Parks — Ueno

Ueno Park is a sprawling urban oasis in Tokyo, renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms and rich cultural offerings. Home to numerous museums, a zoo, temples, and a picturesque pond, it provides a peaceful escape and a deep dive into Japanese heritage, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Ueno Zoological Gardens, Japan's oldest zoo, offers an accessible urban wildlife experience within Ueno Park. While popular for its giant pandas and diverse animal collection, visitors frequently note the mixed conditions of enclosures, ranging from modern to older, smaller spaces. It remains a budget-friendly option for families, though some find the animal welfare concerning.

If you like architecture, you may be interested in the Iwasaki Family Residence (founders of the Mitsubishi company). Preserved today are a two-story Western-style villa, a Japanese-style house and a billiard house in the style of a Swiss mountain chalet. Admission ticket — 400 yen.