|
|
A map of my Day 1 walking tour.
|
I only went to Ueno（上野）once during my
Tokyo trip, yet I wish I had made time to go again and more thoroughly explore the area. There's plenty to see in the district; most of the sites like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno Zoo, and Shinobazu Pond are situated within Ueno Park（上野公園）.
I spent most of my time at
Ameyoko（アメ横）, arguably the commercial center of Ueno, but I wish I had focused more on Ueno Park. However, by the time I reached Ueno, it was already late afternoon. Visiting Tokyo in late winter has its perks as it's not peak tourist season. Nevertheless, you have to accept the much shorter days. I think visiting the park in the morning would be a great compromise.
 |
| Flowers at the entrance of the park. |
The 133 acre Ueno Park is like a small village; I think one could spend an entire day there without getting bored between the many museums, temples, and generally, the nature. I'm not an outdoorsy girl, but I loved walking under the trees and taking in the gorgeous variety of flowers found in the gardens. The park is impeccably maintained as well. While I didn't have the opportunity to see even a fourth of it, the little I enjoyed was enticing enough to place the area on my "must-see" list for the next time I'm in Tokyo.
 |
| An interesting sculpture. |
Of the four temples in Ueno Park, I visited Kiyomizu Kannondo（清水観音度）or Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. The northern area of the temple offers great views of the park and is a wonderful place to relax. Built in 1631, the it houses the Kosodate Kannon, who is the goddess of conception. It's no wonder I saw only women fervently praying there.
 |
| Kiyomizu Kannon Temple's rear. |
 |
| The northern face of the temple. |
 |
| The north of Kiyomizu Kannon Temple from afar. |
 |
| The park view from the temple. |
 |
| A brilliant decorative lamp. |
 |
| Prayers left by temple visitors. |
I'm a sucker for temples, so I'd highly recommend a visit to Kiyomizu Kannon Shrine. The other three temples and shrines in Ueno Park—Kaneiji Temple; Toshogu Shrine; and the Bentendo temple hall—look awesome in photos. Someday I'll see them and the rest of Ueno Park!
–
No comments:
Post a Comment