Thank you very much for participating in our tours on Japan’s general election for House of Representative members. The guides finished voting and then came to Asakusa and Ueno Park. The outcome of the election was the current ruling party fell short of majority so Japan might face the change of government soon for the first time in 12 years.
On such election day, at Asakusa tour we hosted 20 guests from Canada Israel, Argentine, Brazil, Germany, Vietnam, USA, and Philippines in the morning and 9 guests from UK, Canada, and Russia in the afternoon.
At Ueno Park, 10 guests joined us from USA, Israel, Italy, Spain, Indonesia and Argentine.
Here posted group photos and snapshots as promised. We hope you will be able to remember our tours with these photos!!
As the election result indicated a big change in Japan’s politics. Tokyo is changing as well. 3 out of 4 tour courses are in traditional areas of Tokyo. Only one, Meiji Jingu Shrine is in a newly developed area since the 20th century. The Imperial Palace, formerly Shogun’s castle was the origin of the city. Asakusa and Ueno were traditional commoners’ towns being developed for centuries since feudal period.
So interestingly enough, some reminiscences of the old time atmosphere can be seen. Not only the structures, items guests enjoyed in Asakusa and Ueno Park but craftsman shop towns between Asakusa and Ueno Park are the ones.
Just a few blocks from Sensoji Temple is Kappabashi district where tens of shops of cooking knife and tools are lined up. You can buy any kind of knife and kitchen tools. Very good for chefs.
Near Ueno Park is Nippori Fabric street where tens of shops of fabric sheets are lined up so that you can purchase any kind of clothing materials. Very good for dress makers.
Cooking knife and cloths are hand-made practical items in our daily life from the very old time.
Kappabashi town and Nippori Fabric street are craftsman shop districts where individual professionals manage and utilize, unlike factories of large scale corporations established in modern time.
These towns are created out of individual based craftsmanship since feudal period symbolised by traditional structures at Sensoji temple and Ueno Park.
So when you are escorted by our guides in Asakusa or Ueno Park, you not only enjoy the traditional structures and items but you are surrounded by the traditional spirit still alive in these areas.
Why not join us to feel such spirits!!
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(Posted by Masa)