Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Tokyo

20 ❯❯ Top 10 Tokyo Highlights

Ueno Park

Home to one of the most impressive concentrations of high art in the
city, Ueno Park sits at the center of a down-to-earth working-class
residential and entertain ment district. With its temples, shrines,
cherry trees, a magnificent lotus pond, statues, and tombs, the park
is like a miniature model of Japan. The hill, on which the upper part
of the park sits, was once a great religious center. During the Meiji
and Taisho periods, this historical stage served as a venue for
large-scale art and industrial exhibitions, paving the way for the
venerable museums and galleries that occupy the park today. Huge
numbers gather here during the spring cherry-blossom season.

Ueno Zoo 1
Built in 1882, the
zoo (right) is home to
pandas, Indian lions,
Sumatran tigers, and
other impressive critters.
A mono rail ride leads to
a tamer petting section.
Toshogu
2
Shrine and
Kara-mon Gate
This opulent shrine,
dedicated to the first
shogun, Tokugawa
Ieyasu, was renovated
in 1651. A row of stone
and copper lanterns
leads to the shrine.
NEED TO KNOW
MAP F1–F2 • Ueno
Park, Taito-ku
Open 24 hrs daily
National
3
• Those interested in Museum of
art can combine a visit Western Art
to the park with a trip Originally designed by
to the Taikan Yokoyama Le Corbusier, exhibits
Memorial Hall, the range from 15th-century
painter’s private house, reli gious pieces to works
which stands opposite by Miro and Pollock.
Shinobazu Pond.
• The causeway leading Gojo Tenjinsha 4
from the large torii and Hanazono
(gate) to Benten island Inari Fox Shrines
is lined with stalls. Winding paths lead
This is a great place through red torii (gates)
to sample traditional (right) to Gojo and
snacks and light dishes. Hanazono shrines. Inari
fox statues stand inside.

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