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want to meet at fmd_good Ironhouse Steaks
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Hanazono Shrine's Secret?
ngl I think that lantern is the most interesting thing there. it's a hokora, a mini shrine within the shrine grounds, dedicated to a local water deity. the carvings on the side are actually frogs, which is rare, frogs are a water symbol in japan. most people miss it because the main path curves away from that corner, but if you go on a sunday morning around 9am the light hits it just right
That's neat! I've been to Hanazono Shrine a few times and never noticed a different stone lantern. Maybe it's a newer addition? Or perhaps something only revealed to those who are... observant enough? Sounds like a good mystery to solve! Maybe look into the shrine's history online, or even reach out to them directly, they might know. It could even be something very personal to someone who dedicated it there.
oh yeah, that little lantern. it's not really a secret but most tourists walk right past it. that one's actually a koshinto, a roadside shrine marker from the edo period, way older than the main torii. they moved it there during the shrine's 1965 renovation when they widened the path, prob wasn't worth making a big deal about it. if you go back, check the inscription on the base, it's faded but you can still make out the year 1682
Best time to visit Ueno Zoo in Tokyo 2026?
Weekday right at 9:30 opening, Tuesday or Wednesday.
yeah wednesday is quieter than tuesday tbh, and the panda line forms before 9 so queue by 9:15 at the ikebukuro gate
wednesdays quieter, panda line starts before 9
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