Day 4 - 2014/10/03 (Friday)

Ueno Park and Nezu Shrine

A very late blog of day 4 of my trip so some photos such as those of items are outdated. Omatase Shimashita.


Early morning in Asakusa. The shrine, 5 story pagoda and Skytree are no longer illuminated but the lanterns are.

Walked around Asakusa. Here a few photos.

 That is a statue on the balcony btw.

So many vehicles including garbage trucks in Tokyo are so clean. If you want to see sports cars (ferrari, rolls royce, lamborghini, etc) go to Ginza particularly at night. Classic or new, people actually drive them here. Want to see itasha go to Akihabara at night particularly on weekends.

Had a burger here one night.

 Another pickup/dropoff point for the free panda shuttle bus (see day 3 post for more info).

Tip: If you need directions you will not always see these convenient maps. There are kobans (small manned police boxes) every few blocks which may have a map posted outside.

 There are seven different entry/exits to the Asakusa station. Shinjuku station has over 200!

 Matsuya department store. To get the train to Skytree go in there to use the Subo line. Otherwise you can walk which is a great way to see the sites (Sumida Park & river especially during sakura season, the Asahi building and hidden treasures along the way) or various bus options. The free panda bus as mentioned. There are a few 100 yen community buses also.

There are so many cafe and breakfast options in Asakusa such as Mister Donut, Starbucks, Doutor, St Marc Cafe, Excelsior Cafe just to name a few.

To the train to Ueno station. I would go here frequently and change to a different line. The problem was that I had to walk from the top platforms which where above ground to the subway which were below ground so it was many steps which was a killer when you have tired feet and legs.

 The Tokyo metropolitan expressway snakes around the city. This is just one of them.

No need to transfer to another train today as my destination was Ueno Park west of the station.

Torii at Toshogu Shrine.

Photo op for Pikachu.

Despite being one of the larger Starbucks and one having many customers the inside and outside were spotless clean. It was a hot and humid day so had a snack and cold drink.

 There are many museums surrounding the park. This is the Tokyo National Museum.

 A blue whale statue outside another museum.

Strolled through the park and then headed north west through the streets to Nezu Shrine which took at least 30 minutes.

 I am 5'7 but had to crouch a little bit under these torii.

The time of my visit the flowers were not in bloom.

Headed back to Ueno station via Shinobazu Dori and taking a rest at Shinobazu Pond.

Took the train back to Asakusa. Did not have the energy to explore Ameyoko or Kapabashi. Went to the Asakusa Cultural Tourist Information observation deck to rest.

The people in the yellow hats are likely a japanese school group. That little building in front of Kaminarimon is a koban. There are a few located around and within Sensoji to keep the peace.

Kawaii ne!

 No space in Tokyo? Wrong! You can park your car high up or below ground.

Apparently that is where the sexy zone is.

Other things to see inside the Tourist Information Center. You can get free wifi here. I didn't bother because the hotel had free wifi anyway.

One of the side streets off kaminarimon dori. One of the Asakusa Station entrances/exits is located in this street.

 Modern vs tradition. Try and find this guys other friends if you can.

 These street post art illuminate at night.

There are a few stores selling kakigori (shaved ice) here. I love em. I hate the western versions as they are too sweet and give me an instant headache with a couple of bites as a result.

Hanayashiki amusement park is open.

Comparison scene from Love Live s2e11 (14:14). Eli in front of the entrance to Hanayashiki.

Sensoji from hotel room late afternoon.

The next few days will be very windy with heavy rain due to approaching typhoon.

Lots of bicycles parked here at night. Probably some of them visiting the pachinko parlor located  before Don Quijote, dining or shopping maybe. The building half in shot on the left is the ROX shopping complex. One of the shops in there I found out recently is a Dagashiya (cheap japanese candy store).

 Went to the Adores game center. Tried this taiko drums but was not very good.

 This was fun. You have to flip the table as hard as you can. Perfect game to relieve stress.

Tried my luck at UFO catchers.

Tip 1: Don't spend too much trying to win a prize. You can probably buy it in Akihabara particularly the figurines. Other prizes maybe not so go ahead and spend until you win.

Tip 2: Ensure you have enough 100 yen coins or 500 yen coins on hand. If your prize is about to fall and you leave to get more coins the game center attendant will put the prize back to its original position.

 This is all for this post.