Walk With Me / Lala Lopez De Leon

Walk with me: Shinobazu Pond and Former Kan-ei-ji Temple Grounds

By Lala Lopez de Leon

Just recently, a quick trip by taxi to the Pension Office in Ueno, the nearest place I could make inquiries, being a resident of Taito-ku, was a total disappointment. They were not as accommodating as I had thought government offices in Japan would be. Obviously, the pandemic has changed all that. I ended up filling an appointment form and was asked to come back a Saturday morning in October. I was seriously sulking. What a morning! What a total waste of time!

I needed a nice cup of coffee to ush the blues away. But, wait! Right in front of the Pension Office is the Shinobazu Pond! Well, alright, maybe a slow leisurely walk back to Ueno Station would be a healthy distraction from my bad mood.

Oh, how sweet and romantic young love can be!

Not the best of weather, but it was bright enough and there was a soft breeze. I was beginning to feel better; even without the coffee, yet.

Oh, wow, the Lotus Pond is overflowing!

A little bit of history reviewed. Yes, the Shinobazu Pond is within the former site of the Kan-ei-ji Temple, which is closely associated with the Tokugawa shoguns.

Now I wish I had more time to spare exploring this side of Ueno. I must visit the Shitamachi Museum next time!

With just about an hour to spare, well, I decided to use it for a sumptuous lunch at my favorite place in Shitamachi Asakusa!

This is why it is so hard to leave Japan!