Ueno Park: free English audio guide

Welcome to Ueno Park, where the story of modern Tokyo comes alive. Follow this free self-guided walking tour from the Park Exit of Ueno Station to the Saigo Takamori statue, the historic temple grounds, Shinobazu Pond, the museums, and Ueno Zoo. Learn how the home of powerful shoguns became a battlefield, then one of Japan's first public parks. The park is free to explore, but admission to museums, the zoo, and certain shrine areas may cost extra.

Ueno Park audio guideFor earphones, as you walk (10 tracks)

PochikaYour guide around Tokyo

Sagi-senseiTemples, gardens and history

KasukeHidden spots and surprises

ChunOld town, shops and festivals

▶ Play from the startNext ▶▶

1. Welcome to Ueno ParkPochika
2. Saigo Takamori: The Last SamuraiSagi-sensei
3. Kan-ei-ji and the Battle of UenoKasuke
4. Kiyomizu Kannon-do and the Moon PineSagi-sensei
5. Ueno Toshogu: The Golden ShrineKasuke
6. Shinobazu Pond: The Horse-Racing SecretChun
7. Bentendo: The Goddess of Music and FortuneSagi-sensei
8. Ueno's Museums: Japan's Cultural Treasure HouseKasuke
9. Ueno Zoo: Japan's First ZooChun
10. Goodbye from Ueno ParkPochika

Keeps playing with the screen off. It stops after each spot: when you arrive at the next one, tap “Next” or ▶▶ on your lock screen. Voices: Kokoro (open-source text-to-speech)

Visiting info

Checked on 2026-10-28 against the official pages. Hours can change; please check the official page before you go.

Transcript

1. Welcome to Ueno Park (Pochika)

Welcome to Ueno Park! I'm Pochika, your guide. Today we're exploring one of Tokyo's most fascinating places. Ueno is famous for its cherry blossoms, museums, and zoo. But did you know this park was once the grounds of a huge Buddhist temple, closely connected to Japan's military rulers? A fierce battle took place here in 1868, before the park opened in 1873. Its full Japanese name is Ueno Onshi Koen, meaning Ueno Imperial Gift Park. You'll discover samurai, temples, golden buildings, and even an old horse-racing course. Let's begin with the big bronze statue of a man walking his dog. His name is Saigo Takamori.

2. Saigo Takamori: The Last Samurai (Sagi-sensei)

I'm Sagi-sensei. Meet Saigo Takamori, born in Satsuma, today's Kagoshima. He helped overthrow Japan's shogun government and establish the new Meiji government. In 1868, he negotiated with Katsu Kaishu to hand over Edo Castle without a battle. But in 1877, Saigo rebelled against the very government he had helped create. He was defeated and died that year. His statue was unveiled in 1898. Instead of military armor, he wears casual clothes and walks with his dog, as if going hunting. There's a famous story that his wife, Itoko, saw the statue and exclaimed, 'My husband wasn't like this!' Whether she really said it is uncertain. Look at his face. What kind of man do you imagine?

3. Kan-ei-ji and the Battle of Ueno (Kasuke)

Hey, I'm Kasuke. Can you imagine this park as a battlefield? In 1625, a powerful Buddhist temple called Kan-ei-ji was founded here. Its grounds covered much of today's Ueno Park. The temple was closely connected to the Tokugawa shoguns, and several were buried here. Then came 1868. Soldiers loyal to the old shogun government fought the new imperial government's forces in the Battle of Ueno. Many temple buildings burned down. Nearby, you can find the memorial grave of the Shogitai, the fighters who defended the old government. Ueno became a public park after the fighting ended. Now walk toward Kiyomizu Kannon-do, one of the historic temple buildings that survived.

4. Kiyomizu Kannon-do and the Moon Pine (Sagi-sensei)

Here is Kiyomizu Kannon-do, a Buddhist temple hall built in 1631 and moved to this location in 1694. It was inspired by the famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. Inside, worshippers honor Kannon, a Buddhist figure associated with compassion and mercy. Now look outside toward the pond. Can you see a pine tree growing in an almost perfect circle? This is Tsuki no Matsu, the Moon Pine. The artist Utagawa Hiroshige featured this remarkable tree in his famous views of old Edo. The original was lost, but the tree was recreated in 2012. Look through its circular branches toward the temple standing in the pond below. It's like a living picture frame.

5. Ueno Toshogu: The Golden Shrine (Kasuke)

Now we've reached Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Look at that gold! This Shinto shrine honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, the samurai leader who founded the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. Shinto is Japan's traditional religion, in which people honor sacred spirits called kami. The shrine was founded in 1627, and its magnificent buildings were rebuilt in 1651. Notice the golden surfaces, carved decorations, and beautiful gate. Unlike many old buildings in Tokyo, these structures survived major earthquakes and wars. The most richly decorated building is called the Golden Hall. Some areas require paid admission, but you can admire the approach without entering them. Next, let's head down toward Shinobazu Pond.

