Find Your Way Around JR Ueno Station
In front of Ueno Station’s Central Gate
JR Ueno Station is a major station in Tokyo. Although not as expansive as Shinjuku or Shibuya Station, it is a major terminal and is serviced by multiple JR lines. The station has three floors, as well as four underground floors; including the platform for the shinkansen (bullet train).
When leaving JR Ueno Station, it's easy to become overwhelmed or lost while trying to find the best exit to use. However, it actually isn’t complicated once you understand some key features of this station.
In this article, we’ll introduce which gates (exits) provide the fastest routes to sightseeing spots such as Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko), Ueno Park, and Ueno Zoo. We’ll also explain how exactly to get to these exits from the train platforms themselves!
JR Ueno Station Gates and Nearby Destinations
For Ameyoko Shopping Street, Yamashiroya, and Takeya
For Ueno Park, Art Museums, and Ueno Zoo
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The following passes and tickets are convenient and will save yen on travel in and around Ueno and the rest of Tokyo: Japan Rail Pass (usable on JR lines) and Tokyo Subway Ticket (1, 2, or 3 days)
The Structure of JR Ueno Station
First, we’ll explain the basic structure of JR Ueno Station.
In general, you will arrive on the second-floor platform (**) when getting off the train at JR Ueno Station.
The lines serviced by JR Ueno Station include the Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, Joban Line, and other lines. The trains on all lines with the exception of those for the Tohoku Shinkansen and Tohoku Main Lines (Utsunomiya and Takasaki Lines), will arrive on the second-floor platform. The Shinkansen platforms are located on the underground floor.
Head down to the first floor for the Central Gate and Shinobazu Gate, which provide the best access to the famed Ameyoko shopping street. Go up to the third floor to reach the Park Gate, which leads to Ueno Park.
Pay special attention to which exit you use, as leaving from the wrong gate may result in having to walk significantly further to reach your destination. Below we introduce the three gates that are most frequently used by travelers.
1F Central Gate and Shinobazu Gate: Ameyoko, Yamashiroya, and Takeya
Nearby Destinations: Ameyoko, Yamashiroya, Takeya, and Ueno Park
The Central Gate is JR Ueno Station's largest gate. The Travel Service Counter is located directly to your right upon exiting, so travelers can feel at ease.
Shinobazu Gate is a small gate, but is convenient to use if you are going to Ameyoko. Central Gate and Shinobazu Gate are located close to each other, so feel free to exit from either gate if you are visiting the destinations listed above.
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Locating Shinobazu Gate from the Platform
Shinobazu Gate is on the first floor. Upon arriving at the platform, go down to the first floor where the gate is located.
There is a sign above you when you descend the escalator. Follow the arrows in the direction of Shinobazu Gate.
As you continue through the station, there will be a passageway with a low ceiling, as pictured above. Continue straight down this passageway.
You’ll find Shinobazu Gate at the end of the passage!
Continue straight from here and you’ll exit out of the station to a pedestrian crossing, as pictured above.
The area circled in yellow is Ameyoko. If you make a right, you’ll arrive at Keisei Ueno Station (circled in blue), from which you can reach Narita Airport. Head towards Keisei Ueno Station and you’ll find stairs that lead to Ueno Park, located to your right. Go up the stairs and you’ll find the statue of Takamori Saigo, an influential samurai and a symbol of Ueno.
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3F Park Gate – Ueno Park, Art Museums, and Ueno Zoo
Nearby Destinations: Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, National Museum of Western Art, and National Museum of Nature and Science
Park Gate, just as its name describes, is closest to Ueno Park. Ueno Park is located right outside when you exit from this gate.
As Ueno Park is very large, there is also an entrance to the park immediately outside of Shinobazu Gate. Park Gate is located closer to the art museums located within the park such as the National Museum of Western Art, as well as to Ueno Zoo. These facilities are about a three to five-minute walk from this gate.
**There is another gate called Iriya Gate, but it is rarely used for sightseeing. Due to this, we will not be including it in this article.
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Locating Park Gate from the Platform
Ascend the staircase or escalator from the platform to Park Gate.
Once you’ve gone up a floor, find the guiding signs. Park Gate is at the end of this floor, so continue through the station while following the arrows.
This is the Park Gate!
There is an information booth in front of Park Gate, so feel free to direct your inquiries here if there is anything you’re unsure about.
Near the information booth is a museum ticket sales booth. Here you can purchase tickets for the art galleries and museums in Ueno Park. These tickets are also sold directly at the museums, but if you prefer to buy your tickets in advance and avoid lines at the museums, we recommend buying them here.
A shopping mall called ecute is also located on the same floor. You can avail of the restaurants and other dining options available inside.
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Exit JR Ueno Station the Smart Way!
JR Ueno Station isn’t too complicated to navigate, as long as you follow the signage. Make sure to leave the station from the correct exit when heading to your destination!
Please note that there are other stations with the name "Ueno Station" in addition to JR Ueno Station. These stations include the Ueno Station for Tokyo Metro's Ginza and Hibiya lines, as well as Keisei Ueno Station. Check the article linked below for details on each station.
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Main image by Pixta
