Sunday, October 20, 2013

Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

After visiting the oldest zoo in Japan, it was about time to head to the oldest (and largest) national museum in Japan, also nested within Ueno Park. The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and today houses a wide collection of art works and antiquities from Asia, not surprisingly, focusing on Japan.

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

A few of the works on display:

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

The museum provides the necessary tools for you to create your very own art piece with Japanese-inspired elements. Very cool.

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

P.S. Update: Scenes of the bank in Hanzawa Naoki were shot here!

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

There are five exhibition buildings, and in retrospect, I don't think I viewed everything on display - this Museum warrants a revisit!

Cost: free - ¥600
Access: Ueno Station

Related Posts:
Japan Day 5 – Tokyo, Day 5: 

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Tokyo, Japan: Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo, founded in Tokyo back in 1882, is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located within Ueno Park, its star attraction, has got to be its pair of giant pandas, Ri Ri and Shin Shin. Not only can you catch a glimpse of some interesting animals, park-goers also make for good people-watching.

I do enjoy visiting zoos very much (although I can't help feeling conflicted about whether animals belong more in captivity or in their natural habitat) and I have seen my fair share of animals. At 600¥ (about USD$6) per entry for adults, Ueno Zoo (as well as other Japanese zoos) is great value (compared to the San Diego Zoo (USD$44) and Singapore Zoo (about USD$17)) but I honestly wouldn't mind paying more if it meant better living conditions and greater animal education and conservation efforts.

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

The Okapi  - It is the only living relative of the giraffe, despite looking more like a zebra!  (P.S. Isn't the San Diego Zoo website just awesome?)

Ueno Zoo

The Red Panda  - They look like racoons, and eat bamboo, but are related to neither racoons, nor pandas!

Ueno Zoo

The Japanese Giant Salamander - It is otherwise known as the Giant Pepper Fish, or Ōsanshōuo.

Ueno Zoo

The Shoebill -  A bird which can stay really still.

Ueno Zoo

The Capybara - The world's largest rodent (yes, rodent).

Ueno Zoo

The Alpaca - A smaller version of the llama which enjoys spiting in your face very much.

Ueno Zoo

The Common Marmoset - New World monkeys posing for a photograph.

Ueno Zoo

The Meerkat - Timons in action. More mongoose than cat.

Ueno Zoo

The Armadillo - With its roly-poly shell.

Ueno Zoo

The Chinchilla - Little Chincha of the Andes

Some other zoo residents to expect:

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

At the Petting Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

 Ueno Zoo

Around The Park Grounds

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

The Giant Panda Exhibit

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

My Best Shot

Ueno Zoo

People Around the Zoo - Seeing how much the young and young-at-heart enjoy a day out at the zoo, makes it all the more worth a visit!

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo


Cost: free - ¥600

Access: Ueno Station

Related Posts:
Japan Day 5 – Tokyo, Day 5: 

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My Japan Itinerary (December 2012 and June 2016)

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