The Golden Week Adventures of Little Mouse and Friends in the Land of the Rising Sun: Day 12

Our Golden Week journey in Japan has reached its final day. We've proven that traveling during Golden Week doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems. With proper preparation and flexible itineraries, navigating the crowds is achievable.

More importantly, traveling during Golden Week, which falls between late April and early May, allows us to experience the diverse flavors of Japan. It's not just about snow, flowers, or autumn leaves; this trip has exposed us to the full spectrum. Feel free to adapt our itinerary to your own adventures!

Continuing from our previous episode (https://th.readme.me/p/5209), let's dive into the final day of our 12-day Japanese adventure.

Today's plan involves exploring some hidden gems, focusing on places we haven't visited before. Since Big Brother and I have been to Japan several times, we tend to revisit familiar spots. This time, we're venturing into uncharted territory.

Our morning strategy involves hitting two birds with one stone. We're heading towards the University of Tokyo, where two specific destinations have captured our hearts. Let's embark on our journey and discover these hidden treasures!

Beautiful roadside

Take the subway from our accommodation and get off at Nezu Station. Exit from Exit 1 at the station.

Leaving during rush hour, so I had to face this.

And like this.

You will see this sign when you come out.

From there, walk about 450 meters following the signs to Nezu Shrine. Just follow the signs, it's easy.

After a while, you will find the entrance gate with a large torii gate.

Today, we will start our trip at Nezu Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo.

Which is not yet very popular among tourists, especially Thais. The entrance we arrived at is the south gate.

Let's go inside.

The Nezu Shrine is situated in a spacious environment, surrounded by diverse trees and flowers.

The lush greenery within the shrine creates a serene atmosphere.

The reason why I wanted to visit this place is because

The Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival takes place between April 11th and May 6th.

The shrine boasts a beautiful azalea garden, where the flowers bloom annually from mid-April to early May.

We arrived three days after the festival ended.

However, we still hoped to witness the vibrant azalea blossoms as depicted on the website.

Here are the reasons why I want to come. (Thank you for the picture from TravelByMyself.com)

And this is what appeared before the eyes.

This year, the azalea blooms are not as abundant as we had hoped.

Everything is green.

The decorations are not as impressive as they were during the festival, even though we arrived just a few days after it ended.

The flowers do not seem to be blooming as fully as they used to. This is likely due to the significant changes in weather this year. After the event, the 200 yen entrance fee will be discontinued. As a result, the garden area will be closed to tourists, preventing them from experiencing its beauty up close.

Unable to capture the full beauty of the scene, she could only take distant photos from outside the fence, leaving her longing unfulfilled.

The Torii gate is a short walk up the hill.

Lined up like the famous torii gates at Fushimi-inari Shrine in Kyoto.

At the end of the path, you will find a shrine.

At the shrine, there is a bell to ring for good luck and an altar for offerings and prayers.

According to Japanese custom, it is customary to use a 5-yen coin when making a wish.

This is because it is believed that bad things will pass through the hole in the coin and good things will come back in.

We sat in the quiet atmosphere of the shrine for a while to find peace and tranquility in our hearts.

Then we walked to our destination, which was not far from here.

From Nezu Shrine, we walked out the same door but did not return the way we came.

We turned right and walked up a small hill. There was a road that led us to the University of Tokyo.

After walking along the fence of the university's vast territory, we came out to the road in front of the entrance.

Arrived at Asia's number one university

As expected of an old university, the old buildings look amazing.

The next problem we have to think about is how to get to the Faculty of Agriculture. Where could it be?

While Nulek and Piyai were looking for someone to ask, Piyai saw what we were looking for.

This is our goal, Professor Ueno and Hachiko.

The statue of Hachiko with Professor Ueno, which we have been searching for, is right in front of us.

It's not hard to find because when you walk through the entrance of the university,

on the side next to Todaimae Station on the Namboku Line, you'll see it right away.

This mission has made me forget all about the disappointment from the previous mission.

The 80-year wait is finally over.

Hachiko's legend has not only captured the hearts of the Japanese people, but also the hearts of people all over the world.

