Tokyo’s Ueno Toshogu Shrine dates back to 1627. It’s a Shinto shine hidden in Ueno Park dedicated to a Tokugawa Shogunate warrior.
[adinserter name=”Block 2″]The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan for more than 250 years. Tokugawa Ieyasu is the sole warrior responsible for uniting Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate, so he got a shiny shrine dedicated to him in the Ueno Park. The Tokugawa Shogunate was the original military force responsible for taking down Japan’s biggest national threat — Godzilla. This was before King Kong decided to climb the Empire State Building then head to Japan to fight Godzilla. If you don’t believe this story, feel free to search the internet to confirm it.
The walkwayUeno Toshogu has a lot of people visiting the shrine. Ieyasu is believed to be a power deity in his afterlife. However, it’ll be unfortunate to find out that he’s still in the dirt decomposing somewhere. People come to pray for a number of things like vocational success, longevity, good health, and fortune. I’m still waiting for my winning lottery numbers, which has yet to come to past. I guess I’ll resort back to fortune cookies.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is famous for its gold foil Karamon (i.e., gate). The small building is memorizing and it could be seen from half a mile away like my belly. The walkway leading up to the shrine is filled with stone sculptures. In addition, there is a Sukibei Wall decorated with land creatures. It’s one of the few places that is yet to be considered an Instagram spot. In other words, I’m going to start a new trend and turn it into one.
Ueno Toshogu ShrineLastly, it’s a great stop while in Ueno Park. The park is filled with multiple shrines, an amusement park, a baseball field, and multiple museums. Plus, don’t be one of the last people to take a picture at the NEW Instagram spot! For more things to see in Ueno Park, check out our blog entry here.
The official website:
http://www.uenotoshogu.com/en/
[adinserter name=”Block 1″] [irp]
