We love staying and exploring around Ueno Station because it’s safe and convenient. Here, I highlight places to see—an easy itinerary for families, so you won't need to cram too many activities into one day. Ueno is a mix of old-town charm and a lively cultural scene. It’s a great place to stay when visiting Tokyo, with easy access to the airport train and fewer crowds than Tokyo Station. Plus, it's close to the bustling Ameyoko Market, which is always fun to explore. Let’s go!
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For Families: APA Hotel Ueno
- Check-in: APA Hotel Ueno Ekiminami Hotel
- Address: 6 Chome-7-21 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
- 3 days 2 nights
- Price: 260 USD/37,000 JPY
Pros
- Suitable for Families
- Clean and contemporary design
- Offers a universal outlet for tourists
- Just a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station
- Complimentary slippers
- Complimentary pajamas
- Complimentary toiletries and more
- Only a 3-minute walk to Ueno Station
- Only a 2-minute walk to Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
- Easy Access to the Skyliner Train to the Airport
We stayed at the APA Hotel, which was clean, modern, and the bed was very comfortable. The complimentary toiletries added a nice touch, and the pajamas meant we had fewer dirty clothes to take home. Despite the room's limited space, we enjoyed our stay - this is just a common aspect of budget accommodations in Tokyo.
Other Three Accommodation Options
For Budget Travelers: Green Hotel Ideal for a One-Night Stay
- Check-in: Green Hotel
- Address: 6 Chome-4-4 Higashiueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan
- Price: 2 days 1 night: 85 USD (12,440 JPY)
- Just a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station
- Easy Access to the Skyliner Train to the Airport
Quiet Side of Tokyo and Near the Pokémon Center TOKYO DX
- Check-in: Hotel Yaenomidori Tokyo
- Address: 2 Chome-13-1 Hatchobori, Chuo City, Tokyo 104- 0032, Japan
- Price: 3 days 2 nights 34,916 JPY or 231 USD (with breakfast)
- 10-minute walk to the Pokémon Center
- 12-minute walk to Tokyo Station
- Easy Access to the Narita Express (N'EX) Train to the Airport
- Check-in: Tokyo Ueno Youth Hostel
- Address: 4階 1 Chome-13-6 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
- Price: 3 days and 2 nights 13,221.79 PHP / 34,400 JPY
- Only 3 stops away from Tokyo Station
- A 10-minute stroll from Keisei Ueno Station
- A 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line (one stop from Ueno Station)
- Easy Access to the Narita Express (N'EX) Train to the Airport
This option is perfect for solo travelers and couples looking for budget-friendly accommodations in Tokyo. My brothers had a great stay at the Tokyo Ueno Youth Hostel, where they enjoyed a private room with their own bathroom and complimentary slippers. While the rooms are compact, which is typical for Tokyo, they are very affordable and conveniently located!
Oct 18: Ueno, Tokyo for a Day
Things To Do: Ueno Station (Exit Okachimachi Station) and Nearby the APA Hotel Ueno
- Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
- Address: 6 Chome-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
- Admission: Free
- From here, Ueno Park is just a 7-minute walk away.
Savor local flavors by exploring this delightful array of meals and snacks at Ameyoko Market.
For Dessert and Snacks
- Dorayaki (red bean pancakes): Two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Sweet taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes): Fluffy cakes shaped like fish and filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Fluffy Japanese pancakes: Thick, airy, light, and soft, served with butter and syrup.
- Creamy matcha ice cream: A rich, flavorful ice cream infused with the earthy taste of powdered green tea.
For Japanese Meals
- Japanese Ramen: Noodles served in a savory broth, topped with slices of pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
- Fresh seafood at a standing sushi bar: Freshest cuts of fish and other seafood served on sushi rice in a casual, lively environment.
- Grilled yakitori (chicken skewers): Skewered pieces of chicken, often seasoned with salt or tare sauce, grilled to perfection over charcoal.
- Savory takoyaki (octopus balls): Round, doughy snacks filled with pieces of octopus, tempura bits, and green onions, topped with savory sauce and bonito flakes.
- Crispy tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables
More Attractions in Ueno
Nearby Attractions: Museums in Ueno
- Ueno Park is a well-known public park close to Ueno Station. It covers over 133 acres and is great for cultural and fun activities, making it perfect for families and travelers.
- See the 17th-century Benzaiten Temple located on an island within the park.
- There are four temples and shrines you can visit. Admission is free for most, but if you want to enter the inner shrine area of the Toshogu Shrine, it costs 700 JPY. The places you can visit are Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine, and Bentendo Hall.
