What else was worth seeing in Tokyo?

The last post was written about five special sights, our accommodation and public transportation in this giant metropolis. Now I would like to show more sights, what were also worth to see in Tokyo. These mainly religious places were located mainly in public parks. We have also visited an interesting museum which could come in handy in case of a rainy day.

1. Ueno Park and Tosho-gu shrine

Do not miss the Ueno Park, what is a large public area, where you can find many museums including Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Museum of Western Art. Unfortunately, we were there on Monday, so we couldn't enter any museums.

Moreover, the park is a famous cherry blossom observatory spot. The cherry trees usually blossom from late March to early April. This means we have caught the cherry blossoms at the end of the period. We were very happy, when we saw the first cherry tree.

As for the most beautiful place beside the cherry trees, was the Ueno Tosho-gu shrine in the park. Firstly, we admired the outside of the building, what was so amazing. Then we entered to the garden. Next to the ticket we got some description about the shrine.

The building was built in 1651. The interior of the building was closed to the public. The tourists only could enter to the shrine's garden. The shrine had a Chinese style gate with many carves and dragons. It was quite impressive. Furthermore, the wall was also amazing as more than 200 species of wild animals and plants were carved on panels and set to the wall which surrounded the shrine building. Moreover, around the walls one could see the amazing copper lanterns, which were dedicated by feudal lords.

In my opinion this shrine was very beautiful and peaceful as there were only a few tourists around. The gilded gate and the building were so magnificent. It is definitely worth to see.

2. Meiji shrine in Yoyogi Park

The second suggestion is Meiji shrine, what is located in the beauty, forested Yoyogi Park. The park is also highly recommended due to its 'ancient' and chilling atmosphere. It was huge, peaceful and calm in spite of the large number of fellow tourists. It was a great choice to get away from noise of the city.

As we walked in direction to the shrine, we saw many sake barrels, which were offerings to the emperor by different sake breweries across Japan. Opposite to the sake barrel we have spotted several barrels of wine straight from Bordeaux. These were also offered to the emperor.

The building of the shrine was completed and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan who was born in 1852 and ascended to the throne in 1867. During the Meiji Period, Japan modernized and westernized itself to join the world's major powers by the time Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912. The shrine was built from wood and was not painted by red color as many other shrines in the country.

3. Nezu shrine

The next place which is worth to visit is the Nezu shrine, which is located in the Yanesen area of Tokyo. As it is not far away from the Ueno Park it is really worth to go there by foot. We strolled through many small alleys next to the skyscrapers. It is quite unique area of Tokyo.

Finally, we have reached the shrine which was so amazing with its beautiful Japanese garden. The main building was established in 1705, and most parts of the Shinto shrine were made in this period. While we were walking around the main building, we found a red-tori gate path which were similar to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto (Later will be shown in the posts about Kyoto).

This Nezu shrine was not so famous among tourists, so we could easily feel the good vibes of the place. The entry is free, so you should not miss this one out.

4. Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family; therefore, you could not enter to the inner places, except on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday). Since we have visited Japan in April, we were only able to enter the garden.

The background of the palace started in 1868, when the Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was finished. The palace was once destroyed during World War II. and rebuilt in the same style.

Fortunately, the Imperial Palace East Garden is open for public. We could only saw the palace from the narrow, protected viewpoint which stood in the park.

The garden was nice, but nothing special. However, it was the first time when we saw Bamboo trees in outdoors. All in all, this Imperial East Garden is good-to-see place in Tokyo.

5. Miraikan - National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation

The aim of this museum is to explain some basic and important scientific concepts of our current and future world in an easily understandable way. The exhibition tried to catch the attention with interactive exhibitions (e.g. androids, machines, interactive games).

The most exciting things in the museum were definitely the androids. We met with an android, who could speak and give answers to basic question with the help of a human animator. There was another android which was waving and moving based on the movement of its audience.

What's more, we have met with the famous Honda-developed Asimo. It was the most advanced robot in the museum as it could sing, kick a ball and run as well. The show was approx. 15 minutes long. In my view, this museum is a good choice for rainy days, if you want to experience the technological breakthroughs of our days.

All in all, I hope you like my suggestions about more sights in Tokyo.

Next up: Let's go out of Tokyo, visiting the amazing Nikko National Park with our friends.