What other travelers are saying about Shinobazu Pond
Truthfully one of my favorite places in the city now. I like to come here and just relax. Go and you will see why. It's just so nice being able to relax and walk or sit and take in the views. You have that perfect mix of city and gardens that's so nice. It's not too loud either. Plenty of people were reading alone or with others and it just feels really nice. If you are in the area I highly recommend checking this place out. Plenty too do in the park as well
Such a beautiful place! You can barely see the water with all the plants. You will see, however, lots of ducks and pigeons. It’s already late October and there really aren’t lotus flowers anymore (at least I didn’t see them), but it’s still a pretty nice place to visit, especially at the end of the day with the golden light giving warmth to the scenery.
I’m not particularly a fan of those pedal swans you can rent, they look very touristy and cheesy, so I would suggest to take them off or replace them by little wooden boats, for example, it would fit the place much better.
And maybe because I was wearing jeans and a jacket, but unlike many other places I visited in Japan, I didn’t really see any mosquitos but I would still apply bug repellent before coming if your arms or legs are bare, just in case.
This a very nice pond to walk alongside, it has nice lotus plants, and is a beautiful sight to behold. Sitting there as the sun sets and lights up the lotus leaves is really nice, especially during cool autumn.
Ueno Park has a summer long festival this summer, many food and drink stalls line the Pond. Next to the thousands of furin wind chimes and fantastic lotus flowers that have bloomed; great this summer, I have come in past summers, usually the flowers would seem to have withered in the sun. Somehow, so many this year great for photography. The feel of the thousands of wind chimes and sounds gives a one of a kind experience! Come for the lotus flowers and furin wind chimes and stay for a dusk and sunset meal from the Yatsu stalls, so many foods to sample! I had a MEGA melon Soda, regular and Chu hi alcohol versions available! Skewers, Long French fried, you name it, they got it. Only some booths open in the afternoon but as dinner time rolls around it starts getting busy, even on a weekday!
At Ueno Park in Tokyo, I enjoyed a coffee by the large pond at lunchtime. It was relaxing to be surrounded by greenery and nature right in the middle of the city. It’s a wonderful place for a walk.
The sound of Japanese wind chimes was so beautiful. There were just the right number of tourists, and since it’s close to the station, it’s an easy place to take it slow and relax. The zoo is also right in front of the park.
At night, though, I heard there can be some strange people around, so it’s better to be a little cautious
Shinobazu Pond is located in Ueno Park in Taito ward, Tokyo. The easiest access is via JR Ueno Station (2-minute walk) or Keisei Ueno Station. You can also reach it from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station on the Ginza or Hibiya lines. The pond is directly south of Ueno Zoo within Ueno Park.
At Shinobazu Pond you can rent paddle boats and rowboats, visit Bentendo Temple on the small island, observe lotus flowers (best in July-August), watch wild birds including cormorants and ducks, stroll along the walking paths, and enjoy seasonal views. The pond is also popular for photography and picnicking in nearby Ueno Park areas.
The best time to see lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond is from mid-July to late August, with peak blooming typically occurring in early August. The lotus flowers are most beautiful in the early morning hours. During lotus season, the pond's surface is covered with pink and white lotus blooms, creating spectacular photo opportunities.
Yes, visiting Shinobazu Pond and walking around it is completely free. The pond area is open 24 hours as it's part of Ueno Park, though it's best visited during daylight hours. Bentendo Temple on the island is accessible daily. Boat rentals have separate fees (around 700 yen for 30 minutes) and operate from around 10 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting.
Near Shinobazu Pond you'll find many top Tokyo attractions including Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and Kaneiji Temple. The pond is centrally located in Ueno Park, making it easy to combine with visits to these cultural sites. Ameyoko Market is also just a short walk away near Ueno Station.
