Explore Japanese history in Edo and Meiji period through the garden, museum and a small theater

The Yushukan Museum is a military and war museum located within the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine. Yasukuni Shrine itself is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Emperor of Japan.

Yasukuni Shrine was established in 1869 by Emperor Meiji to commemorate and honor those who died in service to Japan. The Yushukan Museum was founded shortly thereafter, in 1882, making it one of the oldest military museums in Japan.

The Yushukan Museum showcases a wide range of military artifacts, documents, and personal belongings from various conflicts involving Japan, particularly from the Meiji Restoration through World War II.

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka is a charming and historic neighborhood located in the Shinjuku area. Known for its blend of traditional and modern influences, Kagurazaka has a unique character that makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Historically, Kagurazaka was home to many Geisha houses and still retains a sense of its past through the preserved architecture and narrow, stone-paved alleys called "Yokocho." The area is known for its blend of Japanese and French cultures, with numerous French restaurants, bakeries, and institutions like the Institut Français.

Kagurazaka is famous for its dining scene, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. It hosts a variety of restaurants ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine, including high-end kaiseki and sushi restaurants, to international fare, especially French cuisine.

Restaurant "Kagurazaka Kurobatei"

Kurobatei is recognized as a high-quality Japanese restaurant located in the Kagurazaka district. It provides a calm space that stays behind the alley of Kagurazaka and can forget the hustle and bustle of the city. "Delicious udon" by Japanese craftsmen is sticking to everything from the dish to the preparation of the place. Expressing the beauty of nature and the transition of the four seasons, we will be able to enjoy udon cherishing aesthetic sense by all means

We walk to Samurai Theater Tokyo. It takes about 15 minutes from the restaurant.

Here are some features of the theater.

Samurai Theater Tokyo offers an immersive experience into the world of samurai, located in the vibrant Shinjuku district. It's a place where you can engage in a variety of activities that bring the samurai culture to life. The theater offers a Samurai Experience where participants can dress in traditional samurai attire including kimono and hakama, learn the art of sword handling, and engage in a staged combat with a samurai playing a villain. The experience is designed to be authentic, allowing you to feel the spirit of a true samurai.

Additionally, the Samurai Theater hosts a Samurai Performance Show, where you can witness the elegance and tension of traditional samurai performances up close. The show features graceful samurai sword dances, intense battle scenes, and even a popular segment where real Japanese swords are used to cut tatami mats. It's not just a visual spectacle; after the show, there's an opportunity to take a commemorative photo with the samurai performers, making it a memorable part of your visit to Tokyo​.

We walk to Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station, then take the Oedo Line to Ueno-Okachimachi Station and walk to theKyu-Iwasakitei Gardens. It takes about about 25 minutes.

Here are some explanation about the Kyu-Iwasakitei Gardens.

It is located near Ueno Park is a historical site featuring elaborate and elegant old wooden buildings. These buildings were the palatial home of Hisaya Iwasaki, the third president of Mitsubishi, and were built at the end of the 19th century. The gardens showcase both Japanese and Western architectural styles, with the residence being particularly notable for Japanese and Western-style residences side by side. Completed in 1896, the site offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of Japan's most influential business families and the founders of Mitsubishi. The mansion, designed by British architect Josiah Conder, is known for its luxurious billiard hall and showcases the extravagance of the era. The garden is a wonderful place to appreciate the fusion of different cultural influences in architecture and design, making it a significant point of interest near Ueno Park

We walk in the Ueno Park till JR Ueno Station. On the way, we will see various establishments as follows.

Ueno Park is one of the city's largest and most famous public parks, renowned for its rich history, multiple museums, and as a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms. Established in 1873, it was among Japan's first public parks.

One of the park's most notable features is its concentration of cultural institutions. It houses several of Japan's most prominent museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Ueno Royal Museum. These institutions offer a wide range of artistic and cultural treasures, from traditional Japanese art to Western masterpieces.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Ueno Park is famous for its cherry blossoms. During the spring, the park becomes one of Tokyo's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing parties. The sight of over a thousand cherry trees in full bloom creates a stunning and memorable landscape.