6. Shinobazu Pond: The Horse-Racing Secret (Chun)

Hi, I'm Chun! Welcome to Shinobazu Pond. Look at all that water! Today you'll find waterbirds, lotus plants, and little boats. But here's a surprise. In 1884, a horse-racing track was completed around this very pond. Imagine horses racing past spectators where people now enjoy the park! Races continued here until 1892. In summer, lotus leaves spread across the water, and beautiful flowers bloom above them. The pond has three main areas, including a boat pond where visitors can rent boats. Look across the water and find the temple standing on an island. That's our next stop, Bentendo. Let's go and find out why people come here to pray.

7. Bentendo: The Goddess of Music and Fortune (Sagi-sensei)

See the temple surrounded by water? This is Shinobazu Pond Bentendo, part of the Kan-ei-ji temple complex. It honors Benzaiten, a Buddhist goddess associated with music, wisdom, and good fortune. In Japan, Benzaiten is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods. She is often shown holding a traditional stringed instrument called a biwa. The pond and its island were designed to evoke sacred scenery associated with Lake Biwa, near Kyoto. Today, people visit Bentendo to pray and enjoy the view across the lotus pond. Look at the temple rising from the island, almost surrounded by green leaves in summer. Now we'll head back uphill toward Ueno's famous museums.

8. Ueno's Museums: Japan's Cultural Treasure House (Kasuke)

Look around this part of the park. Museums everywhere! The Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest museum, with extraordinary collections of paintings, samurai armor, swords, ceramics, and Buddhist art. It moved to Ueno in 1882. Nearby, the National Museum of Nature and Science explores dinosaurs, animals, and scientific discoveries. The National Museum of Western Art displays European art and occupies a building designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. There's also the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, known for its changing exhibitions. Ueno became a center of art, learning, and science after the old temple grounds were transformed into public space. Which museum would you choose? Let's continue toward the zoo.

9. Ueno Zoo: Japan's First Zoo (Chun)

Chun here! Welcome to the entrance area of Ueno Zoo. It opened in 1882, making it Japan's oldest zoo. That's a long history of caring for animals and introducing wildlife to visitors. Today, the zoo is also involved in conservation and breeding programs for endangered species. You may notice signs or souvenirs featuring giant pandas. Ueno's last giant pandas, the twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, departed for China on January 27, 2026, so they are no longer here. But there's much more to learn about the animal world. If you're visiting the zoo, check its current animal information and opening hours before buying a ticket. Otherwise, our park walk is almost complete.

10. Goodbye from Ueno Park (Pochika)

And that's our Ueno Park adventure! Thanks for exploring with us. Today we've met Saigo Takamori, the samurai who helped bring an end to the shoguns. We've discovered how a great temple became a battlefield, then a beautiful public park. We've seen a famous circular pine tree, a golden shrine, a former horse-racing course, and a whole neighborhood of museums. It's amazing how much history can fit into one park! If you have more time, explore the museums, visit the zoo, or enjoy the streets around Ueno Station. Check Kyochika to discover events happening nearby. I'm Pochika, and I hope we'll explore Tokyo together again soon!

FAQ

Is the audio guide free?

Yes, completely free. No app and no sign-up: just open this page in your phone browser and press play.

Do I need a reservation?

Free (museums, the zoo and other facilities charge separately)

Where does the tour start?

JR Ueno Station, Park Exit. Begin outside the station, then walk toward the Saigo Takamori statue. Each track stops at the end, so tap “Next” when you reach the next spot.

Sources

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Ueno Park Information (Japanese)
• Japan National Tourism Organization — Ueno Park
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Saigo Takamori Statue
• Taito City — Saigo Takamori Statue (Japanese)
• National Diet Library — Saigo Takamori Biography (Japanese)
• Arts Council Shizuoka — Saigo Takamori and the Peaceful Surrender of Edo Castle (Japanese)
• Shogakukan Sarai — Saigo Takamori Statue and the Famous Story of His Wife's Reaction (Japanese)
• Saigo Family History — Historical Questions About the Statue Anecdote (Japanese)
• Japan National Tourism Organization — Kaneiji Temple
• Taito City — Kaneiji Temple (Japanese)
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Tokugawa History Walking Tour, Kiyomizu Kannon-do and Moon Pine
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Ueno Toshogu Shrine
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Shinobazu Pond
• Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association — Shinobazu Pond Horse Racing History (Japanese)
• Tokyo National Museum — Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum
• Tokyo National Museum — History of the Ueno Museum
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Ueno Museum Guide
• Tokyo Zoo Net — Ueno Zoo History (Japanese)
• Tokyo Zoo Net — Ueno Zoo 144th Anniversary
• Tokyo Zoo Net — Giant Pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei Departed January 27, 2026
• Tokyo Zoo Net — Giant Panda Return to China Confirmed

中文语音导览 · This page in Japanese