Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a well-known place in Tokyo for viewing plum blossoms, attracting many visitors in early spring. I’ve been here several times, and every time I see the plum blossoms framed by the shrine buildings, I still find the view especially beautiful. The shrine is said to have been founded in 458 and later enshrined Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, making it a famous place in Tokyo to pray for academic success. The grounds aren’t very large, so they’re perfect for a leisurely stroll. During plum blossom season, vendors also sell hot food such as yakisoba, and small stools are provided for visitors to sit, eat, and rest. Sitting down to admire the blossoms after walking around is very relaxing.
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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The National Museum of Western Art
The museum is located in the lush Ueno Park and, as its name suggests, specializes in Western art. The museum is based on "the Matsukata Collection," which was donated and returned by the French government. The French art collection includes paintings by Impressionists such as Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso and sculptures by Rodin.
If you like the history of Western art, the National Museum of Western Art is worth a visit. Its collection focuses on European paintings and sculptures, with works ranging from the Middle Ages to the modern era, including pieces by famous artists such as Monet and Renoir. The building itself is also worth seeing. It was designed by French architect Le Corbusier and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier.”
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Taito Ward Sumida Park
This park in Taito Ward extends along the western bank of the Sumida River. On the other hand, the park that extends along the eastern bank is the Sumida Ward Sumida Park. In this park, which boasts a site of over 10 hectares, many cherry trees are planted centered around the "Sakura Square".
Sumida Park stretches along the riverbank and is a great place for a walk and views of Tokyo’s riverside scenery. As you walk along the river and look across the Sumida River, you can see the eye-catching Super Dry Hall (Asahi Beer Hall) on the opposite bank. Its golden flame-shaped roof is quite distinctive. Tokyo Skytree also rises nearby, with the riverbank, landmarks, and cityscape coming together to create a view around Asakusa that is well worth photographing.
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Calbee+ Tokyo Station
Calbee+ is an antenna shop operated by the popular snack maker Calbee. Located inside Tokyo Okashi Land at First Avenue Tokyo Station, it is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy snack foods and other treats that showcase the unique appeal of Calbee.
Calbee potato chips are a popular Japanese snack, and if you're at Tokyo Station, I highly recommend trying the freshly fried chips and snacks! The freshly made chips are served piping hot, and you can smell the rich potato aroma as soon as you take a bite. They really do taste different from the packaged chips sold at supermarkets. The most interesting part is that you can watch the staff make them right in front of you, seeing the entire process from preparation to serving. Calbee fans shouldn't miss this when visiting Tokyo Station. The freshly fried texture is really worth trying!
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