Tokyo Cont'd
Trip Start
Oct 20, 2008
1
43
93
Trip End
Jan 31, 2009
Tokyo,
Kanto,
Japan
Friday, December 5, 2008
At Starbucks, baristas say thank you every 5 seconds. Moreover, all of them repeat the order that the cashier has given in unison.
Went to Asakusa to visit the Buddhist Temple of Senso-Ji. Even though its architecture was similar to that of Meiji-Jingu, this religious building was definitely more impressive. First built in the 7th Century, it was destroyed during World War II, just like most historical buildings in Tokyo. What we see today is a 1950s reconstruction.
The ritual is very similar to what people did at the Shinto shrine: cleansing, throwing coins, and praying
Inside the Temple
. What differed was the bundles of incense that visitors burnt inside a communal bowl. They would pull the smoke to their face and hair, believing that it would bring good luck.There is an inverted swastika symbol all around the temple. I should learn more about this.
When I entered the temple, the monks were carrying out a service. The way they recited sounded very much like an Imam or a Greek Orthodox priest would recite from their holy books. However, the Buddhist version was more musical, featuring chimes and drums. It was powerful.
Walked around the numerous shops in Asakusa that are situated on narrow streets. Some of these streets are covered with roofs, which gave them a souq-ish feel. I guess, this is as close as Japan gets to the Middle East.
Asakusa is known for its tempura and sweets.
Had tempura, rice, miso soup and pickles at a random restaurant for 760 yens.
As I was finishing off my lunch, it started to rain really hard. Hopped on the subway; got off at Ueno. I looked around for the Tokyo National Museum, but couldn't find it. Looking for refuge from the rain, my eyes searched for a Starbuck. Couldn't find one. Hopped back on the subway and headed back home to Azabu-Juban.
Took a 2 hour nap. Then, Engin took me to a restaurant in Azabu-Juban to eat Nabe. Nabe is a mixture of meatballs, noodles, veggies and eggs that is cooked on your table. It's not only a winter special, but also a sumo's-favorite.
