Kiyomizu Kannon-Do in Ueno

The Kiyomizu Kannon-Do temple in Ueno modeled after the famous Kiyomizu Dera in Kyoto.

Nikon D600with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/320 sec.

This dragon was guarding the water basin at the entrance to the temple.

Nikon D600with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Spring afternoon at Ueno

The family took an impromptu visit to the Ueno Zoo on Sunday. Except for the high wind gusts, it was a picture perfect Sunday afternoon. Blue skies and mild spring temperatures in the high teens °C (or high 60's °F).

It's been an unusual year. The sakura were in full bloom around the 23rd of March. I have been living in the Tokyo and Kanagawa area for over ten years on and off since 1998, and I remember Hanami season starting so early.

There are a few cherry blossoms left at Ueno. The double blossoms on several trees (Prunus serrulata or 'Ito-kukuri') were in full bloom.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 170 mm, f4.5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 135 mm, f4.5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.5, ISO 200, 1/640 sec.

The blossoms on the cherry tree at the entrance to Ueno Park however was done and looked very green.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8.0, ISO 200, 1/60 sec.

Tokyo Skytree from Ueno

While at the Ueno Park on a beautiful spring day, I caught this great view of the Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリータウン).

Early Cherry Blossoms

Hanami is coming to Tokyo soon.  The cherry trees are budding, and a few early cherry blossoms are out.  The lanterns and bins have already been put out in anticipation of the hanami parties.  I am sure it will be lots of fun!

This particular tree is at the entrance of the park. There was another blooming a short distance away, but I did not see many in bloom inside Ueno itself.

Year of the Dragon (part four)

Seems that there are lots of dragons hiding in plane sight here in Tokyo. Here are some more random dragons that were spotted at the Gojo Shrine in Ueno Park.

There was a selection of wooden boards or plates called ema, to write your prayers on an leave at the shrine that had dragon designs celebrating the new year.

At ¥2,000 or about $30 USD, the ema do not come cheaply at this shrine. I am used to seeing them cost about ¥500 at most shrines and find this very over priced.

There were also several dragons that formed the boarder of a large signboard on the shrine grounds.

Modern Animals and Ancient Dinosaurs at the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo

Last Saturday was a typical Tokyo rainy spring day so the family had to chose to spend time indoors rather than get wet. We chose to visit the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo.  It's quite the bargain, only ¥600 entry for adults and free for High-school students and younger.  We even had a reasonable if not tasty lunch in the museum restaurant for less than ¥1,000 each.  Parking outside Ueno Station cost more ¥2,000 for the day, which actually isn't too bad for Tokyo.

My children are typical for most everywhere in the world and are fascinated by dinosaurs.  We also took some time looking at the ocean exhibits and their large display of mammals.

I shot with my Nikon 16-35mm f/4G Wide Angle Zoom.  The VR performs exceptionally well in low light and little sharpness is lost wide open at f4.

Blossoms in Ueno Park

Spring is here!  After several days of rain, the sky opened up... at least for a short time. Hanami is not far away.

On Friday, I took advantage and checked out the sakura (cherry blossoms) in Ueno Park.  It's probably a week till it will be peak viewing (and drinking) in the park, but I will not have the chance to return for a second viewing.  Oh well, these photos will have to do.

This is the main thoroughfare through Ueno Park.

There were plenty of crowds walking through the park.

Here are some closeups.

A little closer.

And even a little closer.

Panda Yaki Cakes - Panda Taiyaki?

I guess these are a variation of the Taiyaki, but panda shaped instead of fish shaped.  I've seen similar custard filled ones in the shape of bears.

They were hot and delicious.  Our children love Anpan so the taste and texture of these treats were not foreign to them.

The cool thing was that the machine that makes the cakes is located in the store and is visible through the windows of the shop.

 

 

Sakura or Ume Blossoms in January?

We were returning from Ueno Park on Saturday and noticed a photographer taking pictures of this tree. Seems that this tree is starting to bloom. The only problem is that if this is a Japanese Cherry, you wouldn't expect blossoms in January...Perhaps these are Ume but I couldn't detect any fragerance?


Typically the cherry blossoms come out in late March or early April, and Ume February or March.  These are at least a month early.