Asakusa, Japan
Though Tokyo is a modern financial center, there is so much old culture still sprinkled around the city. We spent the afternoon exploring the historical area called Asakasu. Starting our journey at Senso-ji, one of Japan's most treasured temples, an area rich in Japanese tradition. The entrance consists of sculptures and lanterns and... tourists!
The size of these lanterns, called "chochin" in Japanese culture, shocked me! The red chochin stands slightly over 13 feet and is over 11 feet in circumference. I took photos from every angle... Kanji letters on one side of the giant red chochin say the gate's name: Kaminarimon. On the back is the gate's official name: Furaijinmon.
Sasha and I posed in front of the Thunder Gate Entrance. We couldn't have asked for better weather! Fortunately, we brought our umbrellas... we didn't need them for the rain as we expected, instead they shielded us from the beating sun!
Inside the gates, we found a courtyard style area. Leading up to the temple, was a large drum with smoke billowing from it. The story behind this is that the smoke is healing. Many people gathered around the drum... some just letting the smoke drift toward them and some reaching out to "grab" smoke and touch it to a body part that needed healing. Still others, chose to rub the smoke on their heads to help improve the mind.
Next area is a trickling fountain... not to drink but to wash hands. Several old tin cups with long handles, sit around the edge to be shared by everyone. The cool waters were definitely appreciated on a day like this! The trickling sound is peaceful... one thing I've noticed since a arriving in Tokyo, the people are so civilized. No one yelling, no boisterous sounds, no kids running around wild. People tend to talk in their "library voices" all the time. It's nice...
Next stop... wall of fortunes. There was a silver cylinder with a hole in it sitting on a ledge. A slot in the ledge was meant for a 100 yen ($0.93) donation. Once we dropped the yen into the slot, we took turns picking up the cylinder, shaking it, and grabbing the chopstick sized piece of wood that fell out. On it was a number... in Japanese. I got number 47... so I was supposed to look for the box with that number on it. (I needed a little help!) In the drawer, I found a paper with lots of Japanese writing. Miho read it to me... it was my fortune. My fortune was basically good... if it was bad, I would rip off the bad portion of the fortune and tie it with the others on the wires as seen in the photo. It seems several people didn't like their fortunes!
After a quick rejuvenating rinse of our hands, we headed toward the temple. Crowds of people climbed the steps to follow the traditional prayer ritual. First lightly toss an offering into a slatted box, two steps to the right, clap firmly twice and put hands together to pray. It wasn't until after I took this photo that I realized no photography allowed inside. I'd already taken a shot but figured it's best to be respectful and not post it ... better brush up on my Japanese!
As we walked out, the view struck me. So many people appreciating their culture. Willingly sharing with others. Looking out at the silhouettes of tourists and residents alike. The architecture, the incredible doors... can't believe I'm seeing all this!
Just outside the temple area is Nakamise Shopping District... a long row of shops. The stark difference is immediately noticeable. Quiet and respectful at the Temple, approaching this area it is now lively and colorful! These shops are full of traditional souvenirs. There were quite a few beautiful ladies walking around in traditional Kimonos... but we found out they had rented them and it was part of a walking tour. Next time? Maybe. Maybe not...
Lining the Nakamise Shopping District are these bright, colorful lanterns. I LOVE them! I've always been drawn to the traditional Japanese artistry and design. The colors and textures are so meaningful.
So many stores! It was hotter than hot so shopping was a challenge. Thankful for the umbrellas, we looked at the kimonos, wall art, chopsticks, "warazoris" and so much more! I got everyone an ice cream even though it's been removed from my diet... darn!
In one small area, the diversity in shopping is evident. From the booth/kiosk style where locals share their food and craftwork to the covered, more modern shops. It is so fun to wander from place to place! Despite the language barrier, the Japanese people are so warm and welcoming!
The second tallest building (after the Burj Kalif) Skytree can be seen from so many vantage points. We would turn a corner and there it was. Sometimes in stark contrast... a traditional building with the SkyTree in the background, shopping streets with SkyTree in the background... it draws attention from all around the city!
It was time for a selfie... we stopped, propped up the Iphone, set the timer and BOOM... the travelers and SkyTree!
Time for lunch! We looked at several spots but as is common in Japan, seating was a challenge for a party of five. We finally came upon a nice noodle shop. Starting out sitting at the bar, a table quickly opened up. Before moving to the table, I snapped a blurry selfie. The waiter brought us bibs to keep us from splashing our noodles on our clothes. Sasha is getting to use her Japanese, which is awesome! She will be here all summer .. no better way to learn a language than immersion. Lunch was fantastic!
We took turns posing with this decorated board. Pretty entertaining! My little Samurai friends...
Again, I noticed a peek of SkyTree through a small opening while exploring the garden. Framed by the bushes and flowers, it was quite an impressive sight!
Any chance to pose... these silly girls tried to look like the statue.
A peaceful garden with statues, rock decor and flowers. Several people sat on benches to relax in one of the few shaded spots in the area. The hydrangeas were in full bloom and gorgeous!
Gardens... statues... and artists carrying on the traditions of Japan. The statues always represent a cultural era, important person or religious person. We passed this sword maker who was weaving a leather handle on the sword... quite interesting to watch. It's so important to carry on culture, tradition and history... good and bad.
All shopped out, it was time to move on... at this point, a taxi was the best option. Up until now we have traveled by train. Meet my new bestie... the taxi driver! :-)
Stay tuned for more fun...
