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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
It focuses on the living world, with life-sized representations of practically every life form the earth has ever seen, from the blue whale (outside the old building) to hundreds of exotic insects. There are also sections covering technology, the physical sciences, and hands-on exhibits for children, as well as the stuffed and mounted body of Hachiko, of Shibuya statue fame. In a new building since 2012. There are two galleries in adjacent buildings, the Global gallery and the Japan gallery. A lot of the global stuff you can see in other countries so you might want to prioritize the Japan gallery. The English-language written descriptions of exhibits are very brief, so it's well worth hiring an English audio guide.
The National Museum of Nature and Science is in the northeast corner of Ueno Park in Tokyo. The museum has exhibitions on pre-Meiji science in Japan. It is the venue of the taxidermied bodies of the legendary dogs Hachikō and Taro and Jiro. A life-size blue whale model and a steam locomotive are also on display outside.
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国立西洋美術館, Kokuritsu Seiyō Bijutsukan
Houses an extensive collection of Western art, including the original of Rodin's famous The Thinker. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage as part of "The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement".
東京国立博物館 Tōkyō kokuritsu hakubutsukan
JR lines to Ueno, Ueno-kōen exit.
上野動物園
Has over 300 animals, mostly in cramped, depressing conditions. Japan's last pandas, which had been the main attractions at the zoo, departed for China in January 2026.
西郷隆盛像
Near the main entrance to the park from JR station stands an unassuming statue of a pudgy man walking his dog. This is Saigō Takamori, a famous samurai general best known for leading the doomed Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government (and the inspiration for Hollywood blockbuster The Last Samurai). These days, it's the canonical place for meeting people at the park.
下町風俗資料館
A small museum that offers a glimpse into life in the area in the early 20th century, with re-created houses and stores, and cultural artifacts. Closed for renovation until March 2025.
不忍池 Shinobazu-ike
Full of lotus flowers and waterfowl and has the picturesque little Bentendō Hall shrine, dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, in the middle. Outside the main entrance of the temple is a statue of Ugajin, a Japanese folk god of harvests, fertility, and wealth who is represented as a coiled serpent with a bearded man’s head.