Tokyo Trip (Day 4 – Part I)

Today, we would be making a trip to Asakusa (浅草) Temple also known as Sensoji.

When we walked out of the train station, the street was so packed with people. Later we came to know that there is a walkathon going on, and it seems to be quite a big affair with TV crew, cheerleading squad performing there. 
Sensoji (also known as Asakusa Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of the few places in Tokyo where atmosphere of Japan in early as 50's remains.

The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.

The first Gate (Thunder Gate)

When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), where a shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate. Here in the shopping street, we could find typical Japanese souvenirs such as traditional garments, folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa, amulets, key chain….

The second Gate leading to more shops
 Second Gate
 
Local Snacks 

Amulets and key chains
 
 Local Snacks
 
 Nice scenery along the way

I have forgotten what is this, but it taste delicious.

This is the only tree which full blossom of mandarin oranges.

The main gate leading to the temple (Hozomo)  The main gate

 The bottom of the big lantern which is a dragon engraving.

This is the places where the temple visitors to draw OMIKUJI (Written fortune).After reading the written fortune, it was tied on this metal rack. (although the STEP wrote to bring the paper home, I follow what all the others did and tied it on the rack)

Steps to drawing OMIKUJI

I decided to draw one too.
   Lighting the incense.

Drinking and washing face and hands for luck.

I happened to see this street performance by this young lady and monkey. It was very entertaining and fun to watch.

The 2 gigantic shoes hang on the 2 sides of the gate.

The shop where we bought this ice cream sells all type of yam stuffs and this yam ice cream was simply marvelous.

 A cute road sign that says “No entry” for car

We decided to have our lunch near the temple before we head off to Shibuya for some shopping. I wasn’t too hungry, so I just have a drink while D have his noodle and donut set.