Ueno, the town of quietness and chaos essay

In 21st century, we came to be able to travel abroad very easily compared with the last century.

According to a research, over 8, 000, 000 foreign tourists visit Japan every year. There are many places that are known to the tourist like Kyoto, which is quite famous for its beautiful scenery and magnificent Buddhist temples, or Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and the one of the busiest city in the world. However, If there are greedy tourist who wants to visit the place where they can feel relax and exciting at the same time, Ueno district, the eastern part of Tokyo, Japan, is the best place to visit in Japan. Ueno has a three strong point to go sightseeing: easy access from the main airport and stations, Ueno Park- which include many cultural facilities and scenic beauty, and energetic shopping arcade. A first strong point is that Ueno have several major railway and subway stations. Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines.

JR(Japan Railway) Ueno station, which opened on July 28, 1883, is a chief railway station in Tokyo’s Taito ward. Tokyo has two airports: the international Narita Airport is located 60 km outside of central Tokyo, while he domestic Haneda Airport is located more centrally. Ueno station is directly connected to both Narita International Airport Station and Haneda Airport.

It is within 60 minutes’ boarding from both airport to Ueno station. Therefore, many foreigner stop over Ueno, and tourists will surprise to see considerable signs which are written in English all over the place in Ueno, and people won’t feel any inconvenience. Ueno station is also known as a major commuter hub station. In addition, Ueno station is also the terminal for long distance trains from the north of Japan.

Moreover, there is the Shinkansen lines to everyplace in Japan. the subway lines are convenient for moving around central Tokyo, too. There are two subway lines which is located near Ueno station, and those lines lead to the central Tokyo like Ginza, or Asakusa. A second strong point is that Ueno have one of the biggest city parks which covers several cultural institutions in Japan. For instance, Ueno park contains Tokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Western art, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Ueno Zoo, and other famous cultural facilities. Once tourists stepped into Ueno Park, they ay forget the fact that they are in the part of Japanese biggest city. Nothing is to be heard except the conversation of people, and sightseer can relax honestly in the green, deep forests.

Sociologists and geographer say that it is quite rare case in Japan, such massive cultural facilities are gathered in one park which is sited in urban city. Moreover, there are many Buddhist temples in the park, including the Bentendo temple which is dedicated to goddess Benzaiten on a island in Shinobazu pond. Ueno park changes its face seasons to seasons, and visitors can feel different emotion in each season. In spring, rosy cherry blossoms bloom through the park The park has more than 1000 cherry trees and becomes a popular spot during cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami).

Also in summer, lotuses come out and turn the color of Shinobazu pond into green. Therefore, Ueno park, an old and largest park in the city, is regarded as one of the Tokyo’s most beautiful cites. A Final merit is that there is the huge shopping arcade which is called “ Ameyoko” in Ueno district. The entrance to the market is across from the Chyu-ou exit of JR Ueno station and it is only five minutes’ walk from the Ueno Park.

After the world war?, the vicinity in front of Ueno station was a major center of illegal market activity. Classically, Ameyoko supplied sweet foods and American goods. “ Ame” stands for the word “ America” and it also means“ candy” in Japanes. Also, “ yoko” means “ alleyway” in English. Today, Ameyoko is no longer illegal and although some shops still sell sweet food and American goods, the majority are now given over to Sushi restaurants, stands bar, casual clothes, jewelries, perfumes, bags and shoes. People who work in Ameyoko are so vigorous and they will give tourists various iscount offers. If their negotiation do well, they will get the plenty of goods.

Everyday, many Japanese people gather at Ameyoko and enjoy shopping and drinking after their work. People who is visiting Japan will surprise to see the crowds and they probably feel the madness and chaos of Tokyo. In brief, Ueno is the part of the historical district Which have convenient transportation, marvelous Ueno park and its significant facilities, and dynamic shopping center. Foreign tourists can sense many aspects of Tokyo there, and they will find the hidden side of Japanese too.