Thank you so much for joining the tours in Asakusa and Ueno Park on May 26. We welcomed 17 guests from America, Canada, Sweden, Armenia, Germany, India and Dubai. It was extremely hot like a mid-summer’s day for this time of year. Nevertheless, I hope all of you enjoyed walking together with us.
We offer four different free walking tours in Tokyo and the newest tour is Ueno Park. Ueno Park is one of the best-loved and most beautiful spaces in Japan and over 10mil people visit each year. The Park has many historic spots since it was the site of Kaneiji Temple, the family temple of the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo period for nearly 270 years. It was open 140 years ago after the civil war with the Meiji Restoration. Since then the area has rapidly developed and became a major tourist spot.
The attraction of the Park is not only to show the modern architectures but also preserve the ancient buildings. The main building of Tokyo National Museum is the Western and Japanese eclectic architectural style, and now holds the special exhibition from Kyoto To-ji Temple (until June 2). National Museum of Western Art planned by Le Corbusier was designated as the World Cultural Heritage Property three years ago. Moreover, the historic buildings such as gorgeous Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the stunning pagoda and the characteristic Kiyomizu Temple survive fires, earthquakes and the wars, and remain still in perfect condition for nearly 400 years. In addition, the 200-year-old Black Gate is a massive architecture.
On top of all that, see the rich and beautiful nature of each season. Cherry blossoms in spring, scenic lotus flowers in Shinobazu pond in summer and a number of flying waterfowls in winter. Now the Park has a lot of fresh green leaves and walking under the trees is really a great fun. We should thank Dr. Anthonius Bauduin, a Dutch medical doctor who made a proposal to the new Meiji government to build a public park in view of the rich nature. Our local guides will fascinate you with the quintessential focal points of the Park.
Ueno Park tour characterizes
The Ueno Park tour is held on 2nd and 4th Sunday. The meeting point is between Park Exit of JR Ueno Station and Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Join the tour after the morning tour of Asakusa. Of course, you may join us in Ueno. The tour starts at 1:30 pm from Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and finishes around the statue of Saigo Takamori. It takes about two hours.
(posted by Yoshi)