Ueno Park — Museums, Zoo, & Cherry Blossoms

**Cherry blossom timing:** Peak bloom lasts 5-7 days (late March-early April, exact dates vary ±5 days annually). Check Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts in mid-March. The park's central path (from Ueno Station to Shinobazu Pond) is most densely planted. Weekday early mornings (6:00-8:00) offer solitude; weekends and evenings (16:00-19:00) are packed with hanami parties. Night illumination (bonbori lanterns) runs 18:00-20:00 during bloom season. **Museum highlights:** Tokyo National Museum (¥1,000, 3-4 hours minimum) displays 110,000+ Japanese and Asian art pieces — samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, Buddhist sculptures, tea ceremony utensils. The Honkan (main building) focuses on Japanese art, Toyokan on Asian art. Audio guides available in English. National Museum of Western Art (¥500) houses Monet, Renoir, Rubens, and modern art in Le Corbusier's only Japanese building. **Ueno Zoo:** Japan's oldest zoo (1882) houses 3,000+ animals including giant pandas (Xiang Xiang and family, most popular), polar bears, gorillas, and tigers. The zoo is split into East and West Gardens connected by monorail (¥150). Panda viewing requires timed tickets (distributed at entrance) — arrive at opening (9:30) to secure slots. The zoo is showing its age but pandas make it worthwhile for families. **Shinobazu Pond:** The park's southern end features Shinobazu Pond (不忍池), a lotus-covered pond with a small island (Bentendo Temple). Summer (July-August) sees full lotus bloom. The pond is circumnavigable (1.5km, 20 minutes) with views of temples, trees, and urban skyline. Boating available (¥700/hour, swan paddle boats).