atré Ueno — Local services in Tokyo

Ueno (literally meaning "upper meadow") Station, is a major train terminal in Tokyo. It is the second stop out of Tokyo Station traveling north on the "Tohoku Honsen," (or "northeast corridor" main line).

We spent our first night in a Asakusa boutique business hotel. We checked into our hotel. Then together we celebrated our safe arrival in Japan at a Japanese eel (Unagi) restaurant just across the street from our hotel. And, afterwards we headed over to the well-known local temple.

Later, we discovered, how very different our respective flights Into Haneda were met with quite remarkable contrasts in weather patterns and conditions. Stormy conditions were predicted for the Tokyo metropolitan area, which included Haneda Airport. One sister got on the ground with minor turbulence. However, our sister and brother from Seattle, had their worst-ever white knuckles turbulence as their plane was mercilessly tossed and turned during their descent. Ultimately, they flew through the turbulent clouds, only to experience a smooth, uneventful final landing. My sister and I were the last to touch-down. Clearly our pilot was well aware of the impending super rough turbulence. He warned everyone, including first class and stewardess to tightly secure their special seatbelts harnesses. We all gave an additional firm tug on our seatbelt straps. Our pilot repeated his worrisome message. Personally, I have never heard a pilot so concerned. My worries increased dramatically about our impending descent into Haneda Airport. We flew through a few huge thundercliuda, but others we flew around. The sun played off of the massive upright cloud formations accentued by the late afternoon sun. There was a terrifying beauty to it all as we waited for our predicted merciless turbulence. Our plane shuttered as we went through several massive clouds. Our pilot skillfully maneuvered us around other clouds in huge tower (cloud pillars) formations as we descended toward Tokyo. But, that was it. Apparently, the violent epicenter of the storm had passed through. Our plane hit only a mild fringe of the storm. As we landed it was clear that a serious rain storm had passed through. There were serious pools of water near and along the runway. But, we were safely on the ground.

Later, we heard from both sister and brother from Seattle of their unsettling, terrifying descent. Apparently, it was their worst ever encounter with turbulence.

But, through it all, each of our three separate planes landed safely. It was good to finally stand on Japanese soil.

At Ueno Station, we exchanged our registered pre-paid rail documents, for actual JR (Japan Rail) passes. Each of us set our activation dates for our respective 5 day Tohoku passes. Mine was a 7 day pass allowing travel throughout the entire length of the...

Atre Ueno is one of two popular shopping centers inside JR Ueno Station. The other shopping center, Ecute, is located inside the ticket gates. Atre however, is located outside the ticket gates. This shopping mall has a good range of shopping facilities with a lot of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops, a supermarket, a drugstore, a bakery and a bookstore. There are also plenty of cafés where you can take a break, and restaurants serving both international and...

Ueno station itself is like a big shopping mall..it's huge w different shops. Though mainly food...cross the road and there are lots of alleys w shops selling fashion wear n sports wear. But be alert as there are alot of overpriced shops there targeting tourist. Overall atre is great ..and ueno itself can keep U occupied at least 1 full day.(Although to really enjoy the area n walks n uneo park U probably...