Hiking and climbing mountains inspired me into this life philosophy - LIFE IS A MOUNTAIN. Every step you make leads to summit. You may be forced to turn around or change routes for any cause, never know. But, stay focused and look forward. The mountain will be there always. Pace yourself and reach "your" summit, for every step counts. Enjoy the view and feed your soul as it comes along. Life is a journey, not a destination. Life is like climbing a mountain.....
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Tokyo now. There are many places to
view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. I hit some of the best cherry blossom
viewing spots:
Sumida River Park Ueno Park Rikugikan Tokyo Midtown
I particularly enjoyed Yozakura: cherry blossoms at night. Lanterns or
lights light up the blossoms at night. Hanami: flower viewing...is
popular not only during the daytime, but also at night.
Hidden gem of Yozakura is the streets up the hill next to Ark Hills from
Roppongi-Itchome towards the Embassy of Spain and Izumi Garden. The
blossoms of the large cherry trees along the streets are spectacular and perhaps not known by many because I hardly saw people
there. It could be a hidden gem for a cherry blossom viewing spot.
My favorite Ameyoko (アメ横)!!! This is the place one must visit at least once while visiting in Tokyo. It's a busy market street between JR
Okachimachi and Ueno Stations.
You can experience Tokyo's "shitamachi"
(real down to earth downtown district).
The name "Ameyoko" comes from "Ameya Yokocho", meaning ameya=candy store
and yokocho=side alley. “Ame" also stands for "America", because
American products used to be available there for a black market after
World War II.
In Ameyoko, you can find amazing deals for all sorts of products like
clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, jewelry, fresh fish, dried food,
spices, candies (of course!) and much more. Most Ameyoko stores open
9:30am to 8pm.
Ueno Park 上野公園 was established in 1873 and became the first public park
in Japan. It is a large park/53,000 square meter plot which includes
Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond, the National Museum of Western Art, the
Shitamachi Museum and many other sightseeing spots such as shrines,
temples and gardens. You need a full day to see the entire park. And, a
statue of Saigo Takamori, the famous general in the Battle of Ueno,
stands near the park's southern entrance.
