If youre wondering if Ueno is worth visiting in its own right, the answer is YES!
**Psst Excellent ramen options here!
Historically a working class area, some remnants of a downmarket character still linger in Ueno.
There is alsoAmeyoko, which traces its history as a former black market area post-World War 2.
Get your ramen fix in Two of our favourite ramen shops have a presence in the area.
Ichiran and Nakamoto are both killer options, so hit up one or even both …!
During cherry blossom season, youll find the area buzzing with people and street food stalls.
Other famous buildings to visit includeKaneji Temple,Kiyomizu Kannon-do, andToshogu Shrine.
Ueno Zoois the oldest zoo in Japan.
400 animal species are housed in Ueno Zoo, including tigers, gorillas as well as the ever-popular pandas.
Below are two of the most popular.
English information and audio guidebooks are available.
TheNational Museum of Western Arthas a decent collection of art from the Renaissance through to the 20th Century.
The building itself is also of architectural note, designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier.
Bargaining is possible on some of the fresh and dried produce, but dont expect massive discounts.
From elegant, formal dining to eat-on-the-run noodles and fast food, Ueno has every base covered.
Originally from Fukuoka, Ichiran have expanded nationwide to 60+ stores over the years.
The broth is deeply flavoursome and rich yet at the same time also amazingly delicate.
The thin noodles have the perfect amount of bite (you’re able to specify the firmness).
This is the ramen of your piggy noodle soup dreams.
Ichiran have a unique seating arrangement where diners at the counter sit separated from each other with a divider.
It gives one the sensation of being in a confessional, a voting booth or an exam.
If you have room for only one ramen in Tokyo, make it this one.
IchiranAddress: 7 Chome-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map).
He didnt let us down in pointing us to these very more-ish fried chicken wings from Nagoya.
Sekai no YamachanAddress: 1F-4F TC Daisan Ueno Bldg., 4 Chome-3-7 Ueno Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map).
A helpful illustrated spiciness scale posted outside the front door gives you an idea which ramen you should order.
Fun fact: Nakamoto also sell instant cup noodle versions of their famous ramen at 7-Eleven.
How cool is that?
Mouko Tanmen NakamotoAddress: 5 Chome-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map).
Clearly youre just here for the food.
check that you drizzle on some of the house-made tonkatsu sauce from the large pot on your table.
Lunch sets are very affordable, with the smaller tonkatsu sets coming in at just 1000 yen or so.
Theres even a kebab shop or two!
An English version of the menu with pictures that isnt cut down is also available (woo!)
You cant go too wrong ordering.
The dozen or more dishes weve tried have all been highly tasty.
One of the house specials istori-bunzo-yaki, a roasted chicken leg heavily slathered with fiery Indian-style spices.
Order it now, thank us later.
Kajiya BunzouAddress: 2F-3F Hayashi Bldg., 4 Chome-8-7 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map).
Then choose the restaurant for more information about that restaurant as well as highlighting the marker on the map.
Zoom in and outby clicking the + and on the bottom left.
Click a marker on the mapto reveal more information about the restaurant.
See our Tokyo Guide!
Born in Japan, raised in Australia, Sydney is our hometown, but Tokyo is our playground.
ThisTokyo Travel Guideis a culmination of a lifetime of travelling to Tokyo, condensed into one place!
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