UENO: visit to Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Toshogu

Information on Tokyo National Museum 東京国立博物館 and Ueno Toshogu上野東照宮

1 UENO- Home of great museums, parks, zoo with famous Panda baby, concer halls, and old nostalgic Tokyo

1.1 Tokyo National Museum
1.2 Access and location
1.3 Caution-some points to note when visiting
1.4 Lunch recommendation nearby

2 Ueno Toshogu

3 Ueno Zoo- famous for the Panda baby

4 Ueno Station and its cute “kawaii” shops

1.1 TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
1 Quick and easy way to understand the evolution of Japanese culture and history via a great exhibition of Japanese art in chronological, easy-to-follow order.

2 Relaxed atmosphere with lots of sofa to rest and read the guidebooks or listen to the audio guide.

3 Go early in the morning when it is not crowded. You can breathe in the atmosphere with your 5 senses without the interruption of noisy neighbors.

1.2 Access and location

How to get there?
1 Ueno station (park exit), follow the signs to the museum
2 Buy the ticket at the entrance and you are all set to go. There are other buildings in the area, so if you have time, visit the Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures, housing the treasures from the Asuka era (7C) in a cool building designed by Yoshio Taniguchi (designed the MOMA in NY).
Main building

[明日から開催] 特別展「運慶」を東京国立博物館で – 国宝含み、各地から作品が集結する最大規模の運慶展 – https://t.co/gQF40wVRgm pic.twitter.com/WEAdGqTI5q

— Fashion Press (@fashionpressnet) 2017年9月24日

For more info, check out the Official English page of the museum below.
http://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en

Gallery of Horyuji

1.3 Caution- some points to keep in mind

It will take at least one hour to look at the main building. If you are interested in other buildings, allow yourself more time.

Re-entry is not allowed. You may want to bring some food/drink.

1.4 Lunch recommendation, nearby

There are several restaurants, run by the Hotel Okura group. (high quality hotel in Toranomon area). However, it is not up to the Okura standard and too pricey. (lots of great restaurants in Ueno that you may want to try instead)
Need suggestions?

This area has several famous Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and Soba (Japanese buckwheat noodels) restaurants.

1)Tonpachitei (とん八亭)　6 decades of history, hidden away, warm atmosphere, Y2000 budget.
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13003593/

2)Ueno Yabusoba (上野藪そば)　Enjoy Japanese Soba (buckwheat) with delicious tempura, Y2000 budget.
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13003594/

2) UENO TOSHOGU- interested in Shrines?
Ueno Toshogu will be a good stop. Allow 30 minutes. It is associated with the Tokugawa shogunate (300 years of peace and unified Japan from 16-19C) The style is very similar to the one in Nikko, though much much smaller in scale. So, if you do have the time to visit Nikko (allow 1 day from Tokyo), no need to visit this one.

Impressive gate and quiet atmosphere (go early in the morning)

Over 200 stone lanterns. Magnificent and serene.

Check out the 5 story pagoda on your right as you approach the shrine.

A place to dance and play music for the gods. Kaguraden

Perfect bow. The angle and the slope are both perfect!

Pay Y500 yen to get inside. It is worth it.
The see through wall, Sukibei Wall, is beautifully decorated with over 200 species of animals and plants.

Golden shrine. Built in 1651, this shrine survived the wars and earthquakes, which is truly miraculous. You will be able to enjoy the Edo culture close up.

3 Ueno Zoo- famous for the Panda family

Other points of interests nearby:
FAMILY travelling with KIDS? Visit the UENO ZOO. They will like the pandas, especially with the new baby born in the summer of 2017.
Official site:
http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/
http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html

4 Ueno Station and its cute “kawaii” shops

Tibits: On your way back via Ueno station, visit the small shops inside the station. I especially liked this one, with unique Japanese textiles and goods, along with the panda designed goods!　(遊中川)