Arrive by 4:30 PM since the temple closes at 5:00 PM daily. The last 30 minutes offer a golden-hour light that photographers prize, but you'll need time to walk the interior and exterior without rushing.
At a Glance
Built in 1632, this temple is one of Tokyo's oldest structures and a surviving piece of the vast Kan'ei-ji complex that once dominated Ueno before the Battle of Ueno nearly destroyed it.
The iconic Moon Pine was trained into a perfect circular loop and appears in Hiroshige's famous 'One Hundred Views of Edo', making this tree one of Tokyo's most documented natural features from the Edo period.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Same as opening hours
Regular
¥500
Arrive by 4:30 PM since the temple closes at 5:00 PM daily. The last 30 minutes offer a golden-hour light that photographers prize, but you'll need time to walk the interior and exterior without rushing.
Pick up a goshuinchō (stamp collection notebook) here if you're visiting multiple temples and shrines in Tokyo, as this 1632 temple offers one of the oldest goshuin stamps in the city and staff can explain the tradition.
Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the dark, quiet interior and notice the 1878 painting depicting the Battle of Ueno that occurred at this exact location. The aged wood smell and dim lighting create an atmosphere you won't find in newer temples.
Bring cash if you want to purchase a goshuin stamp or make an offering, as some smaller temples in Tokyo still operate primarily on cash transactions despite being near major stations.
Visit on a weekday morning before 10 AM to photograph the iconic Moon Pine without crowds framing the shot. Winter weekdays are especially quiet, making it easier to capture the circular tree that appears in Hiroshige's famous Edo prints.
The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
Part of the Kanei-ji complex.
2 structures on the grounds
Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
New Year's festival/visitation
The temple is especially popular during New Year’s, with additional booths selling holiday food and souvenirs.
Obon seasonal visitation
The temple is especially popular during Obon in the summer, with additional booths on the grounds.
Kanji of the Year ceremony
Annual ceremony held at the temple on Kanji Day.
More ways to continue from this place.
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Timetable data: Public Transportation Open Data Center
Renting needs the operator's app and a Japanese phone number. docomo day passes are sold at convenience stores. Data sources
Taito, Tokyo Prefecture
What this place is believed to grant
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You can walk from JR Ueno Station's Park or Shinobazu exit, or from Keisei Ueno Station, but there are some stairs, so watch your footing. It sits along the Ueno Park route and the entrance is easy to find. Photography is not allowed inside the hall.
Built in a stage style on high ground with a good view toward Shinobazu Pond, it recalls Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera. Near the entrance is a descendant of the Akiiro cherry tree, and many people photograph the Shinobazu Benten hall through the "Moon Pine" in front of the stage. Stones and bracelets are sometimes sold in front of the hall.
Alexandre Feutren checked in
Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Taito, Tokyo
deMauri Mackie checked in
Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Taito, Tokyo
