Enjoy Nature in Tokyo! Easy Access by Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport

Full of Seasonal Highlights! Explore Tokyo's Ueno Area

You might imagine Tokyo as a bustling city full of neon lights and tall buildings with nothing but shopping boutiques and entertainment. Let me reassure you that this city has much more to offer!

Tokyo boasts many areas where you can enjoy nature, culture, and the city life all at once. One of them is Ueno, well-known for sprawling Ueno Park--loved for its gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring, greenery and shade in summer, and beautiful foliage in the fall.

In this article, we'll introduce the fastest way to reach Ueno from Narita Airport, and an itinerary for the Ueno area that allows you to feel the seasons and the pulse of the city. We also introduce a comfortable hotel that is ideal as a base for exploring Tokyo.

9:15 - 10:00 - After Arriving in Japan, Buy a Skyliner Ticket to Get to Tokyo

Keisei Skyliner is a high-speed train that operates from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno Station directly, without the hassle and stress of changing trains. It will take less than 50 minutes to reach Ueno from Narita Airport (*if you take a regular train, it usually takes about one hour and 20 minutes).

You can buy a Skyliner ticket at the Skyliner & Keisei Information Center, which is located in Narita Airport Terminal 1. A ticket to Keisei Ueno Station from Narita Airport Terminal 1 costs 2,520 yen and includes a reserved seat. Skyliner tickets can also be purchased online in advance. You'll be required to type in your passport details and you'll receive a voucher, which can be exchanged for the Skyliner ticket at the Skyliner & Keisei Information Center once you arrive in Japan.

At this information center, you can also get pamphlets about recommended places to visit in Tokyo. It's also be a good idea to purchase a PASMO IC card here so that you won't need to buy train tickets when using public transportation in the city.

10:19 - 11:07 - Travel to Ueno by Keisei Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner departs from platforms 4 and 5 of the Keisei Line. I suggest buying something to drink on the way so that you can fully relax and enjoy the ride.

The interior is very spacious and designed with passenger comfort and functionality in mind. Upon arriving from a long plane trip, you will probably be tired. Riding in your comfortable reserved seat on the Keisei Skyliner, you will get the rest you need in order to recharge and start your Tokyo explorations right away. There is even free WiFi on the train.

I usually use the regular train to travel, which is always crowded, tight, and takes a long time. But with Keisei Skyliner, you won't have any of these worries. I had a good time resting during the ride, listening to music and watching the beautiful scenery outside.

11:15 - 11:30 -- Leave Your Luggage Safely at Keisei Ueno Station to Start Exploring the City!

Use the services of the Baggage Service Center at Keisei Ueno Station in order to start exploring Tokyo as soon as you arrive. At this center, you can leave your luggage safely for several hours, or even days.

At coin lockers, there is always a luggage size limit, but  the Baggage Service will accept even oversized luggage items, including bicycles or musical instruments. The storage price for one item is 900 yen per day. (*In some cases, you can even leave a large suitcase together with a small one for the same price, so please consult with the staff.)

There are various options regarding storage length. For example, if you only need to leave your luggage somewhere for two hours, then it costs 400 yen. You can also consider leaving the luggage here for several days at a convenient price.

If you want to explore the Ueno area as much as possible, consider using the bicycle rental service. Renting a bicycle for the day only costs 1,000 yen. The staff will explain how to use the bicycle safely in the city and even give you tips on great places to visit in the area and seasonal highlights.

11:45 - 13:00 - Lunch in the Ueno Area

After leaving your luggage at the station, why not start exploring the Ueno? As soon as you step out of Keisei Ueno Station, you'll find yourself in the heart of the city! There are plenty of dining places around, from Japanese restaurants to stylish cafes. Enjoy your lunch and get ready to explore the city some more in the afternoon.

13:00 - 16:00 - Explore Ueno by Bicycle

After lunch, return to the Baggage Service Center at Keisei-Ueno Station and rent a bicycle. You can choose from various routes.

I wanted to see Ueno Park in the fall, as well as other foliage spots in the area, so I headed to Shinobazu Pond.

Shinobazu Pond

Shinobazu Pond is located inside Ueno Park. This nature-rich area offers a respite from the bustle of the city, creating a pleasant contrast with the buildings surrounding it.

In mid-summer, lotus flowers bloom over this pond, attracting thousands of viewers. In spring, you'll be welcomed by cherry blossoms. In the fall, the leaves gradually change color, turning brilliant reds and golds. Whenever you visit, you'll be greeted by wonderful views.

Shinobazu Pond

5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007

Nezu Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Nezu Shrine is tucked in the back alleys near Nezu Station. This shrine is most famous for its beautiful azaleas that bloom in early May. In the fall, however, its charm is enhanced by the vibrant yellow of the ginkgo trees located near the entrance.

