Asakusa - Sounds like God Bless You!

Another weekend adventure, this one in Asakusa.  Asakusa has the oldest and most popular temple and dates back to 628.  628?!   Does that mean before Christ?   The story goes, two brothers fishing on the Sumida river caught more than fish here, a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness.  According to legend she can release humans from all suffering.  Where do I get one?  I know a couple of people who could really use it.

So they built a temple in her honor but apparently never show her to the public.  However, they do allow you to shop here.  She, being female, would have liked this I think.  The street preceding the temple is called the Nakamise Dori and is basically a walk street lined with souvenir shops.  Can you say "tourist trap", sure you can.  But it's actually rather fun and they sell a lot of Japanese treats, which keeps the husband interested.

First things first however.  I can't get Russell to sight see without feeding him first.  This is Asakusa's best known noodle shop, probably because it's listed in the tourist guides.  It's called Namiki Yabusoba.

See the gaijin in line, including Russell?  Usually a bunch of gaijin at a restaurant means two things:  English menu or they don't know any better.  The food, cold or hot soba, was quite good, despite the sneaker wearing diners.   I noticed they sat the Western folks at the tables where they could keep their shoes on and the Eastern diners sat at the mat tables.

There was a pretty little fountain in front of the noodle place.  

Something to stare at while you waited, which is nice.

This the gate leading to the shopping street, leading to the temple.

Nice lantern.

I want a ride.

This is the shopping street.  The fake cherry blossoms are a nice touch.

There are these little side streets that sell everything; not just souvenirs.

Tourist shop hocking t-shirts and sunglasses.

There were a lot of rice cracker shops.

A multitude of phone charms.  

I thought these old buildings with banners hanging in front were kind of neat.

I tried to get Russell to buy one of these cool jackets, for me.

I think they're beautiful. Maybe next time.

Like I said, I would be happy with one of those coats.

This was a little side shrine leading up to the temple.

Five story pagoda based on one from the time of the third shogun in the 17th century.

This one was built in 1970.

Gate leading to the shrine.

Russell, snuck into the picture. Geez!

No his head is not steaming. 

That's an incense burner in the background.

This rope thing is called Nawa and sacred places are usually marked with them.

I found this out from this very helpful site about shrine rituals.

http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shrine-guide-2.shtml

As with all other shrines you must cleanse or purify before you pray.

I better take a bath in it.

I need a sink with these dragon spouts.

This is an incense lighter.  Not a cigarette lighter.

Giant lantern just in front of the shrine.

The shrine itself.

This view is from the shrine looking back towards the gate.

It was crowed as usual.

These giant lanterns are neat.

And you can buy your very own smaller version.

Not to mention a wig.

Pretty Kimono. 

Time to feed Russell again.