We stop at a bridge near Nippori Station, often nicknamed the “Nippori Train Museum.”

From this viewpoint, you can see many railway lines at once, with a constant flow of trains passing below.

JR commuter trains, express trains, freight trains, and even the Shinkansen can sometimes be seen from this spot, making it a fun stop for both train enthusiasts and photographers.

At the Asakura Museum of Sculpture (admission 500 yen), you can enjoy a unique building with a beautiful Japanese garden, designed by its owner, the artist Fumio Asakura (1883-1964).

One of the rooms has a special Japanese lacquered floor called urushi. To protect the floor, visitors are required to wear socks, so please do not join the tour barefoot.

We explore Yanaka, a charming district that preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of Tokyo’s traditional downtown (shitamachi), having survived the air raids of World War II.

We begin with a stroll along Yanaka Ginza, a lively shopping street lined with small local shops selling street food, snacks, and handmade goods.

Here, you can experience everyday local life while trying popular treats such as croquettes, rice crackers, and seasonal sweets.

At the entrance, we stop at Yuyake Dandan, a famous staircase known for its beautiful sunset views and a symbolic scene of Yanaka’s old-town charm.

Next, we walk through Yanaka Cemetery, a quiet and historic area that offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling street.

The tree-lined paths are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when sakura form a tunnel of flowers.

The cemetery is also home to the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo period.

We also visit the former Yoshidaya Liquor Store, a historic shop that preserves the atmosphere of a traditional downtown merchant house.

Its old wooden interior and nostalgic setting offer a glimpse into everyday life in old Tokyo.

This walk offers a balanced experience of local life, history, and atmosphere in one of Tokyo’s most charming neighborhoods.

We stroll through Nippori Fabric Town, a lively shopping street famous for fabrics and sewing materials.

Stretching about one kilometer from Nippori Station, the area is lined with more than 80 shops selling colorful fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and traditional Japanese textiles.

Originally developed as a wholesale district, many professional designers and craft lovers visit here to find high-quality fabrics at reasonable prices. Even if you don’t sew, browsing the vibrant displays of textiles and handmade materials is a fun cultural experience.

Since many stores operate as wholesalers, a number of shops are closed on Sundays, so visiting on weekdays or Saturdays is recommended.

We visit the Kuroda Memorial Hall, a historic exhibition space near Ueno Park dedicated to the works of Seiki Kuroda (1866–1924), known as the “father of modern Western-style painting” in Japan.

After studying in France for nine years, he introduced European artistic techniques and helped establish formal Western art education in Japan, greatly influencing the country’s modern art scene.

Some of his nude paintings sparked strong controversy in Japan at the time.

In 1901, one such work was partially covered by authorities in what became known as the “Waistcloth Incident,” reflecting the cultural tension between Western artistic ideals and traditional Japanese values.

The building has a permanent exhibition that is open six days a week.

In addition, a special exhibition room opens only three times a year — during the New Year, Spring, and Autumn seasons. Each special opening lasts for about two weeks, and photography is allowed inside the room.

If your visit coincides with this limited opening period, you may have a rare opportunity to enter this special exhibition space.

We visit the Art Plaza at the Tokyo University of the Arts (GEIDAI), an art space operated by Japan’s most prestigious national art university.

The plaza features exhibitions and unique artworks created by students, graduates, and faculty members. Visitors can enjoy contemporary Japanese art, crafts, ceramics, and design works that reflect the creativity of the next generation of artists.

You may also find a small mobile café, “NoM cafe,” occasionally set up nearby, known for its carefully prepared drinks, including a popular homemade chai made with a focus on natural ingredients.

This is also a great place to find original art pieces and souvenirs that you won’t see in typical tourist shops, offering a glimpse into Japan’s modern art scene near Ueno Park.

Built in 1890, this elegant wooden building is considered the oldest Western-style music hall in Japan.

It was originally constructed on the campus of the former Tokyo Music School, the predecessor of Tokyo University of the Arts.

When the university later built a new concert hall, the historic structure was carefully relocated to its present site and preserved as an important cultural property.

