Statue & Monument · Ueno

Saigo Takamori Statue 西郷隆盛像

Ueno Park's beloved bronze of the 'last samurai' Saigo Takamori, depicted in a casual kimono walking his dog, a symbol of Ueno since 1898.

Hours24 hours

ClosedOpen daily

PriceFree

Getting thereKeisei Ueno Station, 2 min; JR Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit, 3 min

Time needed10 min

Best timeAny time; late March for blossoms

AddressUenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo (south entrance of Ueno Park)

About

Saigo Takamori led the imperial forces that toppled the shogunate in 1868, then died leading the failed Satsuma Rebellion against the new government in 1877, becoming a tragic folk hero (and the loose inspiration for 'The Last Samurai'). When he was pardoned posthumously, this bronze by sculptor Takamura Koun was unveiled in 1898 at the south entrance of Ueno Park, famously showing him not in uniform but in a simple yukata with his hunting dog Tsun. It stands on the terrace above Ueno's Keisei and JR stations, near the graves of the Shogitai warriors who fought here in 1868.

Highlights

Takamura Koun's 1898 bronze, 3.7 m tall
Saigo shown in casual robes with his Satsuma dog Tsun
Gateway to Ueno Park and its museums
Nearby Shogitai memorial from the 1868 Battle of Ueno

Tips

It's at the top of the stairs from Keisei Ueno Station / JR Ueno Station's Shinobazu Exit, the classic meeting spot for Ueno outings.
His widow reportedly said 'my husband didn't look like that' at the unveiling, a fun fact for photos.
Combine with Ueno Park's museums or the cherry-blossom path directly behind.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Saigo Takamori Statue 西郷隆盛像

About

Highlights

Tips

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