A traveller's reflection: Japan 2019: 05 Ueno, Okachimachi and Akihabara

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Friday 28 June 2019

Japan 2019: 05 Ueno, Okachimachi and Akihabara

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it..." - Japanese Proverb

(Japanese dolls as souvenirs)

Day 05 - Friday: 28/06/2019

Today the group took the train to visit Ueno, Okachimachi and Akihabara, famous for their retail outlets and the best shopping spots.

(Our Day-tickets for train rides)

(Train commuters engrossed with their gadgets)

Ueno Ameya-Yokochō Market

Traditional Ueno is known for its ornate shrines, including 17th-century Benzaiten temple, which stands on an island in Ueno Park. Cultural venues in the park include the Tokyo National Museum, displaying Japanese antiquities, and the National Museum of Western Art. Nearby, the open-air Ameya-Yokochō market sells a vast range of food, clothes and accessories. Ameyoko Shopping Street is just across from Ueno station. The crowded street is a great place to grab a bargain and buy souvenirs. Various products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food, fruits and spices are sold along Ameyoko.

(Colorful and vibrant Ameyoko Street)

(A typical souvenir shop)

(Traditional eateries and pubs)

(Durian fruits in Tokyo)

Okachimachi Mosque

Okachimachi Mosque - The As-Salaam Mosque was built in 2011 and the foundation became an official religious organization in 2014. It is non-profit, non-political, religious and educational institution. This mosque has several floors with a women’s praying area on the second floor. As-salaam foundation managed this Mosque and active in carrying out activities, including educating Japanese as well as non-Japanese people on Islam, develop an Islamic education system for Muslims and provide Quran lessons to children. There is a halal restaurant and halal food shops nearby like Sultan Curry, Halal food shop, Ayam-ya, and also Yakiniku. There is a beautiful park next to the mosque.

(The second batch waiting for Jumaat prayer)

(The women prayer room, equipped with a big screen)

(A halal restaurant serving spicy ramen)

Okachimachi Park

Okachimachi is a quiet and peaceful park with a small shrine at one corner and a beautiful zen garden on the other. It is a perfect place to take a walk in the mornings and evenings. There are many benches and it is a good place to have a picnic. There is also a clean public toilet nearby.

(Peaceful and quiet garden with flowing water)

(A place to relax and meditate)

(A small shrine in Okachimachi Park)

Akihabara

Akihabara is a buzzing shopping hub famed for its electronics retailers, ranging from tiny stalls to vast department stores like Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba. Venues specializing in manga, anime and video games include Tokyo Anime Center, for exhibits and souvenirs, and Radio Kaikan with its 10 floors of toys, trading cards and collectibles. Staff dressed as maids or butlers serve tea and desserts at nearby maid cafes.