Ueno’s 4 Best Historical Architecture to Take Retro & Insta-worthy Photos

In Japan, the period between 1868 and 1912 is called the Meiji era. Although Japan only had traded with the Netherlands due to isolationism before, it began to adopt various modern cultures of Europe to a wide range of fields such as learning and art. By fusing them and Japanese traditional culture, new cultures unique to Japan were also created. Around Ueno Station, there are many buildings showing us the beauty and features of Meiji Culture. From among them, this time, we focused on 4 architecture including important cultural properties within 15 minutes’ walking distance from Ueno Station.

“Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens” allowing visitors to feel Western and Japanese atmosphere

“Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens (旧岩崎邸庭園)” with a vast garden that had once about 20 buildings. Made in 1896 as the main residence of the Iwasaki family, the founder of Mitsubishi group, this place retains a Western-style building, a Japanese-style one and a billiard room that are designated as a national important cultural property. There are elaborately carved decorations inside and outside the Western-style building. They are carved on aged wood and create chic and emotional space. In addition, it’s directly connected to the Japanese-style one, so you can also feel a dignified atmosphere when moving. The billiard room is design to be reminiscent of a mountain lodge in Swiss. It looks like a retro station that appears in Western movies. While exploring 3 buildings, why not feel Mitsubishi group’s glory and history?

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM　Closed during New Year’s Holidays *Western-style building and Japanese-style one are open to the public all year round.
Address	1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 12-minute walk from Ueno Station Akihabara Washington Hotel: 2 stations away from Akihabara Station on the Yamanote Line and the Keihin Tohoku Line Hotel Gracery Asakusa and Hotel Tavinos Asakusa: 3 stations away from Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line
URL	https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/kyu-iwasaki/index.html

“Kuroda Memorial Hall” where visitors can appreciate masterpieces of modern Japanese Western painting for free

Do you know Kuroda Seiki who was active during the Meiji era as a painter? “Kuroda Memorial Hall (黒田記念会館)” was built by making use of a part of his inheritance as following his will after he died. Now, it’s one of the Japanese tangible cultural properties. The outer wall is made with scratch tiles with a fine groove pattern and makes us feel as if we’re traveling Europe. In the center of the 2nd floor, there are 6 pillars that use the same technique as the Greek temple. The almost symmetrical appearance and the sunlight shining through the skylight create an elegant atmosphere. By the way, the admission fee is free. While appreciating works of Kuroda who was a pioneer of modern Japanese Western painting, fully experience his sensibility that continues to live in paintings.

Opening Hours	9:30AM – 5:00PM　Closed on Monday and during New Year’s Holidays
Address	13-9 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 15-minute walk from Ueno Station
URL	https://www.tobunken.go.jp/kuroda/index_e.html

“International Library of Children’s Literature” with the nostalgic building and a modern glass-walled one

“International Library of Children’s Literature” is Japan’s first national diet library specializing in books for children. It has more than 1 million children’s books and related ones, which were collected from Japan and foreign countries. Such International Library of Children’s Literature consists of 2 buildings, ‘Brick Building’ and ‘Arch Building.’ The former features large windows is a masterpiece of Western-style architecture in the Meiji era. On the other hand, the latter whose shallowly curving glass-made wall is beautiful was built in 2015. You’re sure to feel as if you’re invited to a world where the past and the present coexist.

Opening Hours	9:30AM – 5:00PM　Closed on Monday, 3rd Wednesday and Public Holidays except 5th May
Address	12-49 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Ueno Station
URL	https://www.kodomo.go.jp/english/index.html

Japan’s first full-scale art museum “Hyokeikan” whose inside and outside are filled with paintings

Opened in 1909, “Hyokeikan” was built to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Taisho (a crown prince in the Meiji era). It is the first full-scale museum in Japan and is also a nationally designated important cultural property. The green-blue dome-shaped roofs catch your eyes. By repeating the repairs, the same colors as ones at the time of its construction are reproduced. At the top of the white stone wall, there are reliefs with motifs such as musical instruments, painting materials, drafting tools and Hannya (a mask of a female demon). Sit on the bench in front of the building and look at them. Also pay attention to multiple paintings arranged like surrounding the stained glass, which were drawn three-dimensionally with fine lines. Various parts of this building such as walls and railings are decorated with art, so you can enjoy them as well as exhibits.

Opening Hours	Monday to Thursday, Sunday 9:30～17:00／Friday and Saturday 9:30AM – 9:00PM
Address	13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Ueno Station
URL	https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_exhibition/index.php?controller=hall&hid=8