Arrival in Tokyo, Exploring Ueno Park, Historical Shrines and Immersing in Cherry Blossoms

Konnichiwa, fellow adventurers! Welcome to our Sakura Family Escapade 2018 in Japan. Our journey begins today as we land in the vibrant city of Tokyo, ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. After a smooth immigration process, we claimed our pre-booked pocket wifi via Klook. Japan is known for its fast and reliable internet connectivity, making it a global leader in terms of internet speed and having a pocket wifi with you everywhere you go is really convenient. Netxt, we quickly made our way to the train station and hopped aboard the famous Shinkansen, or bullet train, bound for Ueno. The high-speed journey was an experience in itself, as we marveled at the breathtaking scenery whizzing past us.

Upon arrival at Ueno station, we made a quick stop at the luggage storage facility near the station. There are also some stores near the Ueno Park that offers lockers and big luggage storage for a minimal fee. This allowed us to lighten our load and explore the area with ease. Excitement filled the air as we set foot in Ueno Park, a haven of natural beauty nestled in the heart of Tokyo.

Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as there are still cherry blossoms blooming in the park. The delicate pink petals created a breathtaking canopy, and we found ourselves immersed in a fairytale-like atmosphere. We took our time strolling through the park, reveling in the beauty of the cherry blossoms all around us.

As we explored further, the enticing aroma of street food wafted through the air. Unable to resist, we sampled some local delicacies, from takoyaki (octopus balls), mochi balls, dango, to yakisoba (fried noodles), our taste buds were in for a treat. We indulged in these mouthwatering delicacies, savoring each bite including the famous turkey leg that was a savory delight. With our taste buds satisfied, we found a quiet spot to sit and enjoy our treats while feeding the birds that gathered around us. Chaelsy bought these cute panda-shaped treats.

While time was limited, we managed to make a quick pass by Ueno Zoo, catching glimpses of various fascinating animals. Regrettably, we didn’t have enough time to explore the zoo fully, but we made a mental note to return on a future visit.

Next, we found solace in the calming ambiance of the fountain in front of the Tokyo National Museum. Sitting there, we admired the architectural grandeur of the museum and basked in the tranquility of the surroundings. Tokyo National Museum is a great museum set in lovely gardens with beautiful landscapes surrounding it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside the museum due to time constraints and will surely go back to explore it.

Eager to immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage, we visited several shrines in Ueno Park. Toshogu Shrine and the copper lanterns were among our favorites, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s history and spiritual traditions. The peacefulness of these sacred sites added to the overall serenity of our day.

As the evening approached, we relished in the chilly spring weather, appreciating the refreshing breeze that carried hints of sakura blossoms. It was a perfect ending to our first day in Japan, filled with natural beauty, cultural exploration, and memorable experiences.

Stay tuned for our next blog as we continue our Sakura Family Escapade, venturing into the vibrant city of Tokyo wearing their traditional clothes—the Kimono.