Ueno Park, Okachimachi, and Akihabara are three neighboring areas in northern Tokyo that together form an incredibly diverse mosaic of the city. From the green avenues of one of Tokyo’s largest parks, through bustling shopping streets full of everyday life, to the neon-lit capital of pop culture and electronics, this part of the city shows Tokyo in a very contrasting light.
Ueno Park, Okachimachi, and Akihabara are the perfect area for a walk and sightseeing, combining nature, culture, shopping, and modern entertainment all in one day. Ueno Park attracts visitors with its museums and peaceful atmosphere, Okachimachi retains the local, slightly raw character of old Tokyo, while Akihabara dazzles with the colors, sounds, and energy of contemporary Japan.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these districts individually, offering tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to plan your route to make the most of your time in northern Tokyo.
UENO PARK
Ueno Park is one of the largest and most famous parks in Tokyo. It is a popular place for walks while also offering space to relax and connect with nature. The park also provides easy access to some of the capital’s most important cultural institutions. In spring, Ueno becomes one of the most visited hanami spots in Tokyo, thanks to its large number of cherry trees that attract both locals and tourists.
GOJŌ TEN-JINJA
Gojō Ten-jinja is a small but historically significant Shintō shrine located at the southern entrance of Ueno Park. It is dedicated to the deity Tenjin, the guardian of learning and knowledge. For this reason, it is often visited by pupils and students praying for success in their exams.
SHINOBAZU NO IKE BENTENDŌ
Shinobazu no Ike Bentendō is a picturesque shrine located on an island in Shinobazu Pond, in the southern part of Ueno Park. It is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, the patron of arts, music, knowledge, and good fortune, making it a popular place for prayers for happiness and success. A narrow causeway leads to the shrine, and its red buildings beautifully contrast with the water and surrounding greenery, creating a scenic landscape perfect for walks and photography.
SHINOBUZU POND
Shinobazu Pond is one of the most iconic features of Ueno Park and an important recreational spot for Tokyo residents. It is divided into several sections, including an area covered with lotus plants. In summer, the lotuses almost completely cover the water’s surface, creating a unique landscape. By September, the pink lotus flowers could only be seen in scattered spots.
Walking paths surround the pond, offering pleasant views of the park and the nearby buildings. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, while serving as a peaceful stop during a visit to Ueno—perfect for a short rest surrounded by nature.
The ponds are a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS WITHIN THE PARK:
- Ueno Zoo
- Tokyo National Museum
- National Museum of Western Art
- National Museum of Nature and Science
- Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Ueno Toshogu Shrine
VIEWS OF THE UENO PARK AREA
OKACHIMACHI DISTRICT
Okachimachi is a district located between Ueno Park and Akihabara, often overlooked by tourists but perfectly reflecting the everyday, local character of Tokyo. It is a place where the modern city blends with traditional commerce and a less polished, authentic atmosphere.
We stayed in this district for three nights and greatly appreciated returning from the loud, neon-lit areas of Tokyo to the calm and relatively quiet Okachimachi, which proved to be an excellent base for accommodation.
The most famous area is Ameyoko (Ameya-Yokochō). It is a lively street full of shops selling clothing, cosmetics, electronics, seafood, and street food. In the side streets, you’ll find small bars, izakayas, and restaurants that attract locals in the evenings after work.
AKIHABARA DISTRICT
Akihabara is unquestionably the capital of manga, anime, and otaku culture in Tokyo, and a must-visit spot for fans of Japanese pop culture visiting Japan. The district is famous for its multi-story shops selling manga, anime, figurines, video games, and collectible merchandise, attracting pop culture enthusiasts from all over the world.
The streets of Akihabara are filled with neon lights, LED screens, and colorful advertisements, creating a futuristic atmosphere. This is also where you’ll find the iconic maid cafés, numerous electronics stores, and game arcades.
ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO
Choosing accommodation in Tokyo mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything, in every district. Public transport in the city is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter where you book your accommodation. If you decide to book accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend using the portal Booking.com , which we have used and tested dozens of times, or Agoda,, which works great in Asia (it’s worth checking both platforms).
Through any link on this page you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
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