What’s the point going to Japan without visiting trademark buildings? ^_^ In Tokyo, Asakusa Shrine probably is the most famous Sinto Shrine. Asakusa Shrine was originally constructed around 1350 (!!!), at the start of the Edo period. Hundreds of years of water and fire damage, however, left the building in shambles. However, the government continues to preserve the shrine – as when we got there they are also under renovation. I like the giant lampion (Kaminarimon) in the gate a lot!
Surrounding the temple, there are bunch of kiosks where you can buy Japanese souvenir (although almost have of it is actually made in China – seriously!) such as key chain, low quality Kimono, japanese wood sandals, or traditional food like Japanese mochi (like marshmallow made from sticky rice flour). For items under 500 yen, usually it’s not negotiable. The price from store to store can slightly be different – but maybe only about 50 yen or so. And for the record, the same key chain price in Asakusa and the Narita airport is the same. Exact same item. So if you don’t have time to visit Asakusa, you can buy in the airport (ranging from 250 – 350 yen depending on the model). And hey, I took picture with this giant Gundam! (Japanese robot)
If you’re patient enough to walk about 2 blocks away, there’s 100 yen shop – where all the item they sold are 100 yen (before tax – but after tax is 105 yen). They have bunch of things from food, snacks, umbrella, plates, house supplies, office supplies. They even have pottery! They also have souvenir like key chain but the quality is worse. What’s value for money according to my experience is if you buy Japanese brand snacks and traditional Japanese dinner ware (it’s made in Japan – or at least that’s what the tag is saying :D) But just beware that majority are made in China items. My tip is before going to the cashier, double check and edit the items again whether you really need it or only impulse buying. Although it’s relatively cheap – but if you’re buying like gazillion unnecessary things, the amount will be significant.
At night, the face of Asakusa surrounding is slightly different. There are a lot of prostitution house with pervert shows (NO I did not go in, only knew from the posters). They even have adult comic store! I was trying to find a comic that my friend asked me to buy for her, I stepped in to the store and it took me about 3 mins or so to realize that it’s specializing in *adult* content only ha ha…. One thing that caught my attention is they actually paint the temporary walls for under construction building with pretty comical animation. Side tracking a bit – Japan really in to comics! Even in the airport and station, their posters, signs, or governments warning have comic illustration to help conveying the message. Although Japan is famous for it’s safety, if you’re going to this part of city at night, I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking alone. It’s too quite and you’ll never know where danger lies.
Asakusa has a greater concentration of 1950s-60s buildings than most other areas of Tokyo. There are traditional ryokan (guest-houses), budget hotels, homes, and small-scale apartment buildings dotted throughout the district. This area is also the place where we stay during visit to Tokyo. My room is 60 USD/night – and that’s already quite “cheap”. And it’s only like 4-5 blocks walking distance to the Asakusa shrine. So we’re able to go there to take day and night pictures.
Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoo is the oldest and probably most famous zoo in Japan. Funny thing is, I actually knew about this zoo not from internet or something. I knew it from Manga! (Japanese comic) It’s often used as a destination place either for Kobo Chan, Shinchan, or Conan the Detective.
From what I’ve read, Ueno Zoo's saddest time came during World War II. The Japanese Army ordered that all "wild and dangerous animals" at the zoo be killed, claiming that bombs could hit the zoo and escaping wild animals would wreak havoc in the streets of Tokyo. Requests by the staff at the zoo for a reprieve, or to evacuate the animals elsewhere, were refused. Ueno Zoo's three elephants at the time, John, Tonky, and Wanly (or Wang Lee) were too clever to eat the poisoned food, and thus were slowly starved to death. Hiks hiks, that’s just so sad :(
The zoo is actually quite huge. As usual they have tigers, elephants, polar bears, penguin, etc. But they also have these buildings where they have eyeless fish (yes! Without eyes), strange varieties of monkeys, birds, and goat & rabbit petting farm. A bit smelly though. What I loved the most is this glass house with tropical theme. The decoration is just very nice. The plants are even growing across the ceiling. And guessed what’s the most crowded cage? Panda! You literally have to queue along this tunnel to catch a glimpse of the creature. And you’re being pushed around! So basically you have to take picture while walking.
The parks near Ueno zoo is also famous for Sakura sightseeing. There are also quite a lot of street performers here and there. Not only musician, but also pantomime. When we got there, (again) unfortunately there is only hints of bloom here and there – not much. However, there are already a lot of people gathering around and have picnic along the way. I guess it must be very picturesque if the sakura is fully bloomed. Just imagine, this long winding road with Sakura left and right. Fully bloomed pretty pink – every time the wind blows it brisk the branches and you have pink petal rain. Awww, how *romantic* it’s supposed to be!
Chubby Traveler’s rating for Asakusa Shrine: 3/5
Chubby Traveler’s rating for Ueno Zoo: 2/5
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