Because it has been made into a film starring Richard Gere as Professor Ueno.

But the story is set in the 90s to 2000s instead, changing from Tokyo to Bristol, England.

But what remains the same is the last twenty minutes of the story that tears the hearts of every dog lover.

Whoever watches it ten times will cry all ten times, and so will I.

On March 8, 2015, Hachiko finally met Professor Ueno.

The statue, which was funded through the internet, was placed at the University of Tokyo on the anniversary of Hachiko's death.

When I saw it, I couldn't help but cry again at the story of Hachiko's love and loyalty.

The moving images that I had seen in the movie really captured the feeling.

After standing as a witness to the love between Hachiko and Professor Ueno for a long time,

It was time for us to move on to another destination.

Our next destination is another flower garden. Let's go to Ueno Park.

Destination reached: Ueno Toshogu Shrine Garden

Let's go in.

The Entrance Gate of Ueno Toshogu Shrine

This entrance gate is a designated National Treasure. Look closely at the center of the gate, and you will find the inscription "Toshogu."

To the left is the peony garden that we originally intended to visit. However, for good luck, we decided to first pay our respects at the shrine itself.

Stone lanterns lined up

Over 200 stone lanterns line both sides of the path.

Students also come to visit.

Prayers written by visitors

This gleaming golden shrine is Toshogu Shrine.

Built in 1616, it is one of many shrines dedicated to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Visitors come to worship him as a deity, as he ushered in the prosperous Edo period that lasted 300 years.

The 50 copper lamps in front of the shrine were not used for lighting purposes.

These were offerings sent by Daimyos (feudal lords) from all over Japan to the Toshogu Shrine.

They were only used during celebrations. The dog statues are deities that protect the shrine.

The prophecy entrusted.

The five-story pagoda, part of the ancient and grand Kaneiji Temple, a remnant of the Edo period wars.

After we have paid our respects at the shrine,

It's time for the Peony Garden Festival in the heart of Tokyo (Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden).

Entrance to the Garden

Admission fee and event time

After purchasing a 700 yen admission ticket, let's go inside.

The "peony" flower is a symbol of wealth, with its large size, dense petals, and vibrant colors.

It has captivated many people and is considered the king of flowers. It was used as a symbol among nobles.

Tourists can enjoy over 250 varieties of peonies, with up to 3,200 flowers in this garden.

Interspersed with azalea blossoms.

Let's take a leisurely stroll and admire the indescribable beauty.

Although the garden is not very large, I can tell you that the time spent walking in a garden with so many brightly colored peonies

makes you feel like you're in "bliss" mode.

Azaleas are also available for viewing.

Decorate with carp flags to welcome Boys' Day.

There is a seating area before the exit.

Paper is provided for writing suggestions and feedback. After writing, please post it on the board like this.

There are also strangely shaped flowers.

Exit. No entry.

Before leaving, I met a miko (a shrine maiden) as well.

It was time for lunch, and if I wanted to find something to eat near Ueno Park, the only thing I could think of was Ameyokocho Market.

Entrance to Ameyokocho Market

Those who have been there know that this market is another highlight of Tokyo because it has everything to offer.

From daily necessities, food, souvenirs, and gifts, everything is available at affordable prices.

Brand-name shoe stores and affordable cosmetic shops are also available.

Unable to bear the hunger any longer, Little Mouse suggested they take a break for lunch.

For our farewell meal, we'll be having Kaisen Donburi, also known as Kaisendon, which is a seafood rice bowl.

Today's simple meal, this menu is it.

After a full stomach, it's time to shop. For this trip, we end here.

The quality of the products is affordable and not inferior to Uniqlo at all.

My Japan Golden Week trip has come to a successful end.

This travelogue may not be the best, but I just want to share another way of traveling in Japan.

That is, renting a car to travel. Because driving in Japan is another highlight worth trying.

Because it means traveling without being restricted by the time of trains or buses.

And most importantly, traveling during Golden Week is not as scary as we think.

Why not try to find an experience like mine?

Visit the photos from my trip with Piyai and Noolek and say hello at

https://www.facebook.com/TravelWithPiyaiAndNoolek/