bunkyo ward, tokyo, 文京区

i made a 3days trip to tokyo for the first time since i moved back to japan. this time, naturally, the main purpose of my visit was to have an interview (turned out to be almost unsuccessful) and to attend a sort of explanation meeting of a planning consultant agency. but at the same time, it was also natural choice for me to stay much longer than it should take. 

this time, i went to visit some areas where i had never been to before or i seldom visited when i was living in tokyo. for instance, i made my first time visit to tokyo uni, nakameguro, ebisu and daikanyama. above all, visiting tokyo university was much more exciting than i expected. 

tokyo university is located in bunkyo ward, inside of yamanote line. my image of inside yamanote is always associated with super-fancy expensive skyscrapers. but it was not the case at all around tokyo uni. compared to the uni i went, there were much less greenery nearby, but there was a beautiful pond and trees in the campus. the buildings were often low and old (with some exceptions). because of them reminded me of my life back in europe. the latest building that world famous architect tadao ando built was super cool looking, but not outstanding oddly from the surroundings, and it made me feel bit surprised. 

even though it was saturday, there were relatively many people both students and ordinary people. indeed the atmosphere in this campus was something special, it must be a popular destination for a walk for local people and some tourists like me.

after i walked through the uni, i headed the nezu shrine, which is also located in the same ward i guess. on the way there, the surrounding atmosphere was far from skyscraper image of tokyo, and was really cozy. there were so many ordinary lives. nothing fancy, nothing special. not many touristy people taking pictures everywhere except me and my friends. i became quite attracted to live around there if i could get a job in tokyo, although it is not necessarily happening yet.

nezu shringe was much much better than my high expectation. it was preserved as one of japan's national important treasures. it didnt have any commercial atmosphere unlike asakusa. and what i like the most was the path covered with numbers of shrine gates. it made me dizzy and happy at the same time. it was something extraordinary. 

i dont think this area is so popular for tourists, but i would highly recommend this area for tourists. because it can show a totally different aspect from tokyo tourists would have, and therefore they can feel the diversity of tokyo.