Ueno Park&Tokyo National Museum Private Tour (Ukiyo-e focus)

Discover the cultural heart of Ueno on a private walking tour at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the highlights of Ueno Park, including Kiyomizu Kannon-do and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, while your guide shares general information about the area. Then visit the Tokyo National Museum, where your guide will accompany you through the museum and provide introductory explanations about selected exhibits. Please note that your guide is not a certified museum curator. Commentary is intended to be introductory in nature and should not be considered a specialist-led tour. ・Enjoy a private tour tailored to your group's pace ・Explore Ueno Park’s historic landmarks ・Receive general cultural insights throughout the tour ・Benefit from prebooked admission to the Tokyo National Museum Important: This tour includes general guidance inside the Tokyo National Museum by a tour guide. It is not a curator-led, docent-led, or specialist museum tour, and detailed academic interpretation of exhibits is not included.

1. 1

   Saigo Takamori Statue

   30 min

   Born in the Satsuma clan, known to all Japanese, he was the general of the government army (Eastern Expeditionary Force) and later the first army general as the original leader of the Restoration. He also participated in the Ueno War as commander of Ueno Hirokoji and Kuromonkuchi. Defeated in 1873 in the war to conquer Korea, he resigned his government post and returned to Kagoshima, where he and his private school students rebelled against the Meiji government in 1877 (Seinan War) and attacked Kumamoto Castle, but were unable to take it, dying in Kagoshima the same year. He became a bandit from a leading figure in the Meiji Restoration, but was pardoned and restored to power with the promulgation of the Imperial Constitution in 1889.

2. 2

   Kiyomizu Kannon-do

   30 min

   Kiyomizu Kannon-do, nestled in Ueno Park, is a serene temple with a rich history dating back to the Edo period. Modeled after Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera, the temple is known for its wooden stage that offers a picturesque view of Ueno and the surrounding cherry blossoms in spring. The temple is dedicated to Kosodate Kannon, a deity revered for blessing women with children and safe childbirth. Visitors can experience a tranquil atmosphere while exploring the temple’s beautiful architecture and surrounding gardens. Kiyomizu Kannon-do is a hidden gem that provides a peaceful escape in the heart of Tokyo.

3. 3

   Toshogu Shrine

   30 min

   Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu as the deity ‘Tosho Daigongen’. After Ieyasu's death in 1616, he was deified and ‘Tosho-sha’ and later ‘Tosho-gu’ were created in various places. Other famous shrines are Kunozan Toshogu on Mt Kunozan in Shizuoka Prefecture and Nikko Toshogu in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Ueno Toshogu was built in 1627 by Takatora Todo (feudal lord of Mie and Tsu), who had great respect for Ieyasu Tokugawa and also designed Edo Castle. However, in 1651, the shrine was extensively reconstructed by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.

4. 4

   Tokyo National Museum

   1 hour

   The Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest and most prestigious museum, offers a fascinating introduction to the country's history and culture. During your visit, your guide will accompany you through the museum and provide general explanations about Japan's historical periods, artistic traditions, and selected exhibits. The guide is not a museum curator or certified museum docent, and explanations are intended as an overview rather than an in-depth academic interpretation of the collection. Visitors can enjoy viewing a wide range of artifacts, including samurai armor, Buddhist sculptures, kimonos, and ukiyo-e prints, while gaining a broader understanding of Japanese culture and history.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.