- Ueno Zoo, home to the beloved giant panda Xiang Xiang. Admission is 600 JPY. Free admission is available on the following dates: March 20, May 4 and October 1
Nearby Attractions: Museums in Ueno
- Tokyo National Museum showcasing Japanese antiquities: Admission is 1,000 JPY
- National Museum of Western Art featuring works by Van Gogh and Picasso: Admission is 500 JPY
- National Museum of Nature and Science: Admission is 630 JPY
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum: Admission varies by exhibition
- Shitamachi Museum: Admission is 300 JPY
Seasonal Highlight:
- Sakura/Cherry blossoms: Witness the Sakura blossom in late March to early April.
Simply incorporate one or two attractions into your itinerary, and then spend the afternoon exploring the Ameyoko market. This way, your day won't feel overwhelming. Staying in one location allows you to truly appreciate Tokyo; slow traveling enhances your experience far more than rushing through everything, only to return to your hotel feeling exhausted and sore. Embrace the art of slow travel, and you'll discover the real beauty of Tokyo.
2. Andersen for Breakfast or Snacks
- Andersen Bakery
- 2 Hitaru for 9 USD - my favorite pastry!
Andersen is located within Ueno Station; you can stop by here for an affordable breakfast and pastries for snacks; I picked up my favorite pastry here. I treated myself to two hitaru for 9 USD. Andersen Bakery and Café offers Danish-style bread infused with Japanese flavors, offering a diverse selection of baked treats.
3. Go Shopping: Discover Japanese Brands
I have always loved Uniqlo for their stylish, minimalist, and comfortable clothing. Uniqlo and GU are sister brands, both under the same parent company. For me, Uniqlo is like the "IKEA" of fashion!
- Uniqlo and Gu building
- Address: 110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 3 Chome−27−12 Okachimachi Yoshiike Main Store Building
I have always loved Uniqlo for their stylish, minimalist, and comfortable clothing. Uniqlo and GU are sister brands, both under the same parent company. For me, Uniqlo is like the "IKEA" of fashion!
4. Sukiya For Delicious and Affordable Meals
- Sukiya
- Location in Ueno: Near Okachimachi Station
- We ordered 3 meals, including 1 kids' meal
- Cost: 14 USD
We discovered Sukiya, a Gyudon restaurant, and were amazed by their fantastic gyudon options. They also serve curry rice, a wide variety of rice bowls, and Teishoku, which means "set meals" in Japanese. We truly enjoyed our meal, as it not only tasted great but also included a side of miso soup, salad, and pickled vegetables, complementing the meat and rice perfectly.
We stopped at Daikoku, where we couldn't resist picking up some adorable and affordable souvenirs.
Our treasures included Ninja pens and a pair of pens featuring charming male and female characters dressed in traditional Japanese attire, as well as wooden chopsticks and more.
6. Dinner at Kurauzo
This was one of the most incredible meals we experienced in Tokyo. Kurauzo is a highly rated Japanese western-style restaurant located in Ueno. I highly recommend giving it a try; you won't be disappointed.
- Kurauzo
- Address: Ueno Suzuya Building, B1F 4 Chome-6-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
- Cost: 35 USD
This was one of the most incredible meals we experienced in Tokyo. Kurauzo is a highly rated Japanese western-style restaurant located in Ueno. I highly recommend giving it a try; you won't be disappointed.
We visited in October, which coincided with a Halloween Festival near Ueno Station. Since we were just a short walk from our hotel, we decided to check it out.
The festival wasn't overly crowded; in fact, we might have attended the opening night.
We sampled some local street food, and here are our top choices: for something unique and delicious, we tried the Grilled Beef Tongue for 1,000 JPY and the Meat Winding Rice Balls for 600 JPY.
After that, we returned to the hotel to recharge for our train trip to Kyoto the following day. I'm so excited to visit Kyoto, Japan, one of the oldest cities and the cultural heart of Japan. I fell asleep dreaming of endless green, matcha treats, strolling through the bamboo forest, and just wow!
For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido. I can't wait for this trip!
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure in Japan?
Explore Tokyo
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Budget-Friendly
- Visit The Famous Pokémon Center Tokyo DX
- Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
- Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
- Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market
- How to Reach Narita Airport from Tokyo Station
- What To Do Inside Narita Airport: Waiting for Flight/Bus
Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"
Where am I going next?
- For my next adventure, we're heading to Kyoto, Japan, one of the oldest cities and the cultural heart of Japan. Picture this: mouth-watering matcha treats and wandering through endless green bamboo forests.
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