At Benzaiten, a temple surrounded by the waters of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, the flames licked the incense burning in the large bronze koro (incense burner) sitting at the base of the steps to the temple. The lovely island temple in the heart of Tokyo is dedicated to the only goddess among the Seven […]

Rent yourself a pedal-powered swan and float around Shinobazu pond in Ueno Park – it’s a bit kitschy but still a somewhat graceful way to spend a half hour on a sunny afternoon in Tokyo. We rented our swan boat during the peak cherry blossom viewing season which offered a break from the crowds admiring […]