Let's Meetup on Friday, April 29th, a Japanese National Holiday & enjoy the amazing annual Bunkyo Azalea Festival at NEZU-JINJA, an ancient, beautiful & important Shinto shrine in Tokyo's historic Bunkyo-ku, near Ueno, followed by a walking tour of fascinating old-Tokyo neighborhoods!
It's a great photo-walk!
The gorgeous Azalea (Tsutsuji) flowers are a sight you just have to see!
Nezu Shrine allows its visitors to experience a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere within walking distance of wonderful sightseeing destinations, making this spot a must-see for visitors in the Tokyo area.
Legend has it that Nezu Shrine was founded more than 1,900 years ago by a prince named Yamato-Takeru. It is famous for its 300-year-old azalea garden, which spans 6,600 square meters, and features approximately 3,000 multi-colored azalea plants of 100 different species!
That includes rare varieties such as Fuji-tsutsuji (which has tiny bean-size flowers), Hanaguruma (which has pinwheel-like flowers), and Karafune (black azaleas).
Seven of the shrine's buildings, including the main hall, are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The main hall’s elaborate architecture is designed after the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
The ponds, gardens, the tunnel of vermillion torii arches, boldly carved stone monuments & elegant shrine buildings are truly gorgeous!
https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/nezu-jinja-seriously-underrated/
(The carved granite Shishi, or "koma-inu" lion-dogs which guard the shrine entrance are among the very finest I have ever seen!)
Admission charge for the gardens is just ￥200. (But this is included in our event fee!)
Nezu Shrine is also a spiritual power spot, so guests wanting a complete experience should be sure to stop by the main hall to view the gorgeous architecture & partake in a traditional shrine visit experience.
BUT, that's just the beginning!
While exploring the shrine and our walking tour of the historic nearby "Yanesen"* area, we may meet several uniquely talented artists & craftspeople (including candy-sculptors and clever puppet-masters!) & visit a private treasure gallery which specializes in jewelry & carvings made from a variety of rare & beautiful materials.
We also plan to visit the studio of renowned local artist Allan West, famed for his gorgeous paintings and screens in the ancient Japanese manner
*There are so many interesting places in the "Yansen" area (Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi) that I can only list a few of them here, and we'll enjoy as many of there unique places and features as we can.
NOTE: This part of Tokyo is especially treasured, because it escaped much of the damage caused by the bombings & subsequent fires which ravaged Tokyo during the 1940's war years.
You can reach Nezu Shrine by riding to Nezu Station (#C-14) on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. We'll meet you at 1pm upstairs at street level at Exit #1.
We'll start from Nezu station, then walk to: Nezu shrine / Aizome street / Sawanoi / Daimyo Dokei /Large Cedar tree / Ex-Yoshida Old Sake-shop-Minzoku center (Part of the Edo-Tokyo History Museums) / SCAI the Bath House Gallery / A traditional Japanese sweets store / Sakiragiatari / Shokichi / Yuyake dandan & on to our finish at Nippori!
There are many fascinating temples, shrines, old homes, & other important cultural assets to be discovered & enjoyed along the way, so please join us!
Please have your lunch before our tour, or bring snacks to eat along the way. We'll make a stop at a lovely bakery café, later in the day.
(Lots of low-cost oishii obento & more available at Yanaka Ginza!)
PLEASE NOTE: Safe behavior, such as wearing Masks, during the Covid-19 phase is important, so please use reasonable care & we'll all be safe!
Coming late, being a "no-show" or changing your RSVP after the deadline affects your fellow members & organizers too, so please be considerate.
Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat in case it's very sunny, as we'll be walking for a while.
Smoking in designated areas only, please!
Your comments & suggestions for future Meetups are welcome!
Thanks, your event organizer, Kerry D.