Picture courtesy of Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo's most famous shrines. The main building was constructed in the Edo period (1603-1868), and is one of the very few structures of its kind that survived the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake from 1923 and the bombings during WWII. The shrine building has been designated as one of Japan’s National Important Cultural Properties.

The shrine is said to have been founded in the first century by the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru. The Ueno-Yanaka area of Tokyo where Nezu Shrine is located flourished as a cultural center during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods. The shrine and its festivals have been attracting visitors for centuries, and played an important role in the development of this part of the city.

Nezu Shrine

1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0031

Around Yanaka and Sendagi

Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, usually called Yanesen, are an area where you can catch a glimpse of peaceful everyday life in Tokyo. There are many traditional buildings renovated into ryokan inns and cafes, as well as galleries and temples in this area. The beautiful contrast of traditional and modern architecture will make you curious to see what awaits around the next corner.

Climb up the hill to reach the street in front of Tokyo University of the Arts and the Tokyo National Museum. From here, you can return to Keisei Ueno Station through Ueno Park.

Exploring Ueno by bicycle gives you the chance to cover a wider area and encounter a less-known side of this part of Tokyo. You can always stop for coffee and a snack at a nice cafe on the way, or visit a gallery or a shrine on the way. I definitely recommend this experience to everyone visiting Ueno!

Ueno park

110-0007 Ueno Park/Ikenohata 3-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Ueno Park is a large park in Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful nature and historic buildings. The park has a vast lawn and pond, and is al...

16:00 - 16:45 - Return the Bicycle and Travel to the Hotel

The Baggage Service Center at Keisei-Ueno Station closes at 17:30 (*from August 23, 2021, until further notice), so please make sure to return the bicycle by then.

After a day of exploring the city, you'll probably want to rest your hotel room for the evening. Our recommended accommodation is Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Monzennakacho, which is located a 3-minute walk away from Monzennakacho Station.

To reach the hotel, take a train on the Toei Oedo Line from Ueno-Okachimachi Station. The ride takes about 12 minutes. Get off at Monzennakacho Station and use Exit 5. The hotel is located just 3 minutes on foot from here.

After 17:00 - Enjoy a Comfortable Stay at Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Monzennakacho

Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Monzennakacho is located near the center of the metropolitan area, close to the vibrant Monzennakacho Shotengai, a shopping street lined with well-established shops, some of which were founded in the Edo period (1603-1868). From traditional Japanese food to international cuisine, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in the area.

The hotel staff is friendly and will gladly assist you with recommendations on places to visit during your stay.

The interior of the rooms is stylish, combining traditional Japanese design with modern comfort. The rooms are wide and offer a great view of the surroundings.

The hotel has a convenient laundry area for those who stay several consecutive days. The TV inside the rooms allows guests to check whether the laundry area is crowded. Vending machines are also located within the hotel, offering soft drinks, water, as well as alcoholic beverages.

The lounge on the first floor serves as the hotel's breakfast cafeteria. This becomes a free lounge in the afternoon, and guests are welcome to relax here while reading or enjoying a complimentary drink.

Scenery of an alley with local eateries located just behind the hotel

Visit in the summertime, and you'll be able to enjoy the exciting festivals this area is famous for! In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom along the river nearby. In the fall and winter, you can delight in seasonal specialties at the excellent restaurants nearby.

Famous shopping and amusement destinations like Ginza, Odaiba, and Shimbashi can be easily reached by train from Monzennakacho. Maihama Station, the nearest station to Tokyo Disney Resort, can be reached in just 12 minutes from Etchujima Station, which is less than 10 minutes away on foot from the hotel. This hotel is ideal to stay in Tokyo in order to be able to feel the pulse of the city.

Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Monzennakacho

Have Fun Exploring Tokyo from the First Day!

By arriving in the morning and starting your Tokyo explorations from Ueno on the very first day, you get to save a lot of time. Use the Keisei Skyliner to reach the city fast and in comfort, then leave your luggage, and explore the city by bicycle. You'll be surprised to discover an oasis of peace and seasonal highlights right in the back alleys of the bustling Ueno area!

To book you Keisei Skyliner ticket from Narita Airport to Tokyo, please visit this website: http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/

Route Summary
Narita Airport → Keisei Ueno Station → Lunch in Ueno → Shinobazu Pond → Nezu Shrine → Ueno Park → Keisei Ueno Station → Monzannakacho Station → Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Monzennakacho

Expenses
Keisei Skyliner (Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station - Keisei Ueno Station): 2,520 yen (Fare 1,270 yen + Skyliner Fare 1,250 yen)
Baggage service: 900 yen
Bicycle rental: 1,000 yen

The writer visited these facilities on September 10, 2021.

Supported by Keisei Electric Railway Co.,Ltd