Feb. 14

Tokyo Day 2

Daily Step/Distance = 22,298 steps = 9.33 miles

Ueno Park ↝ Tokyo National Museum ↝ Toshogu Shrine and Winter Peony Display ↝ Ameyayoko-cho ↝ Senso-ji ↝ Sky Tree (night excursion)

Bright morning Tokyo sun in Ueno Park before we enter the National Museum. Student assignments will be posted in the area marked "Museum Day" on the top menu bar.

outside the Tokyo National Museum

inside the winter peony garden at Ueno Tosho-gu

Spectacular display of winter peonies in the garden for Toshogu Shrine. The thatched roof coverings added to the charm of the garden. The garden was laid out in a zig-zagging pattern so that visitors didn't feel they were in a crowd.

Garden visitors had a chance to write a haiku or message just before leaving the space. Above is Drew posting his message and below are Tiara and Daniel composing their own.

Then on to the shrine to enjoy the splendor of the structure and to be inspired by the environment. Max, Hazel and Jeff purifying themselves before entering.

winter peony garden with blooming plum

before entering Ueno Toshi-gu

lanterns next to Ueno Toshi-gu. can you find us?

inside Senso-ji in Akakusa, Tokyo

The afternoon was spent at Senso-ji and the surrounding area for a historic temple visit (founded in 645), including many Trippers adding "goshuin" (temple and shrine stamps) to their "nokyocho" (temple/shrine books).

Paul giving his site report in front of Kaminari-mon

looking around Senso-ji

under a gate in Senso-ji

Nakamise shop on the way to Senso-ji

After dinner at the Youth Hostel, we made our last excursion of the night at the Sky Tree with some amazing night views under a clear Tokyo sky.

Since sensei still had his LensBaby on his camera (night scene above), he captured our loopy selves on the train rides home after another incredible day.