Ueno Walking Tour: Shrines, Markets and Modern Japan
Legendary local curry, quirky shopkeeper discounts, sacred shrine boundaries, and the roots of Japan’s modern culture—this tour brings it all together. We’ll share laughs and light moments, but also dive into deep stories about unique traditions and history. Just like Ueno itself, it’s a blend of chaos and sophistication. Join me and experience the real Tokyo!
Options
Extend Your Experience
Duration: 1 hour: Enjoy one more hour of exploring much deeper streets and architectures that were established before WW2.
What's included in Ueno Walking Tour: Shrines, Markets and Modern Japan
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Ameyoko Shopping Street
From the postwar black markets to today’s street culture,Ameyoko has been center of Ueno’s most chaotic and colorful alley.Exotic spices,regional snacks and even legendary curry born from Pakistani ingredients,everything is packed in here!!But also people's spirit is something we cannot ignore.Here Ameyoko, getting discount or bonus stuff are not that rare.You can get a discount if you say the magical word.That deep culuture you never experience somewhere else is waiting for you!
Ueno Park
Ueno flips the atmosphere inside out — from the chaotic streets of Ameyoko to the calm beauty of Ueno Park.At first glance, Ueno Park looks like just a peaceful place to relax. But did you know this used to be sacred temple land? It was the grounds of Kan’eiji, built to protect Tokyo from bad spirits entering from the northeast — the so-called “demon gate.” After a civil war in 1868, much of the temple was destroyed. So what did the new government do? Instead of rebuilding the temple, they turned it into Japan’s very first public park. That was a huge shift — from sacred ground to a public space for everyone. This park became home to Japan’s first zoo, first music school, first national museum... basically, it was the start of Japan’s modern cultural life. A lot happened right here! So today, when you walk through the trees or visit the museum, you're walking through history — not just old history, but the moment Japan started becoming the country we know today.
Inclusions
- English-speaking local guide
- Food isn’t included in the tour price, but it’s totally up to you! Enjoy curry, croquettes, takoyaki—or skip them. Follow your taste and mood!
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet in front of the statue of Saigo Takamori (the man with a dog), near the Shinobazu Exit of JR Ueno Station. I’ll be holding a folding fan with a Mt. Fuji design and usually arrive 10 minutes early.
