Bukyo Travel Guide – Tokyo

Bunkyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is located in central Tokyo and has a population of 217,743. Bunkyo is home to many universities, including the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Keio University. It is also home to many museums, including the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo National Museum, and the National Museum of Natural Science. Bunkyo is a very lively and cultural neighborhood, with many things to see and do.

What to see in Bunkyo

Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine is one of the area’s most prominent tourist attractions and one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, with a fascinating history. It was established in 1705 and moved from Sendagi to its current location in Nezu by order of the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. This move took place in the context of shogunate succession, as Tokugawa Ienobu, chosen as Tsunayoshi’s successor, selected the deity of Nezu Shrine as his protector. Furthermore, during the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period in 1868, when Emperor Meiji moved from the Imperial Palace in Kyoto to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, several emissaries visited the shrine to seek divine favor in this new era.

Shinobazu Avenue

Shinobazu Avenue, located near Nezu Shrine, is the main thoroughfare where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and explore the various shops and businesses that line it. Below, we’ll highlight some notable locations worth mentioning. One of them is the artisan shop Ito Furoten, which has specialized in making wooden bathtubs since 1925. The shop’s name comes from the combination of the words “furo” (bath) and “ten” (shop). Although wooden bathtubs are not as common in Japanese homes today, Miyahara Azusa, who represents the fifth generation of artisans in the family, has expanded the business to include other products such as trays, cups, stools, and more, while continuing to produce traditional wooden bathtubs. Like many artisans in this area, it’s possible to observe their work from the street while they are in action.

Rikugien

Los Jardines Rikugien son unos hermosos jardines de estilo tradicional que llevan el nombre de Jardín de los Seis Principios, en referencia a los seis elementos característicos de la poesía japonesa waka, basados en la división tradicional de la poesía china. Estos jardines fueron construidos entre 1695 y 1702, por orden del quinto shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, y representan un ejemplo perfecto de los jardines típicos de los señores feudales durante el período Edo. Después del fallecimiento del diseñador original, los jardines cayeron en cierto olvido y no fueron restaurados hasta 1878. En 1939, fueron donados al gobierno de la ciudad. Es importante tener en cuenta que la porción actual de los jardines es solo un tercio de su tamaño original. A pesar de esto, siguen siendo uno de los mejores lugares en Tokio para disfrutar del momiji, es decir, el cambio de color de las hojas durante el otoño.

Price: Koishikawa Lake Paradise

These gardens are known for their design, which reflects the principles of Japanese landscaping, with ponds, streams, hills, and bridges harmoniously blending with manicured gardens of trees, flowers, and shrubs. During the sakura season in spring, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens come alive when the cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a stunning spectacle. It’s the perfect time to enjoy hanami, the tradition of viewing and celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms. In addition to their natural beauty, the gardens feature historic structures such as a stone bridge, a teahouse, and a pavilion, which add charm and give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese history and culture. Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens are an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city of Tokyo. They are ideal for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of nature, and offer a unique experience to grasp the aesthetics and philosophy of Japanese landscaping. With their meticulous landscaping, rich history, and serene atmosphere, they offer visitors a unique and relaxing experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Tokyo, I highly recommend exploring these gardens and immersing yourself in their tranquil beauty.

Bunkyo Travel Guide, Tokyo