V.I.Ps in Tokyo

We have V.I.Ps in town this week, also known as our Very Important Parents.

After sending Justin to school on Wednesday morning we visited the Sensoji Temple at Asakusa. We arrived at Asakusa Station at 10:30am and proceeded to the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). The outer entrance of the temple is characterised by a humongous red lantern hanging at the entrance .

Jon with Gong Gong and Po Po

There is a shopping street known as Nakamise of about 200m, before reaching the second inner entrance. The shops sell many souvenirs and local snacks such as Yukata, Kimonos, folding fans, red bean cakes, osenbei (rice crackers), etc.

Shopping street after entering Kaminarimon Gate

At Hozomon, the main gate

5-Storey Pagoda

Left: Lantern at Hozomon
main gate

Right: Big straw sandle behind the gate

Left: Visitors drawing lots and hanging them
at the poles to bring good luck.

There is an alter in the middle of the temple grounds where devotees burn incense. The smoke from the alter is said to have beneficial powers. People will sweep the smoke towards them and pat it on their body for blessing and protection.

Can you spot a familiar face?

I saw some people washing their hands using the ladles and drinking water from the water fountain next to the main temple. Po Po was so happy to see the water fountain that she kept on washing her hands so that it will bring her "luck" for her mahjong. Only to find out later that the purpose of the fountain was to cleanse oneself before entering the temple. No mahjong allowed. (*lol*)

Huat ah!

Gong Gong's turn

Jon wanted to try too

LUNCH TIME!!!!

Having lunch at Akasuka

Lunch set: katsu-don and oyaku-don with miso soup