Thank you for joining Tokyo Free Walking Tour in Asakusa and Ueno Park on March 19. We welcomed seven people from Philippines, Netherlands, Canada, America and Brazil. In fact, it snowed rapidly and was cold in the morning on that day. Nevertheless, we appreciate very much that you kindly participated in our tour in spite of the bad weather. Having said that, the long-awaited cherry blossom season is finally here. We could admire the early cherry blossoms bloom in Ueno Park. As mentioned, the photos we took during the tours are posted.
Shitamachi Museum on the shore of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park is a nostalgic place to make you travel back to the early 1900s. The Museum was closed for substantial renovation for two years and has just been reopened on March 9. “Shitamachi” is a Japanese term often used to describe old and traditional towns. We can enjoy the traditional culture of the old environments at the museum.The museum is owned by the Taito City Office and was built in 1980 to pass down the culture of the good old days to the next generations.
At the 1st floor, you will be able to enter a recreated lantern shop and rear tenement at a Taito City’s area which have survived the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the 1945 Great Tokyo air raids. We can experience the daily activities and the way of life of the people until the 1950s. Also, you will be able to see and touch the good old facilities which were actually used in the old days. A water well was shared by the residents as a social meeting place.
In the exhibition corner of the 2nd floor, everyday items are shown on a low table where families gathered: the nostalgic radio, telephone, kettle etc.
Moreover, you will learn about major events from the Meiji period (1868-1912) until the 1950s and how the events influenced and changed people’s lives.
I wish the Shitamachi culture of the common people will be preserved and last into the future. The Shitamchi Musum is open every day except Monday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Thank you again for your participation and we look forward to seeing you on other occasions in the future.
(Yoshi)