Saturday was our first free day and probalby one of my most memorable days in Tokyo. I grabbed my Metro Map and handkerchief and headed to Uneo Park home of the National Tokyo Musuem.
Ueno Park is a large public park that opened in 1873. Ueno Park is famous for its many museums, especially art museums, namely the Tokyo National Museum, the Orient Museum, the National Science Museum, and many others. It has a zoological garden as well. The Tokyo National Museum us the oldest and largest musuem in Japan. The museum preserves art and archaeological objects from all of East Asia, with Japan as it's main focus.There are five exhibition galleries, a research centerm outdoor exhibits and a garden.
As a lover of Japanese art, this was a dream come true for me. I was able to learn about the features, cahracteristics and history of Japanese art chronologically. I admired art from the early Jomon period over 12,000 years ago until the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate in the late 19th century. A few of my favorite things included: a Dogu (clay figurine) from Jomon period 1000-400 B.C., a Dotaku (bell-shaped bronze) with Crossed Bands from Yayoi period, 1-3rd century, Haniwa Man /Terra-cotta Tomb ornament from Kofun period, 6th century. In addition I enjoyed viewing the impressive Zen and Ink Landscape Paintings from the Kamakura period, 14th century as well as the Tebako (decorative and luxurious cosmetic box of aristicrats) from the Heian period, 12th century. The elaborate boxes were made of mother of pearl and maki-e lacquer. There was a special section of the museum for the attire of the military elite, which included Yoroi and Gusoku style armor as well as Samurai swords from the 13th and 16th century. One of the most memorable parts of the museum was the Gallery of Horyuji Temple Treasures. These timeless Japanese treasures are from the 7th century and they included: Gilt Bronze Buddhist Statues, Gigaku Masks, Wooden, Metal and Lacquer Artifacts as well as paintings, calligraphy and textiles. I was simply in awe of the beauty and splendor of this particular gallery. I know there is an unique story behind each artifact and you could spend a lifetime imagining about the history of each one.
After that unforgettable msueum tour we shopped on Ameyoko-ocho street which is a trendy urban hip district. I even purchased a CD from a Japanese Rapper named Wise! Watch out Fifty Cents! I don't know what the rapper is saying but I like the beat.
What a whirlwind of a week in Toyko. I was literally beat but It's now time to repack and take a flight to Kagoshima for a weeklong stay in my host city that not only includes visit to public schools and a local univeristy but a homestay with a local Japanese family.
Saynora until next week with more adventures in Japan!
Ueno Park is a large public park that opened in 1873. Ueno Park is famous for its many museums, especially art museums, namely the Tokyo National Museum, the Orient Museum, the National Science Museum, and many others. It has a zoological garden as well. The Tokyo National Museum us the oldest and largest musuem in Japan. The museum preserves art and archaeological objects from all of East Asia, with Japan as it's main focus.There are five exhibition galleries, a research centerm outdoor exhibits and a garden.
As a lover of Japanese art, this was a dream come true for me. I was able to learn about the features, cahracteristics and history of Japanese art chronologically. I admired art from the early Jomon period over 12,000 years ago until the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate in the late 19th century. A few of my favorite things included: a Dogu (clay figurine) from Jomon period 1000-400 B.C., a Dotaku (bell-shaped bronze) with Crossed Bands from Yayoi period, 1-3rd century, Haniwa Man /Terra-cotta Tomb ornament from Kofun period, 6th century. In addition I enjoyed viewing the impressive Zen and Ink Landscape Paintings from the Kamakura period, 14th century as well as the Tebako (decorative and luxurious cosmetic box of aristicrats) from the Heian period, 12th century. The elaborate boxes were made of mother of pearl and maki-e lacquer. There was a special section of the museum for the attire of the military elite, which included Yoroi and Gusoku style armor as well as Samurai swords from the 13th and 16th century. One of the most memorable parts of the museum was the Gallery of Horyuji Temple Treasures. These timeless Japanese treasures are from the 7th century and they included: Gilt Bronze Buddhist Statues, Gigaku Masks, Wooden, Metal and Lacquer Artifacts as well as paintings, calligraphy and textiles. I was simply in awe of the beauty and splendor of this particular gallery. I know there is an unique story behind each artifact and you could spend a lifetime imagining about the history of each one.
After that unforgettable msueum tour we shopped on Ameyoko-ocho street which is a trendy urban hip district. I even purchased a CD from a Japanese Rapper named Wise! Watch out Fifty Cents! I don't know what the rapper is saying but I like the beat.
What a whirlwind of a week in Toyko. I was literally beat but It's now time to repack and take a flight to Kagoshima for a weeklong stay in my host city that not only includes visit to public schools and a local univeristy but a homestay with a local Japanese family.
Saynora until next week with more adventures in Japan!
2 comments:
where r your pics of me?
Hey, Brian!
Glad to hear you're enjoying your visit! You deserve it. You're the BEST! Have a BLAST!
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