Ueno Toshogu Shrine: a connection to Japan's samurai past

This 400 year-old shrine is dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's first Tokugawa shogun

Ueno Toshogu Shrine (上野東照宮)  is a stunning and historically significant Shinto shrine located within the expansive Ueno Park in Tokyo. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, this shrine boasts remarkably ornate carvings, gilded decorations, and a rich history that sets it apart. The vibe here is one of serene grandeur, offering a peaceful and beautiful contrast to the bustling museums and zoo of Ueno Park.

The shrine's elaborate design and decorations are a breathtaking example of Gongen-zukuri architecture, a style that was popular during the Edo period. Visitors are immediately drawn to the intricate carvings of animals and mythical creatures that adorn its walls, all beautifully preserved with vibrant colours and a stunning amount of gold leaf. As you approach the main hall, you'll pass a long pathway lined with over 250 stone lanterns donated by feudal lords, as well as a striking collection of ornate bronze lanterns. The shrine's survival through wars and natural disasters makes it a precious relic of the Edo period. Visitors to the shrine can admire its intricate craftsmanship, feel a connection to Japan's samurai past, and enjoy a quiet moment amidst beautiful surroundings.

Getting there: Where is Ueno Toshogu Shrine?

The shrine is inside Ueno park, which is well connected by the JR Yamanote or Metro lines.

• Nearest station: 

  • Ueno Station (上野駅) on the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, Tohoku Shinkansen, etc.) - about a 10-15 minute walk through Ueno Park.

  • Keisei Ueno Station (京成上野駅) on the Keisei Main Line - about a 10-minute walk through Ueno Park.

  • Ueno-okachimachi Station (上野御徒町駅) on the Toei Oedo Line - about a 15-20 minute walk.

• By taxi: A taxi can drop you off at one of the park's many entrances, but Ueno is relatively far from the other centres of Tokyo and you can expect a taxi to cost upwards of ¥4,000. There is no direct access by car to the shrine itself.

• Accessibility: Ueno Park is generally very accessible. The main pathways are wide, flat, and paved, making them easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers. The shrine itself has a few steps leading up to the main hall, but the grounds are largely accessible.

  
  

Opening hours & best time to visit

While the park itself is essentially always open, individual attractions within it have specific hours.

• Opening hours: The park grounds are generally open 24/7, though some specific gates or internal areas might close at night. The shrine is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry usually 4:30 PM), with potentially shorter hours in winter. It is generally open daily.

• Best time to visit: 

  • Spring (mid March to early April): Ueno Park is famously one of Tokyo's top spots for cherry blossoms and the shrine is also surrounded by sakura trees.

  • Early January to late February & early April to early May: The shrine has a beautiful peony garden that is generally closed to the public but opens for two annual peony festivals in winter and spring.

  • Mid-September to late October:  The shrine also holds a dahlia festival in the autumn for a late riot of colour in the garden.

• Time to Avoid: There's no specific "time to avoid," but, although this is a lesser-known shrine, expect more people on weekends and national holidays.

Reservations & Admission

Entering the park is free, but you'll pay to access the shrine's inner grounds.

• Reservations: No reservations are needed.

• Admission price: You can walk around the outer grounds without purchasing a ticket.

  • Entry to the inner grounds: around ¥700 for adults.

  • Entry to the inner grounds and peony garden (only at times mentioned above): around ¥1,100 for adults.

• Payment method: Admission as well as purchases such as omamori talismans are cash-only.

  
  

What Can You See & Do at Toshogu Shrine?

Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a stunning example of Edo period (17th century) shrine architecture, having miraculously survived earthquakes and wars. Its main hall, the Haiden, and the Karamon Gate are adorned with intricate gold leaf, vibrant carvings of animals and mythological creatures, and detailed patterns, making it one of the most visually impressive shrines in Tokyo. A long path lined with 256 stone lanterns, donated by feudal lords, leads up to the shrine, creating a majestic approach. As well as the peony garden (open seasonally), you'll also find a small five-story pagoda on the grounds.

Japansophy’s Top Tips!

• Lesser known gem: While Ueno Park is famous, many visitors overlook this beautiful shrine. It's truly a hidden gem worth discovering.

• Seasonal beauty: The shrine is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season, with petals dusting the grounds, and in autumn when the park's leaves change.

• Photo spot: The gilded and lacquered gates and the long path lined with stone lanterns offer fantastic photo opportunities. Be aware, though, that photography and filming for commercial purposes is not allowed and you should not photograph the staff or shrine maidens.

  
  

Facilities:

As a major public space and cultural hub, Ueno Park has excellent facilities.

• Eating & drinking: There are no direct restaurants within the shrine grounds, but Ueno Park offers numerous cafes, food stalls, and restaurants.

• Toilets: Public toilets are readily available throughout Ueno Park.

• Baby-changing Facilities: Baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms are widely available within Ueno Park's larger museum buildings, Ueno Zoo, and Ueno Station itself.

Other Attractions Nearby: Beyond the Park!

Ueno Park is packed with other things to see and do (see the guide to Ueno park here) but the location also offers easy access to other fascinating Tokyo areas.

• Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) Market: Just outside the park, this lively outdoor market street is a fantastic place for street food, bargain shopping for clothes, electronics, and various goods. It's a vibrant, bustling experience!

• Nezu Shrine: A pleasant walk from the western side of Ueno Park, this beautiful and serene Shinto shrine is famous for its tunnel of vermilion torii gates.

• Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street: A bit further, but still walkable, this charming old-town shopping street offers a nostalgic glimpse into traditional Tokyo.

  
  

Ready to explore Tokyo's cultural heart and find your favourite masterpiece? Our 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary guides you through the best of Ueno Park, including Toshogu Shrine, ensuring you make the most of its incredible attractions!