Overview
Despite being its tiniest ward, Taito City's absolutely jam-packed environs are some of the most popular in Tokyo. With parks, temples, and museums galore it's no exaggeration to say that you could easily spend an entire Japan trip within its ten square kilometres and still feel like you are missing out.
Temples & Shrines
Senso-ji Temple
The most sought after temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa featuring the incredibly active Nakamise shopping street, the Kaminari-mon Thunder Gate, a 5-storied pagoda, annual festivals and scores of alleyways splintering off from the main precinct. An absolute must-see.
Five minutes from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree, Ginza, Tsukuba Express or Toei Askusa Lines.
Torigoe Shrine
Dating back to the beginnings of the Japanese nation, the history of Torigoe Shrine is intimiately linked with Japanese warrior heroes and messages from birds. The shrine features a four-tonne portable shrine festival in June and the tondo-yaki ritual in early January - the only remaining example of this kind of ritual in all of Tokyo.
Six minutes from Kuramae Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
Gardens & Parks
Sumida Park
Taito City is dominated by the massive Ueno Park but on the border with neighbouring Sumida City lies Sumida Riverside Park. Famous for it summer fireworks festival and springtime cherry blossoms, the park has fantastic views of Sumida River and the iconic Tokyo Skytree.
One minute from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree or Ginza Lines.
Ueno Park
The list of things to see and do in Ueno Park simply boggles the mind. Tokyo's first zoo, five world class museums, shrines galore and the massive Shinobazu Pond, the park is such that you could easily spend a trip to Japan just visiting everything in it - to say nothing of the cherry blossoms in spring. Another must-visit in Tokyo.
Two minutes from Ueno Station on the Ginza, Hibiya or JR Yamanote Lines. One minute from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Main Line.
Museums & Galleries
Tokyo National Museum
One of the best museums in the country, if not the world, Tokyo National Museum is one of those must-visit places in a place already filled with must-visit spots. Featuring over 100,000 items located within five separate exhibition buildings (some even designated as cultural properties), this museum has it all.
Five minutes from Ueno Station on the Hibiya, Ginza and JR Yamanote Lines.
Shitamachi Museum
Distinctly low key, the Shitamachi Museum gives a glimpse of life in Tokyo's Edo period. Life-sized replicas of period buildings plus a second floor exhibition of the city's more recent history makes the museum a nice way to while away some time. Take advantage of the very friendly English-speaking volunteers.
Five minutes from the Shinobazu Exit of Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Landmarks & History
Ameyoko
An institution in Ueno, Ameyoko is four hundred metres of hustling and bustling street market authenticity. Emerging after World War II as the classic Tokyo black market, Ameyoko is now an almost-maze of under-the-rail-tracks vendors filled with delicious street foods and merchandise. A classic visit.
Two minutes from Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Hanayashiki Amusement Park
A retro taste of carnival life, Hanayashiki Amusement Park is Japan's oldest amusement park, having originally starting out as a flower park. Full of quirky amusement rides and memorial spills and thrills, Hanayashiki is also home to Japan's oldest roller coaster. It's a great little park full of good old fashion fun.
Five minutes from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree, Ginza or Toei Asakusa lines.
