Ueno Zoological Gardens

This park, spreading over a site of a major 19th-century battle, is one of the largest and most popular places of public relaxation in Tokyo. It is also packed with interesting sights.

Opened to the public in 1973, Ueno is sure to let even the most demanding visitors find something to enjoy among the plethora of attractions located on its ground. Not only can you find multiple shrines and monuments here, the park also has its own zoo, complete with a 5-story pagoda inside. There are also several museums here, as well as the campus of the most prestigious university in Japan, the University of Tokyo.

The best time to visit the park is in spring, when you can participate in hanami. During this immensely popular festivity, you can take a walk under some of the nearly 9,000 blooming sakura trees in the park, and enjoy the beauty and grace of their blossoms together with the locals.