Ueno, located in Tokyo’s Taito Ward, is a mesmerizing district where the rich tapestry of history seamlessly intertwines with vibrant culture. At the heart of this bustling area lies Ueno Station, a place that breathes life into the entire center.
Step into a realm where culture and arts will tantalize your senses, immersing yourself in the legacy of Japan’s first public park, the prestigious Ueno Park. This urban sanctuary of tranquility offers a haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a leisurely stroll through Ueno no Mori, an enchanting enclave of art and creativity, where boundless imagination knows no limits.
Beyond the artistic pleasures, there awaits the bustling embrace of Ameyoko Shopping Street, a vivacious thoroughfare offering treasures from all corners of the world. Here, you can indulge in delectable culinary delights, savoring the fusion of diverse flavors.
For a truly exceptional culinary exploration, let Dishes Japan guide your way, curating the finest dining establishments that promise a symphony of tastes, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ramen Kamo to Negi (らーめん 鴨to葱)
The restaurant is located under the train tracks between JR Ueno and Okachimachi stations. It specializes in duck-based ramen with a simple interior and 11 seats. The soup is made from aigamo ducks cooked with water for two days, combined with shoyu tare for flavor. The ramen features thin noodles, confit of duck meat, and grilled negi. Guests can choose from three types of negi and use various condiments available. Arriving early is recommended as the restaurant may close early when soup runs out.
Ueno Yabusoba (上野藪そば)
Ueno Yabusoba, established in 1892, is a renowned restaurant located in a quiet back alley off Ameyoko Shopping Street, close to JR Ueno Station in Tokyo. The restaurant takes pride in serving authentic handmade soba noodles made from Hokkaido buckwheat. Customers can watch the chef preparing soba on the first floor. The popular dishes include Seirou, plain cold soba noodles with dipping sauce, and Ten-Seirou, a combination of tempura and cold soba. Ueno Yabusoba is known for its sobayu, the soba water used to boil the noodles, which is served in a small metal kettle and has excellent nutritional value.
Tonkatsu Yamabe (とんかつ山家 上野店)
Tonkatsu Yamabe has two branches in the Ueno area, Ueno and Okachimachi, close to each other but separated by the elevated JR Yamanote Line. The main branch, Tonkatsu Ichikatsu, is located in Ryogoku. The restaurant is known for its high-quality food at remarkably low prices. For instance, the Jo-Rosu Katsu Teishoku costs only 1,200 yen, about half the price of other famous tonkatsu restaurants, while maintaining comparable quality. The standard menu item is the Rosu Katsu Teishoku, priced at 770 yen, featuring a 2cm thick, golden-brown, and tender loin cutlet served with various sides. Another popular item is the Mix Teishoku, offering Kushi-Katsu, Ebi-Fry, and Aji-Fry for those wanting to enjoy both meat and fish.
Torie Ueno Hirokoji (鳥恵 上野広小路店)
Torie is located near Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Ueno Okachimachi, with a torii gate entrance. Run by owner chef Toshimasa Ozawa, it specializes in yakitori, particularly using premium chicken like Daisen Dori and Nagoya Cochin. Skewers are grilled over high-quality binchotan charcoal and seasoned with a special sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and red sake. The menu also includes inventive side dishes, with the signature dish being oyakodon. Reservations are essential.
Jimbocho Shokuniku Center (神保町食肉センター 上野店)
Jimbocho Shokuniku Center Ueno Branch, located near Tokyo Metro Ueno-Okachimachi Station, is a stylish yakiniku restaurant on the second floor with spacious tables for groups. Their lunch menu offers courses A through C, followed by two dish choices from a selection. The 45-minute all-you-can-eat lunch is reasonably priced at 1,000 yen, featuring domestically produced meat from Farms Chiyoda in Hokkaido, along with unlimited white rice, onion salad, and soup. Limited quantities of certain dishes are available, so early arrival is recommended.
