Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Saigo Takamori
Statue
The bronze statue
(left)
,
unveiled in 1898, is a
tribute to Takamori, a
powerful samurai who led
a major rebellion in the
19th century. He is shown
wearing a summer kimono,
walking his dog.
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Shitamachi Museum
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Ueno Zoo
Displaying everyday items such as kitchenware
and furniture, this museum also features re-creations
of Edo-era stores and tenements
(see p84).
Built in 1882, the zoo
is home to pandas, snow
leopards, Bengal tigers,
and bison. A short mono-
rail ride leads to a petting
section. The range of crit-
ters here is impressive.
&
Five-Story Pagoda
Covered with bronze
roof tiles to protect it
from fire, the current
pagoda
(above)
was built
in 1640. The 120-ft (37-m)
tall vermillion structure
stands inside the zoo.
Meiji Restoration
A fierce battle between
supporters of the
deposed shogun and the
new forces of the Meiji
restoration was fought
on Ueno Hill in 1868.
Heavy rains flooded
Shinobazu Pond, with
men combating in knee-
deep water, while a
cannon shot from a tea-
house on one side of the
water and another from
a cave dedicated to Inari
exploded over their
heads. More than 300
men died in the conflict.
*
National Museum
(
Shinobazu Pond
of Western Art
The original 1959 design
was by Le Corbusier.
Exhibits range from 15th-
century religious portraits
to works by the likes of
Miro and Pollack.
The pond's southern
section is filled with pink
lotuses in the summer. A
clump of reeds provides
a habitat for herons, black-
headed gulls, grebes, and
spot-billed ducks.
Cherry Trees
Every spring, the
park plays host to Tokyo's
largest cherry blossom
party
(right)
. Beer, sake,
and impromptu karaoke
songs and dance are the
main highlights.
)
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