National Museum of Western Art

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.

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.

JR lines to Ueno, Ueno-kōen exit.

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.

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.

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.