Let's Meetup on Sunday, April 30th & 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!
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It's a great photo-walk!

The gorgeous Azalea (Tsutsuji) flowers are a sight you just have to see!
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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 prince 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!
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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.
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The ponds, gardens, the tunnel of vermillion torii arches, boldly carved stone monuments & elegant shrine buildings are worthy of your attention!

(The carved granite Shishi, or "koma-inu" lion-dogs which guard the shrine entrance are among the very finest I have ever seen!)
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Admission charge for the gardens is just ￥200.
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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.
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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!)

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
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*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.
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NOTE: This part of Tokyo is especially treasured, because it escaped the damage caused by bombings & subsequent fires which ravaged Tokyo during the 1940's war years.
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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.
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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!
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(Lots of low-cost oishii obento & more available at Yanaka Ginza!)
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PLEASE NOTE: Safe behavior, such as wearing Masks, during the Covid-19 phase is important, so please use care & we'll all be safe!
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NOTE: There's no set Meetup fee, but your donations of from￥2000 -￥5000 per person are much appreciated! We work hard to plan interesting events and guide you to the very best places, so please give generously!
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your friends to join in this unique experience of traditional Japanese culture!

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in case it's very sunny, as we'll be walking for a while.

Thanks! Your organizer, Kerry D. 😎