Take a time piece to avoid overtime charges. There are the boats and two types of paddle boats. Don't make my mistake - if you're going to take a paddle boat, don't take the swan. You will have very limited view of both behind you, as well as straight ahead. The boats are difficult to steer, but most people go around the pond clockwise. It may take you a few minutes to get your bearings and the hang of steering. Once you do it's smooth sailing, but you will need to paddle in reverse as you encounter other people who are finding their way, or paying insufficient attention to the kid that they've let steer while they take some nice pictures. It's a lovely, if slightly stressful, 25 minutes on the water. Yes, you want to budget 5 to 7 minutes to head back to the dock, and you'll notice that you've already used a few minutes just to get in the boat.
Great spot to see the cherry blossoms, grey koi, many different types of birds and many options for food nearby. The public restrooms were not what one would typically see in terms of neatness. This park is the only place in Tokyo where there were people who looked distinctly homeless, but they were tidy, quiet and polite, like...
Read moreI love the atmosphere Shinobazu pond and surrounding area has. The pond is big and full of lotus. I visited in summer( July), so there was very few lotus blooming. But still it was a nice view. There is a floating deck on the pond.Don't forget to visit it. There are several musuems in that Ueno Koen(Ueno Park) area. You can visit that musuems too. But keep in mind Covid-19 situation can shut off these museums.
The shrine looks good. Mainly after evening when the lights of the shrine reflects on the ponds water it looks good.
There are fish on the pond. There was clearly written not to feed the fish anything. But I saw many Japanese were feeding chips.
There is all inclusive walking space all around the pond. So anyone with difficulty in walking or difficulty in viewing can also visit this pond.
It is advised to visit this park and oond during March-April. Because, this is the time of Sakura blooming. Many people gather there to enjoy Sakura(Japanese Cherry Blossom) and to enjoy Ohanami party(Cherry blossom party) below the cherry...
Read moreMy visit to Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park on an overcast weekday afternoon was quite picturesque. The pond was vibrant with abundant lilies, making the summer visit particularly beautiful. Despite the overcast skies, the park was fairly crowded, which added to the lively atmosphere of the place.
Adjacent to the pond, the 17th-century Bentendo Temple is a cultural highlight. Dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, known for wisdom and music, the temple offers a serene retreat and is beautifully surrounded by lotus flowers, making it a captivating spot for photography and relaxation. The best time to visit Shinobazu Pond is during the early morning, especially to see the lotus flowers in full bloom, as they are most radiant before closing up later in the day.
Overall, visiting Shinobazu Pond and the Bentendo Temple provides a tranquil experience amidst the bustling city, blending natural beauty with historical depth. If you're planning a trip, consider going in the early hours to capture the most peaceful and...
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