Tokyo 2012: Ueno Park
First morning in Tokyo and we experienced the peak hour even though we intentionally went out later. It was not an unpleasant experience, just a fascinating one. There seems to be an unspoken system that's going on as people move quickly, some practically running and yet they manage not to crash or even bump into one another. I tried to get out of the way as much as possible as it couldn't be more obvious that we were tourists, looking somewhat overwhelmed. But people were really polite and didn't seem to be bothered when we were a little slow, they just navigated around us swiftly. Another thing that didn't escape my attention was how all of them walk in almost similar rhythm and pace; the footsteps and heels clacking on the ground have a semblance of melody to it. Mind-boggling!
The itinerary began at Ueno Park, which was really lovely and beautiful. The feel is a lot more relaxing and quiet, rather distinctive from the parks in the U.S. I do appreciate the beauty of winter in Tokyo and can only imagine how this park will be transformed during spring or fall. We visited a couple of temples and shrines and spent considerable time at Tokyo National Museum.
Incidentally, there was a special exhibition: 200 Selected Masterpieces from the Palace Museum, Beijing and when we were done with it, we saw a super long line of locals who patiently waited for their turns to go in. Inside the hall which was extremely crowded, the Japanese lined up patiently to see each item one by one! I have never seen such of orderliness in any museum before. Wow! We were probably the impatient ones that walked, scanned quickly and skipped some exhibits that didn't quite appeal to us. A handout that listed every single items clearly for this particular exhibit was given to each visitor too. Very very impressed with the level of attentiveness.
We checked out a dessert place for a quick lunch. This place is known for their desserts but truthfully I was a little underwhelmed; good just not great. I love Japanese desserts and maybe my high expectations set me up for disappointment. The selection for lunch was limited but whatever that we ordered were quite yummy.
After lunch we spent some time walking through the small alleys of Ameyoko. Buzzing with life and people, this place offers a great variety of things for sale. Interesting place I must say.
A picture I took from Shibuya Station that shows the morning human traffic.
Ueno Park - peaceful and quiet.
Tomb site of Shogi-Tai soldiers
Heading to Toshogu Shrine, which is under renovation.
Beautiful Copper Lanterns - designated as National Treasures of Japan - are not used for illumination but purification.
Toshogu Shrine with a printed canvas of the shrine.
Ueno Zoo - there were several groups of children heading there that day. The little ones looked adorable holding hands.
Tokyo National Museum.
Delicious oden served at a dessert shop in Ueno
Ozohni noodle with eggs and chicken. Very light and tasty. First time having this.
Ichiho cream anmitsu and shiratama. Bestselling at the dessert shop. Good but not wow.
Matcha anmitsu. The macha was really intense.
Ameyoko
AKB48 - incredibly hot girl band in Tokyo. Their posters/endorsements are everyone and my dear hubby is a fan too. Just look at his happy smile.
Small eating places that look good but we simply didn't have enough space to eat everything!
The itinerary began at Ueno Park, which was really lovely and beautiful. The feel is a lot more relaxing and quiet, rather distinctive from the parks in the U.S. I do appreciate the beauty of winter in Tokyo and can only imagine how this park will be transformed during spring or fall. We visited a couple of temples and shrines and spent considerable time at Tokyo National Museum.
Incidentally, there was a special exhibition: 200 Selected Masterpieces from the Palace Museum, Beijing and when we were done with it, we saw a super long line of locals who patiently waited for their turns to go in. Inside the hall which was extremely crowded, the Japanese lined up patiently to see each item one by one! I have never seen such of orderliness in any museum before. Wow! We were probably the impatient ones that walked, scanned quickly and skipped some exhibits that didn't quite appeal to us. A handout that listed every single items clearly for this particular exhibit was given to each visitor too. Very very impressed with the level of attentiveness.
We checked out a dessert place for a quick lunch. This place is known for their desserts but truthfully I was a little underwhelmed; good just not great. I love Japanese desserts and maybe my high expectations set me up for disappointment. The selection for lunch was limited but whatever that we ordered were quite yummy.
After lunch we spent some time walking through the small alleys of Ameyoko. Buzzing with life and people, this place offers a great variety of things for sale. Interesting place I must say.
A picture I took from Shibuya Station that shows the morning human traffic.
Ueno Park - peaceful and quiet.
Tomb site of Shogi-Tai soldiers
Heading to Toshogu Shrine, which is under renovation.
Beautiful Copper Lanterns - designated as National Treasures of Japan - are not used for illumination but purification.
Toshogu Shrine with a printed canvas of the shrine.
Ueno Zoo - there were several groups of children heading there that day. The little ones looked adorable holding hands.
Tokyo National Museum.
Delicious oden served at a dessert shop in Ueno
Ozohni noodle with eggs and chicken. Very light and tasty. First time having this.
Ichiho cream anmitsu and shiratama. Bestselling at the dessert shop. Good but not wow.
Matcha anmitsu. The macha was really intense.
Ameyoko
AKB48 - incredibly hot girl band in Tokyo. Their posters/endorsements are everyone and my dear hubby is a fan too. Just look at his happy smile.
Small eating places that look good but we simply didn't have enough space to eat everything!