Cherry trees, lotus ponds, shrines, temples – and a string of museums and galleries. Ueno Koen (Ueno Park) – a vast green space in the north-east Tokyo – is a one-stop wonder on the cultural front. Since opening in 1873 to become the city’s first public park, it has been firmly on the cultural map.

Those seeking a comprehensive overview of Japanese arts and cultures should head to Tokyo National Museum, home to one of Japan’s most historic museum with more than 89,000 exhibits. From swashbuckling swords and ancient ceramics to woodblock prints and kimonos, its permanent collection housed in rotation in the main Honkan building offers a tour-de-force of Japanese culture.

An impressive collection of Asian Buddhist artifacts is also worth visiting in its Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, while its Hyokeikan building showcases special events and limited-run exhibitions. And the perfect post culture fix? A stroll around the park.