Tokyo · Around Ueno
Shinobazu Pond and Benten-do
How to get there and what to see · facts checked 2026-10-24
An octagonal hall to the goddess Benzaiten on an island in the pond in Ueno Park. In summer the pond fills with lotus flowers.
- Nearest station
- Inside Ueno Park
What to see
- Shinobazu Benten-do: the main image is the eight-armed Daibenzaiten, worshipped for long life, good fortune and the arts.
- Octagonal hall: it has eight sides so people can worship from every side of the pond.
- Lotus in the pond: at its best in late July, one of the park's two signature views along with the cherry trees.
Seasons
- The lotus is at its best in late July.
History
It was built by the priest Tenkai, who founded Kaneiji temple. The original hall was lost in the war, and the present one was rebuilt in 1958.
Getting there
Inside Ueno Park. The park is two minutes on foot from Ueno Station, but the official sources give no walking time to the hall itself.
Around Ueno
Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.
Nearby sights
← Tokyo guide: trains from Tokyo
Sources
Hours, prices and history come from the official websites and public tourism pages listed here. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
- 東京都建設局 上野恩賜公園（公園の見どころ）（checked 2026-10-24）
Map data：© OpenStreetMap contributors