Matsuzakaya Ueno 松坂屋上野店

Historic details hidden inside a modern facade

Ueno Station has many historic and vintage spots to pique your interest. But some are more obvious than others. The refurbished Matsuzakaya department store just south of the Ueno Hirokoji exit of Ueno Station has been renovated many times, but look closely at the enduring vintage architectural details. On the mezzanine above the ground floor (or first floor, depending on your variety of English), among the densely packed retail shops, you can spot some retro details from the original building. Corbels, cornices, and sculpted beams remain from a century ago.