Shinobazu Pond
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Keisei Ueno Station · 1 min walk (Keisei Main Line)
- Hours
- 5:00–23:00 (park grounds; boat pond 10:00–17:50, seasonal variation)
- Admission
- Free (boat rentals ¥800–¥1,000 per 30 min)
- Time needed
- 30–60 min
- Best time to go
- 7:00–9:00 AM from mid-July to mid-August, when the lotus blossoms fully open before closing by midday
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Located in Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond is a historic natural oasis divided into three distinct areas: a massive lotus pond, a sanctuary for migratory waterfowl, and a scenic boating pond. It is highly worth visiting to see the spectacular pink lotus blooms in mid-summer or to rent a classic swan pedal boat for a relaxing glide across the water. Expect a peaceful escape from Tokyo's bustle, complete with the picturesque Bentendo Temple situated on a small central island.
What Japanese guides note
Shinobazu Pond occupies the lowland southwest of the Ueno hill, with paved paths connecting it directly to Kiyomizu Kannon-do and the Yushima district. Lotus blooms in the southern section close by noon, meaning flower viewings require early morning arrivals well before surrounding museums open. The boat pier follows seasonal operating schedules and shuts down on Wednesdays during winter, and feeding waterfowl across all three ponds is strictly prohibited.
Details from local sources
- Buddhist monk Tenkai planned Shinobazu Pond to represent Lake Biwa and built Benten Island to emulate Chikubushima when establishing Kan'ei-ji in 1625. [source]
- Between 1884 and 1892, an oval horse racing track encircled Shinobazu Pond, hosting bi-annual races attended by Emperor Meiji at its opening. [source]
- Immediately following World War II, the pond was drained and converted into rice paddies called Shinobazu Tanbo, harvesting 200 bags of rice before being restored in 1949. [source]
- Because Shinobazu Pond has no natural river inflows, groundwater pumped from the deep underground bullet train platforms at JR Ueno Station has been continuously discharged into it since September 3, 2003. [source]
Insider Tip
Visit in July or August between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to see the giant lotus flowers fully open before they close for the afternoon.
Frequently asked
What types of rental boats are available on Shinobazu Pond and what do they cost?
The boat house on the western basin rents three boat styles in 30-minute blocks: rowboats for ¥800 (up to 3 adults), cycle pedal boats for ¥1,000 (2 adults, 1 child), and swan pedal boats for ¥1,000 (2 adults, 1 child).
What time of day do the lotus flowers bloom in summer?
The lotus blossoms bloom from July through August, opening at dawn and reaching full bloom between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By midday the flowers close up, so visitors hoping to see open petals along the viewing deck must arrive early in the morning.
Can visitors walk completely around Shinobazu Pond on foot?
The outer perimeter trail measures approximately 2 kilometers and connects directly to park pathways and Benten Island via stone bridges and causeways. A dedicated wooden viewing deck (Hasumi Deck) extends across the lotus basin, permitting pedestrians to walk directly through the dense vegetation.
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On the same walk
Photos
