We stopped along the way at the former Iwasaki Residence Garden, from which Yushima Tenjin Shrine was very close. Today, let’s climb the Otokozaka stairs from the Shinobazu-dori side of the street, instead of from Kasuga-dori.
“Takoyaki” and “Jaga**” are so funny.
Since it is the season of the year, the temple grounds are quite crowded with students preparing for exams and their families.
When taking pictures here, be aware that the nearby high-rise condominium “Yushima Hightown” is likely to be in the picture. Although the condominium is not to blame, it is a large building, so if it is poorly reflected in the photo, it will make the picture of Tenjin less interesting.
Speaking of Yushima Tenjin, I was interested in the plum blossoms, but they were not yet in full bloom on this day. However, when I took a close-up photo with a macro lens, I could see that the buds were swelling little by little.
I guess if we wait a couple more weeks.
There was an option to relax with a cup of amazake, but on this particular day, I chose to rush ahead. We left Tenjin after a brief visit to the shrine, with a long line of people waiting to buy good luck charms and money.
Looking back through the torii gate on the south side. See, the pressure from the building looming behind us makes it look pretty badass, doesn’t it?
With the torii gate in the photo above at your back, head straight south. This street is named “Gakaku-no-michi” (“path of study”) in honor of Yushima Tenjin, but at first glance it appears to be nothing special, just an ordinary mid-rise building district in the heart of the city.
Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, however, can be tricky. I saw many stores on this otherwise unremarkable street that have become popular without people’s knowledge (and mine without mine).
A pastry shop that seems to have a steady stream of customers.
A cafe with a queue of female customers. According to the sign, “shaved ice” appears to be for sale, but in this cold weather? Shaved ice in a queue?
It looks like a coffee shop. The menu includes hamburgers and teppanyaki, but there are also crepes, pancakes, and other items that are popular with the ladies.
A few meters down the alley is a general accessory store. It is good to see young customers happily going in and out of the store.
Basically, it is a quiet building district. But it is strange that there is a shop per block that attracts “customers in the know”. Bunkyo ward is a city to be reckoned with.
I stopped occasionally to take a few random snaps as I walked, and after walking slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes, I arrived at the back of Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Except for a few close-up shots of plum buds with my 50mm macro lens, I was mostly shooting with my 31mm lens on.
Next time, I will probably start with a visit to Kanda Myojin.
Please bear with me a little longer as I take a leisurely stroll through the city, shooting with a single focal length lens.
