Japan Adventures – Day 14: Exploring Ueno and Akihabara in Tokyo

Morning: Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo

Our day began with a leisurely stroll through Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most beloved green spaces. This park is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a cultural hotspot, home to several museums and historical sites. We spent a delightful morning exploring Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, which opened in 1882. The zoo is renowned for its diverse collection of animals, including giant pandas, polar bears, and the ever-popular capybaras. Unfortunately, the giant pandas were sleeping during our visit, but it was still a joy to see them.

Afternoon: Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street

After our zoo adventure, we headed to Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street for some local shopping and lunch. This bustling market street is a treasure trove of shops selling everything from fresh seafood to clothing and souvenirs. We enjoyed sampling various street foods and indulged in a delicious lunch at one of the local eateries.

Evening: Akihabara – The Electric Town

In the evening, we decided to walk to Akihabara, a vibrant district known for its electronics shops and otaku culture. The walk from Ueno to Akihabara takes about 20 minutes, but you can also take the metro for a quicker journey. Akihabara is famous for its many electronics stores, anime and manga shops, and unique themed cafes.

Why Akihabara is Famous:

Electronics: Hundreds of shops offering the latest gadgets and electronic components.
Otaku Culture: A hub for anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts, with many stores and cafes dedicated to these interests.
Maid Cafes: Unique themed cafes where waitresses dress as maids or anime characters.

Dinner: Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Asakusa

For dinner, we returned to our favourite sushi chain, Kura Sushi, at their Global Flagship Store in Asakusa. This popular spot is known for its affordable and delicious sushi served on a conveyor belt. Since we didn’t make a reservation, we had to wait for an hour to get a table. Tip: Make sure to pre-book if you plan to dine here to avoid long wait times. This was our last dinner in Japan, and we couldn’t have chosen a better place to end our culinary journey.

Conclusion

Day 14 of our Japan adventure was a perfect blend of nature, culture, and modern attractions. From the serene beauty of Ueno Park and the fascinating animals at Ueno Zoo to the bustling energy of Akihabara and the delicious sushi at Kura Sushi, it was a day well spent in Tokyo.