Japan Day 3.1: Tokyo

By some odd coincidence, whenever I go on a trip I tend to find myself at a local zoo. To be fair to myself, I do like to see how different cultures deal with conservation and take some photos of the animals on display.

While my initial plan was to visit Ueno Zoo, I ended up showing up an hour and a half too early. I decided to kill some time by sipping a fancy Starbucks drink in the gorgeous Ueno Park.

I got a bit distracted then, because as I wandered around I found some interesting details, and a few hidden treasures that I won’t soon forget.

Needless to say, I got very much distracted and didn’t go to the Zoo. Spoilers!

Early Morning

I had yet to properly learn my lesson regarding early morning excursions in Japan. After contemplating my day at Starbucks I wandered over to the Ueno Toshogu Shrine. A serene location to start the day, but nothing was remotely open.

I've Come for My Close Up

The shrine doors up close were incredibly intricate, with finely woven details shining through the gold. The morning light was glistening off of it in a way that really brought the colour forward.

Contrast

This is a detail I loved, the contrast of the the well preserved wooden carvings against the metal mesh that keeps the birds out. Practical and well hidden!

Lighting the Way

If I remember correctly, there were about 50 of these bronze lanterns laid out in rows that sat atop a well manicured rock garden.

Still So Early

At this time, not even the garden I wanted to visit was open, so I decided to walk south and found Shinobazu Pond. In the middle was the Shinobazunoike Bentendo Temple where the dragon guarded the washing station. I also found some grilling fish by local vendors which looked really tasty. Not even they were ready for my patronage.

Sunshine Is Life

When I noticed enough time had passed, I walked back up to Ueno Toshogu and visited the Peony Garden.

Less is More

The interesting aspect to this garden was each flower was wholly separate from other flower types. There was always a specific (and finely measured) length between each of the varieties of flower. It allowed you to appreciate each flower without one getting lost among a larger display. Simple and effective.

Layers of Flowers

I had never seen a tree like this before, and I couldn’t help but imagine the amount of time and patience it would have taken to allow it to grow and look as wonderful as it did.

A Familiar Sight

If I remember, this was a plum blossom, but I could be mistaken. Either way, I never got sick of them and each time I saw one I’d try to get a good shot. This is one of my favourites of all those attempts across my trip.

A Lovely Day

This was by far one of the most relaxing and easy days of my Japan trip. I was enjoying the garden so much it was a simple choice to spend 30 minutes appreciating how tall the Five Storied Pagoda of Kan’ei-ji was in the background.

Widen the Lens

I loved this shot because it gives a good indication of how the garden was laid out. It was unique and amazing and I’d be happy to go there next time I’m in Tokyo.

Lanterns and Old Stone

It’s important for me to look behind as I leave any location. The little details, like the worn stones of the pathway, can give new life to an area I felt like I had explored fairly thoroughly. At least as thorough as you can before it’s officially open.

Side Street Kitten

I wasn’t ready to head back to my hotel yet, as it was still early in the day. I decided to walk some side streets torwards the Yanaka Cemetery. Along one of the smaller residential roads I found this kitten drinking from a small bucket. I loved this picture because it feels like a tableau of everyday Japanese life.