at this time, will definitely be back with kids next time. This zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan, opened in 1882. During World War II, the zoo was bombed and it caused damages. Also because of the starvation during the war, some animals had to be terminated. (I remember I read a book about elephants at the zoo during the war, and I teared up when I was a kid). However, efforts were made to rebuild and restore the zoo after the war. Giant pandas are popular since the first panda was gifted to Japan by China after the normalization of relations between the two countries in 1972.
There are more family-friendly attractions around the Ueno station. Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace, The Ueno Royal Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo National Museum, and more.
Cozy Accommodation: We checked into the Nogha Hotel, a welcoming accommodation that proved to be an excellent choice for families. Upon arrival, the first thing that captured our kids' attention was the Fuurin, wind bells, in the hotel lobby. Its soothing chime instantly set the tone for a relaxing stay.
Delicious Yakiniku for dinner: Being food enthusiasts ourselves, we couldn't pass up the chance to savor the mouthwatering Yakiniku at Jojoen, conveniently located near Ueno station. The attentive staff guided us through the menu, and we savored a variety of premium meats, grilled at our table. My kids enjoyed the meal so much and they still talk about it now. Additional bonus of this location is that it is located in the upper floor of the building, and we could over see the view of the station.
Day Two:
Kappabashi, A Culinary Wonderland: One of the highlights of MY Ueno exploration was the Kappabashi district. This area is a paradise for food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. As we strolled through the streets, we couldn't help but marvel at the numerous shops offering an impressive array of tableware and cooking tools. Our kids were particularly fascinated by a sample food store, where realistic food replicas were displayed at the windows, leaving them with a huge interest in the artistry behind the display. I found this website very helpful while researching about Kappabashi.
