Kotoku Park
Designated smoking area · Taito City, Tokyo
Hours
Open 24 Hours
Days
Open every day
Type
Outdoor
Fee
Free
Address
Kotoku Park
4-5-6 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City
Kotoku Park Smoking Guide: Location & Hours
If you are navigating the streets of East Ueno and need a legal, hassle-free place to light up, Kotoku Park (古徳公園) offers a highly convenient public smoking zone. Located in a quiet pocket of Taito City, this outdoor smoking area is an absolute lifesaver for tourists and expats walking between the bustling Ueno Station area and the quieter residential streets of Higashi-Ueno. To spot it, simply look for the designated, fenced-off corner of the park equipped with standing public ashtrays.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exact Location | 4-5-6 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015 |
| Access | Ueno Station (JR & Tokyo Metro), approx. a 5 to 7-minute walk from Exit 1 or the Asakusa Exit |
| Type | Outdoor (Designated fenced area with public ashtrays) |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 Hours, Daily |
| Fee | Free |
How to Find It & Local Rules
To reach the smoking area, head east from Ueno Station, cross under the Showa-dori Avenue overpass, and walk into the grid of Higashi-Ueno. Kotoku Park is a small neighborhood green space nestled among local office buildings and apartment complexes. The designated smoking area is located on the perimeter of the park, clearly partitioned to keep smoke away from the children's play structures.
Important Local Rules: Taito Ward (Taito-ku) enforces a strict ban on street smoking. Lighting up on any public street, sidewalk, or non-designated park area is illegal and carries an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 JPY. To avoid fines and respect the local community, always step inside the fenced perimeter of the Kotoku Park smoking zone before lighting your cigarette.
Nearby Landmarks
If you are trying to orient yourself, the smoking area is located close to these key local spots:
- Ueno Station (Asakusa Exit / Exit 1): The major transit hub is just a 5-minute walk west, making this a great spot to stop before or after a train ride.
- Showa-dori Avenue: The busy multi-lane highway and overhead expressway that separates the main Ueno station area from the quieter Higashi-Ueno district.
- Higashi-Ueno "Korean Town": Tokyo's oldest Korean district, famous for its authentic yakiniku (Korean BBQ) restaurants, located just a couple of blocks south of the park.