This video takes viewers on a captivating walking tour from Ueno Park (上野公園) toward Hongo, uncovering remnants of both cultural heritage and dramatic historical events in the heart of Tokyo. Ueno Park is widely known today for its lively zoo and museums, consistently drawing large crowds. However, the area holds much deeper significance stretching back to the Edo period, when Kan’ei-ji Temple (寛永寺) served as the family temple (bodaiji) of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The video explores how, during the late Edo period, Ueno became the scene of the Ueno War (上野戦争), a pivotal battle fought in 1868 during the Boshin War. The battle transformed Kan’ei-ji and its surroundings, leaving historical traces that can still be observed throughout the park. Viewers are guided along these historic paths, examining markers and sites that quietly tell the story of Ueno’s turbulent past alongside its serene present.

In addition to the historical context, the walk highlights the blend of old and new that gives Ueno Park its unique flavor. While the park bustles with modern attractions like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art (西洋美術館), quiet reminders of the city’s transformation linger in temple halls, stone monuments, and description boards across the grounds. This walk provides both a recreational and educational experience for travelers or locals interested in Tokyo’s dramatic evolution.

Ueno is located in Taito Ward (台東区), easily accessible by public transit. For visitors seeking a route rich in history and culture, a stroll through the remnants of Kan’ei-ji and the battlefield offers insight into the shaping of modern Tokyo and an appreciation of the area’s enduring spirit.