Among the parks in Tokyo, Ueno Park is certainly not one to miss. This massive park houses a myriad of flowers and trees, but also several cafes, museums and temples. Thanks to this, its charm evolves along with the season. In spring, Ueno boasts cherry blossom trees and spacious areas for hanami. Folks would bring carpets and claim their spots for viewing the blossoms with their friends and loved ones. In fall, the red, orange and yellow leaves would descend and ride the autumn breeze. People can visit temples and walk along stony pathways while the leaves flutter about.

Perhaps the greatest charm of Ueno Park is its liveliness. During one of my visits, I saw a live painting performed on a sunny day. I still remember how the painter used spray paints and stencils to create a verdant forest with the sunlight peeking between the canopies. Brown and grey paints composed the large, strong tree trunks, while black silhouettes were painted atop the grass. Music accompanied the crowd that surrounded the painter. By the end of it, the painting revealed a small child and a cat enjoying their walk in the woods. Though the final piece was magical, what enchanted me more was seeing the painting being brought to life. Such performances brighten the park and make people look forward to coming once again to Ueno Park.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Sophia University