JR Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station are two major train stations, located just a few minutes apart in the Ueno area. Each serves a different function: JR Ueno Station connects to Shinkansen and JR local lines, while Keisei Ueno Station is the terminal for the Skyliner express to Narita International Airport.

JR Ueno Station, first opened on 28 July 1883, is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most historic railway terminals. It has long been the main transportation gateway linking the capital with northern Japan. The station is the starting point for major Shinkansen lines such as the Tōhoku, Yamagata, Akita, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, and Hokkaidō lines. In addition, it serves JR East’s local lines — the Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tōhoku Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, and the Ueno–Tokyo Line.

The station’s design includes several main exits, each leading to distinct attractions:

Park Exit (Koen Gate): Leads directly to

• Ueno Park,

• Ueno Zoo,

• Tokyo National Museum,

• the National Museum of Nature and Science,

• the National Museum of Western Art,

• the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and

• Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Concert Hall

Shinobazu Exit: Opens toward the scenic

• Shinobazu Pond and Bentendo Temple, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy city.

Hirokoji Exit: Located on the south side, providing access to

• Ameya-Yokochō Market (Ameyoko) and
• the famous Takeya Building, both well-known shopping destinations.

JR Ueno Station has also undergone modernization under JR East’s “Beyond Stations” project, which introduced the “Ueno Hirokoji Exit Vision”, a massive 50-square-meter 3D digital display featuring the pandas of Ueno Zoo — symbolizing the blend of technology and culture in the area.

Inside, travelers will find extensive facilities such as the JR East Travel Service Center (for JR Pass exchange and tourist support), various shops, cafés, and restaurants within the Ecute Ueno and Atre Ueno complexes. The station also offers direct access to the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines via the connected subway station and an underground passage to Keisei Ueno Station.

• From major Tokyo stations: Take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tōhoku Line to Ueno Station.

• From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Keisei Ueno Station and walk 3 minutes to JR Ueno Station.

• From Haneda Airport: Use the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for Ueno.

• For Shinkansen services to northern Japan, board at JR Ueno Station (Platforms 19–22).

• Choose the correct exit for your destination: Park Exit for Ueno Park and museums, Shinobazu Exit for the pond and temple, Hirokoji Exit for shopping streets.

• Arrive early if taking the Shinkansen; platforms are deep underground and can be busy.

• Visit the Travel Service Center for English-language assistance and JR Pass support.

• Coin lockers are available but can fill up quickly during peak times like cherry-blossom season.

• Plan extra time to explore Ueno Park and its museums before your train departure.

Admission Fee:

• Free entry to the station (concourse area); regular train fares apply.
  Attraction admissions (e.g., Ueno Zoo or museums) are charged separately.

Opening Hours:

• Station concourse open around the clock. Train services operate from early morning until late night depending on the line.
• The JR East Travel Service Center is generally open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (weekdays) and until 6:00 PM on weekends.