Gateway to Northern Japan
The present station building, including the Main Entrance, was completed in 1932, replacing the original station building destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Near the ground-level platforms, I discovered a monument inscribed with a poem by the famous poet Ishikawa Takuboku. The poem tells of how he came to Ueno Station when he longed to hear the familiar accent of his hometown.
For generations, people heading north to the Tohoku region departed from Ueno, while those coming from Tohoku arrived here to begin their lives in Tokyo. It is easy to understand why Ueno Station came to be known as the “Gateway to Northern Japan.”
A Huge Station
Ueno Station has many exits, including the Main Entrance, Hirokoji Exit, Park Exit, Shinobazu Exit, Panda Bridge Exit, and more, depending on which direction you are heading. That gives you an idea of just how huge the station is!
A Touch of Ueno’s Artistic Spirit Underground
Ueno is served not only by JR trains, but also by the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya lines, as well as the Keisei Railway.Even underground, artistic touches here and there remind you that you are in Ueno, Tokyo’s famous district of art and culture.
ecute Ueno
Operated by JR East, “ecute” is a shopping area located inside the ticket gates. It’s an exciting place even if you’re just window-shopping, with everything from souvenirs and bento boxes to charming little gifts.
As of August 2026, there are no giant pandas at Ueno Zoo, but you’ll still spot panda-themed items everywhere. So cute! There are also plenty of tempting places to try, including a restaurant serving vegan tantan noodles and a shop specializing in curry bread.
PLATFORM13 and SHIKI-SHIMA
PLATFORM13 is an immersive visual space that makes use of the walls along Ueno Station’s ground-level platform.
And right near Platform 13, I discovered an exclusive lounge for TRAIN SUITE SHIKI-SHIMA, JR East’s luxurious cruise train. One day, I would love to experience a dream journey aboard this extraordinary train!
Foodie’s Delight!
The Arts Fusion by L’écrin, a sister restaurant of the long-established Ginza L’écrin, serves its guests in a room that was once Ueno Station’s VIP room. Members of the Imperial Family are said to have used the room when traveling to the Tohoku region.
The fireplace and other interior details still evoke the history of this special room.
The first amuse-bouche of my course dinner was particularly memorable: a mousse sandwiched between monaka wafers shaped like a sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum. It was a delightful fusion of Japanese tradition and French cuisine.
Foodie, satisfied!
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