5 Must-Visit Restaurants When Visiting Ueno Park, a Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Mar 05 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

5 Must-Visit Restaurants When Visiting Ueno Park, a Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

Spring is just around the corner, and one of the most anticipated events is cherry blossom viewing, or "hanami." After a long winter, seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom is a reminder of the splendor of spring in Japan. This time, we've selected five diverse restaurants near Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's premier hanami spots, offering a variety of cuisines. If you're going for cherry blossom viewing, be sure to check out these recommended restaurants!

See full listings of Thai and Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Ueno.

1. Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of Thailand and fully enjoy the authentic flavors of the region.

Just a 1-minute walk from Ueno Station, "Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana" offers authentic Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chefs at reasonable prices. Their generous and healthy dishes like "Yam Wun Sen" (glass noodle salad) and "Pa Pia Sod" (fresh spring roll salad) are popular among women. Additionally, the ability to adjust the spiciness of the dishes is a welcome feature

The interior is adorned with decorations sourced from Thailand, creating an atmospheric setting. The warm and welcoming service provided by staff members dressed in traditional Thai attire adds to the charm. Moreover, the entire restaurant is non-smoking, making it suitable for families with children. With its cozy and inviting ambiance reminiscent of Thailand, it's a recommended spot to indulge in authentic Thai flavors.

Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, Day Before Holidays, Holidays] Lunch 11:00 - 15:00 (last order 14:30) [Tuesday - Saturday, Day Before Holidays, Holidays] Dinner 17:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:00) [Sunday] Dinner 17:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:00)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: A one-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (exit from the Central Ticket Gate or Shinobazu Exit).
Address: 3F DB Ueno II, 6-16-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Chinese Cuisine Cogetsu Ikenohata Main Branch

At a traditional house where you can feel the atmosphere of the Showa era, enjoy healthy Chinese cuisine.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Nezu Station, "Chinese Cuisine Cogetsu Ikenohata Main Branch" offers a selection of body-friendly Chinese cuisine prepared by veteran chefs holding the title of "Nutrition Medicinal Master." Using only the finest ingredients, including fresh and high-quality seafood, as well as approximately 20 types of vegetables in one course, you can enjoy meticulously crafted dishes.

The restaurant is nestled in a hidden traditional house along Ueno Zoo Street. With private rooms throughout, you can enjoy your meal in a charming fusion of Japanese and Western styles. The tatami-mat rooms with tables provide a relaxing space suitable for all ages. Additionally, by removing the sliding doors of the tatami rooms, they can be transformed into a large hall, accommodating various occasions.

Chinese Cuisine Cogetsu Ikenohata Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit No.2 of Nezu Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Address: 4-23-1, Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. 76Vin

In an atmosphere reminiscent of a stylish café, indulge in meticulously crafted yakitori.

Located just a 2-minute walk from Nezu Station, "76Vin" is a wine bar featuring yakitori curated by culinary expert Yukiko Hirano. The yakitori, made with Saisai chicken from Iwate Prefecture, is seasoned with a red wine-based sauce and French salt, among other creative ideas. You can enjoy it alongside a selection of approximately 100 wines.

With stools at the counter, tables, and walls lined with wine bottles, the interior gives off a vibe reminiscent of a café, leading some visitors to mistake it for one. With its chic atmosphere, where more than 60% of the clientele are women, it's perfect for gatherings such as girls' nights out and dates.

76Vin

Open: 18:00 - 24:00, no yakitori (grilled chicken) on Wednesday
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. Kazumiya

Savor the charm of Japanese cuisine with a 9-course menu featuring carefully selected ingredients.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Yushima Station, Kazumiya offers a culinary experience centered around a 9-course menu curated by the owner, who believes that the seasonal essence reflected in the dishes is the essence of Japanese cuisine. From appetizers to sashimi, soups, grilled dishes, simmered dishes, and fried items, each course features carefully selected seasonal ingredients, boasting a remarkable level of completion that makes them stand out as main attractions.

What sets this establishment apart is its combination of high-quality cuisine with a casual, down-to-earth atmosphere typical of the downtown area. While there are six seats at the counter, only two groups of up to four people are accommodated at a time, ensuring a relaxed dining experience. Guests can leisurely enjoy the carefully selected tableware chosen by the owner and Japanese sake handpicked by the proprietress.

Kazumiya

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Yushima Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line or Keihintohoku Line
Address: 1F, Imas Sunny Bldg., 1-11-9, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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5. Ponta Honke

The original cutlet made by a long-standing establishment founded in the 38th year of the Meiji era is enjoyed with relish.

Located a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station, "Ponta Honke" is a longstanding Western-style restaurant established since the 38th year of the Meiji era. The founder, who served as a chef for the Imperial Household Agency, created the original "cutlet," known as "Katsu" in Japanese, by frying Milan-style cutlets tempura-style. In addition to the renowned "Katsu," you can also enjoy high-quality Western dishes such as "Beef Tongue Stew" and "Fried Oysters."

Upon opening the imposing doors, you'll find a counter with four seats. This special seating allows solo diners to witness the craftsmanship up close. The restaurant offers not only counter seating on the first floor but also table seating on the second floor and private rooms on the third floor. The tatami-style private rooms are reserved exclusively for customers who have booked course meals.

Ponta Honke

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the south exit of Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line / Keihin Tohoku Line
Address: 3-23-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.