When in Japan: Ameyoko, the sweet shop alley in Ueno

One more stop in Tokyo before I hop on the train to the next leg of the Japanese journey.

Ueno. It's a vibrant district in Tokyo's Taito Ward. Historically, it's part of "Shitamachi" (Japanese for "lower town"), referring to the lower-lying areas where merchants and the working class lived during the Edo period. In contrast, the wealthier class lived in the hilly districts known as "Yamanote" (Japanese for "towards the mountain").

In the "low-lying town" of Ueno today, the excitement level is high.

The major transportation hub of Ueno Station was the kickoff point for the next adventure at the Gunma Prefecture. Before boarding the train, a quick exploration of the area was in order. Why? Ueno Station is more than just the train stop; it's also a gateway to notable attractions in Tokyo.

Off the tracks of Ueno Station alone are Tokyo's popular attractions. The expansive Ueno Park, a very popular cherry blossom destination and home to Japan's oldest zoo, also embraces a cornucopia of other must-visit sites, from museums to temples.

Within the park is the Kaneiji Temple, once Tokyo's largest and wealthiest temple; the 1631-built Kiyomizu Kannondo, home to an image of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception; the 1616-built Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu; and the octagonal-shaped Bentendo Temple, dedicated to the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.

Art is in the park, too. Keeping art scene abloom year-round are the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan; the National Museum of Nature and Science; the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, which displays all types of art in its six galleries; the National Museum of Western Art housed in Japan's only Le Corbusier-designed building, a World Heritage Site; and the Shitamachi Museum.

Falling in love with Ameyoko

Then there's the Candy Store Alley on the other side of the track—Ameya Yokocho, popularly known as Ameyoko (“ame” is sweets and “ya” means shop). Sweet.

But the candy lane belonged to the past, at the black market that emerged after World War II. Today's bustling Ameyoko has evolved to have more than 400 shops and stalls selling clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food, spices, etc.