池の恋人達 / pond of love @ Ueno park
One of Japan’s first and largest city parks, Ueno Park was opened to the public in 1873. It originally belonged to the wealthy and powerful Kaneiji Temple. Though the area suffered a significant amount of damage in various wars, it still has some very old buildings of historical and cultural importance, such as the Toshogu Shrine, built in 1616. There are also multiple museums, a zoo, a pond with boats, and about 1000 cherry trees, which are stunning when they bloom in early April.
Cherry Blossom time in Ueno Park
On weekends, there are frequently events such as food festivals or art sales near the large fountain in the center of the park. With all these attractions, it is easy to see why Ueno Park is Japan’s most popular city park.
Getting There:
Ueno Park is next to JR Ueno Station, serving the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Joban, and Joetsu lines. There are 22 platforms and multiple exits, so confirm which one you need before traveling. A station map can be found at: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e204.html
The station can also be reached by the subway: Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Ginza lines.
photos by:
motoshi ohmori &
Gavin Anderson,
neekoh.fi
