The Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden is only open to the public twice a year. There is a 700 yen entrance fee, but photographs are allowed as long as you keep moving along the path. Those umbrellas are protecting the plants from receiving too much sun. The garden was founded in 1980 to mark friendship between Japan and China. It is believed the peony was introduced into Japan from China sometime during the Nara period (which was 710-784).