Asakusa is one of the oldest towns represented by Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and maintains the Edo (former name of Tokyo) atmosphere. In the evening, temple buildings and five-story pagoda etc. are beautifully illuminated. On the other hand, Ueno Park is the center of art in Tokyo with nature, museums and a zoo. These spots are rich in culture and history. Four tours are scheduled on November 12 in Asakusa and Ueno. Both places are close to each other(the third stop by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) and you can easily combine the two tours.
Schedule of November 12:
10:00-11:30 Asakusa morning tour
Enjoy a panoramic view of Asakusa from the roof top of the Tourist Information Center. Walk through the gates to the main hall of Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. Amazed by the massive red lanterns, guardian gods and big waraji sandals. Challenge an omikuji fortunetelling paper. You may be able to see children wearing cute costumes on the Shichi-Go-San celebration at Asakusa Shrine if you are lucky.
Lunch break
13:00-14:30 Asakusa afternoon tour
The same as the morning tour
13:30-15:30 Ueno Park tour
Explore 18 historical sights on a 2-hour walking tour. They are museums, shrines, temples, pagodas and bronze statues including hidden stories. Ueno Toshogu Shrine is gorgeous and outstanding for more than 370 years. Find the most photogenic spot called ‘Moon Pine’. See the Aomori Festival dealing with their local food and products in the center of the park.
16:30-18:00 Asakusa twilight tour (Sunset at 16:37)
Explore the quiet Nakamise Street in the evening. Discover the giant red lanterns, displayed guardian gods and big waraji sandals which are shining with light. See the illuminated temple buildings and the five-story pagoda. Challenge an omikuji fortunetelling paper which is available even after the main hall is closed. The view from the roof top of the Tourist Information Center is awesome.
There will be a number of Autumn events and festivals in Japan around this time of the year.
Among them the Shichi-Go-San celebration is one of the great events.
For Japanese people, Shichi-Go-San(7-5-3) is an important Shinto celebration for children growing up and wishing for their future blessings. They are the three(San)-year-old boys and girls, the five(Go)-year-old boys and the seven(Shichi)-year-old girls.
They are taken to the Shinto shrines such as Asakusa Shrine by their parents for purification rituals. Then, the children will receive chitose-ame, thousand-year candies. The candy is slim and long representing longevity. November 15 is traditionally the day for celebration but today, the event is flexible to suit individual circumstances. Shichi-Go-San is generally celebrated not only on November 15 but also nearby days or weekends in November.
Regarding Ueno Park, there will be an event to promote local food and products of ‘Aomori’ in the center of Ueno Park on November 12. It’s ‘Aomori Festival’.
Aomori prefecture is located at the north end of Honshu, the main island of Japan. They are rich in agricultural and marine products. It produces the most apples in Japan and is famous for high quality tuna. There will be a performance on a stage as well.
If you are around in Tokyo on November 12, why don’t you join us in Asakusa and/or Ueno. Seeing cute children on the Shichi-Go-San celebration at Asakusa Shrine and the lively Aomori Festival at Ueno Park will be a fun and memorable.
Please see our web site for more details including the access map and join us. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Asakusa and Ueno Park on November 12.
(Yoshi )