Tokyo Old Downtown “Yanaka” Walking
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A walking tour utilizing the train system for local transportation. By JR train and on foot, this tour takes you to Yanaka, a traditional “old downtown” Tokyo neighborhood and to Ueno, Tokyo’s cultural heart. Visit Yanaka Cemetery, site of the grave of last shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Ueno Park with its statue of Takamori Saigo's, leader of Meiji Restoration, and much more. With pick-up and drop-off service at your hotel, this tour is a great way to get around when you aren’t familiar with the city (service not available at some hotels). |
| Course No. | R336 |
|---|---|
| Departure | Tue,. Thu., Sat. between Mar. 1–Nov. 30, 2008 (except July, Aug.) |
| Estimated time | 13:40–17:10 |
| Meal | No meals included |
| Fare | Adult 3,500 yen/Child 2,500 yen |
Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal (13:40)
JR
Statue of Takamori Saigo
Paying homage to the great achievements of Takamori Saigo who saved the lives of a million citizens of Edo (present-day Tokyo) through the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle, this bronze statue was created by Koun Takamura and erected in Ueno Park in 1898. The figure accompanied by his pet dog has become the symbol of Ueno.
Ueno Tosho-gu Shrine
A Shinto shrine in Ueno Park dedicated to the three Tokugawa shoguns Ieyasu, Yoshimune and Yoshinobu. The main building of the shrine standing today was reconstructed by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1651, and is an important national cultural treasure. Another must-see is the peony garden within the precincts of the shrine.
Tokyo National Museum (walk by)
This museum has a history of approximately 130 years and houses more than 100,000 works of art from Japan and Asia, as well as historic materials. The Main Gallery and the Hyokeikan are designated important cultural treasures, and all five buildings within the grounds should not be missed.
Kanei-ji Temple
A Buddhist temple constructed in 1625 by the third Tokugawa shogun Iemitsu out of a desire for peace in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The temple occupied extensive grounds and was prosperous, but its main part was destroyed by fire in the Ueno War of 1868. Extant are the five-storied pagoda and the mausoleum.
Grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu
The grave of the 15th and the last Tokugawa shogun Yoshinobu. Lying in a circular tomb like that of the Imperial Family in the cemetery that extends across Yanaka in downtown Tokyo, Yoshinobu is the only Tokugawa shogun who is not enshrined in the Tokugawa family’s ancestral temple.
Zensho-an Temple
A Buddhist temple constructed in 1880 by Yamaoka Tesshu, a late 19th century samurai, to console the spirits of those who lost their lives in the Meiji Restoration. As well as housing the grave of Sanyutei Encho, a Rakugo storyteller who had friendly relations with Tesshu, it is famous for its collection of Tesshu’s ghost scrolls.
Isetatsu (Edo-chiyogami)
A specialty store for Edo-chiyogami that opened in 1864. Figured paper, or chiyogami, is a traditional handicraft having its origins in the colored woodblock prints of the Edo period (1603–1867). Painstakingly printed, chiyogami is beautiful both to look at and to use, and makes an ideal souvenir.
JRHamamatsucho Bus Terminal （17:10）
Hotel drop-off （17:30-18:30）
＊The schedule of the course may be followed in reverse.
＊Tour is conducted using the JR train service.
＊Minimum tour participants: 2