The hall also features a unique soundproofing design, with straw packed inside the walls to help improve acoustics.

On the first floor, a permanent exhibition introduces the fascinating history of how Western classical music was introduced and spread in Japan.

One of the highlights is the pipe organ, originally purchased in 1920 by Marquis Tokugawa Yoritsada from the British organ builder Abbott & Smith and later donated to the former Tokyo Music School in 1928.

It is regarded as the oldest pipe organ in Japan designed for concert performances and features a rare pneumatic action system.

Remarkably, the organ is still used for performances today.

On Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM, the hall hosts a mini concert lasting about 30–40 minutes performed by students of Tokyo University of the Arts.

1st & 3rd Sundays: Harpsichord concert

2nd & 4th Sundays: Pipe organ concert

These concerts are included with the admission fee (300 yen) and do not require advance reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and entry closes shortly before the performance begins.

Located in Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built in 1627 to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The shrine is famous for its lavish gold decorations and beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture. Remarkably, it survived major disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and the air raids of World War II, making it one of the few original shrine buildings remaining in Tokyo.

Inside the grounds, visitors can admire intricate carvings, ornate gates, and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the power and culture of the Tokugawa era.

Admission to the shrine grounds is 500 yen.

Located on a small hill in Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do was built in 1631 by the monk Tenkai and was inspired by the famous Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

The wooden stage extending from the main hall resembles the architecture of Kiyomizu-dera and offers a scenic view over Shinobazu Pond.

The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, who is widely worshipped in Japan.

Inside the grounds, visitors can also see the famous “Moon Pine,” a uniquely shaped pine tree that was depicted in a ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Hiroshige.

This peaceful temple provides a glimpse into the spiritual history of Ueno and offers one of the most picturesque viewpoints in the park.

Located on a small hill known as “Daibutsu-yama” (Buddha Hill) in Ueno Park, the Ueno Daibutsu is a unique and memorable historical site.

Today, only the face of the Buddha remains.

Originally built in 1630 to commemorate the victims of war, the statue once had a full body. However, it has been repeatedly damaged by natural disasters over the centuries. The original clay statue was destroyed by the Shoho Earthquake in 1647 and later rebuilt in bronze. It was then damaged by fire in 1841 and again by the Ansei Edo Earthquake in 1855.

In the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the Buddha’s head fell off. Although there were efforts to reconstruct the statue, they were unsuccessful. During World War II, most of the remaining body was melted down for metal, leaving only the face we see today.

Because the statue is believed to “never fall again,” it has become a popular spot for students praying for success in entrance exams. In Japanese, “to fall” can also mean “to fail,” so this place is famous as a lucky charm for passing exams—some people even say it’s one of the most reliable spots in Tokyo if you want a little extra luck!

Take a closer look at the Buddha’s expressive face, especially its distinctive large nose and the prominent urna (the symbolic mark on the forehead). Visitors are also allowed to gently touch the statue, and many feel a sense of calm and quiet strength here.

Opening Hours:

April to October: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

November to March: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We explore Ameya-Yokocho, a lively open-air market street located near Ueno Station.

Known locally as “Ameyoko,” this bustling area developed as a black market after World War II and still retains the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s traditional downtown (shitamachi).

Today, the narrow street is lined with small shops selling fresh seafood, sweets, cosmetics, and discount goods.

As we stroll through the market, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and try a variety of Japanese street foods such as grilled seafood, skewers, and local snacks.

Amid the busy market, we visit Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple, a historic temple quietly tucked between the shops.

It is dedicated to Marishiten, a Buddhist guardian deity believed to bring victory, protection, and good fortune.

Samurai warriors once prayed here before going into battle, adding a layer of history and spirituality to this vibrant area.

We also step down into a hidden underground food market beneath Ameyoko, where the atmosphere changes dramatically.

This maze-like space is filled with small shops offering ingredients from across Asia.

You may notice unfamiliar foods casually packed in simple plastic bags or labeled in languages other than Japanese or English.

Here, you might encounter ingredients such as tamarind, cassava, or papad, offering a glimpse into the multicultural food scene of Tokyo and the everyday lives of its diverse communities.