Tokyo Highlights, Shibamata, Temple of Wood Carving, Japanese Style House

The tour starts by strolling along the approaching path to Shibamata Taishakuten temple nicknamed "Temple of wood carving". Shibamata is also loved by the locals as the town where famous movie actor, Tora-san lived. In front of JR Shibamata station there is a pair of bronze statues of “Tora-san” and his younger pretty sister “Sakura”.

At the end of approaching path there is a grand gate called Nitenmon of Shibamata Taishakuten temple having roughly 400 year's history.Nitenmon gate was built all using hard and mold free zelkova trees so as to last long, plus for artistic beauty.When you enter the compound first pray to the Bodhisattva, then purify yourself at the purification place.A huge Kuromatsu pine tree in the temple complex is named “zuiryu no matsu” meaning “the dragon ascends to the heaven”. The pine tree is thought to be over 500yrs old.

The main hall leads to wooden Carving gallery and traditional Japanese garden called Suikei-en (admission: 400yen/person).There are such a numerous wood carvings inside and outside that the temple is called “Temple of Carving”. After visiting the gallery let's take off your shoes and walk the corridor leading to the Japanese garden “Suikei-en” within the compound.While on the wooden corridor encircling the garden you can enjoy seasonal changing scenery.

Within a few minutes from Shibamata Taihakuten temple is Yamamoto-tei, a former merchant's residence where features Japanese – Western style, creating a harmony of a Japanese drawing room, western architecture and Japanese garden.All rooms are open designed with few walls in between and face the garden over corridor.You can relax sitting on tatami mat hearing sound of waterfall water to the back of the garden, eating Match tea & sweet available here.

Soramachi is amusement spot located at the foot of Tokyo Sky Tree having Sumida aquarium and restaurants & shopping areas where you may find perfect souvenirs. During the daytime visitors can see penguins swimming actively in The Sumida aquarium.

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and most popular among the locals. The area from the Thunder gate through the main hall of Sensoji temple has been lit up from the sunset to 11:00 pm. It creates a fantastic night view with very little people while Sensoji temple is very crowded with tourists and worshippers during daytime.