In front of Ueno Station, there is a pedestrian deck that allows you to access Marui and Ueno Park.
To get to the pedestrian deck, head for the Iriya ticket gate on the 2nd floor of JR Ueno Station.
You might be thinking, "I always use the Central ticket gate, but the Iriya ticket gate...?"
Keep in mind that the stairs going up from the Ueno Station platform lead to the Iriya ticket gate (2F), and the stairs going down lead to the Central ticket gate (1F).

When you exit the Iriya ticket gate, you'll find this Panda Hashiguchi. Go to the right in the photo and go down the escalator.
(The giant panda stuffed animal on the left is cute, so take a look!)
When you go down the escalator, you'll find the atre restaurant entrance on your right, and if you go straight, you'll see a monument.

This is a monument representing "sun". It's quite impressive when you see it up close.
By the way, the brown building in the back on the left is the headquarters of Tokyo Metro.
And the elevated road running straight across is the Shuto Expressway No. 1 Line.
I found a place where you can sit and rest right under this Shuto Expressway!

There was space for about 8 people to sit.
Since it's right under the expressway, you can use it even when it's raining, and it's a great point that you can avoid direct sunlight.
But I don't recommend it when you're drunk.
Because there's a water feature behind you, you might end up falling in (laughs)

Even so, I was almost mesmerized by the various geometric and linear patterns used by the deck, the walls, and the water feature.
Also, as for the environment of the rest area, there's a smoking area (smoking space) right next to it, so it's also recommended for those looking for a smoking area in Ueno.
(I don't smoke, though...)
I thought it would be pitch black at night, but it seems to be okay because there are lights.
It would be convenient when you want to make a phone call for work or job hunting in Ueno, or when you want to take a short break.
So, why not try using it as a resting place with seating around Ueno Station?





