SUNDAY
Another breakfast....
Today was our last day in Tokyo and the itinerary was to visit the Asakusa Temple which is nearby our hotel. We had visited the temple once on our own during the nighttime and today we were accompanied by the guide during the day visit.
DAYTIME VISIT....
Can see the Tokyo Tree in the background.
A traditional bridal procession, this time pulled by jinrikisha (rickshaws)
the garden before the Sensoji temple
there is a hospital behind the temple...
It was shopping time as we strolled past the busy 200 meters long Nakamise-dori shopping street. This busy street has more 300 years of history and you can get the local snacks (many of them traditional vendors); souvenirs: folding fans, kimono yukatas and t-shirts, umbrellas and other trinkets etc.
Asakusa famous osenbei (rice crackers). These are truly crispy and tasty
the traditional shop
so many varieties to choose...
the rice cracker is grill on the spot, brush with some soy sauce and wrap with the seaweed... yummy.
the giant incense cauldron in front of the Kannon-do hall, go near it and wave the fumes over your body as the incense fumes will purify your soul, cleanse away evil spirits and bestow good health.
Kannon-do (main hall) was built in 1651 but destroyed during the WWII and rebuilt in 1958.
According to the story, there were 2 fishermen who caught a small statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy from the Sumida river. The statue kept returning to them when it was released back to the river. Hence, a temple was built for the statue.
the dragons at bottom of the "Thunder" Lantern. outside Kaminari-mon gate.
This is the 1st gate to Sensoji temple. On right side, is the statue of Fujin (Wind God) and on left side is statue of Raijin (Thunder God). Sensoji is one of Tokyo's oldest temple
The lantern is 4 meters tall and weighs around 670 kg
Chinese folklore have the "8 deities crossing the sea". In Japan, these 7 are Gods of Fortune (Shichi Fukujin)
From left: Bishamonten, a Buddhist deity,is usually portrayed with a severe countenance, but he is worship as a god of luck, wealth, and happiness. He represents dignity, righteousness, and religious faith.
Jurojin as the god of wisdom and long life (same image of Chinese deity too).
Daikoku is the god of wealth and bountiful harvest.(on the right with bag of gold I suppose)
Ebisu represents the good fortune and bounty of the sea. (the one with fish)
Hotei is the popular god of happiness and contentment. (yes the one with the fan)
Fukurokuju represents happiness, wealth and long life.(the scholarly looking one)
Benzaiten is the only woman among the seven gods of good fortune and is the patron of learning, music, art, and literature.
source: wiki
source: wiki
Esther and May
The temple is illuminated from sunset and the bonus of visiting at night is the missing crowds of tourists. There still are tourists but it more quiet and calming atmosphere.
the Guardian and the dragons at the temizuya water pavillon...
Gojunoto- 5 storey pagoda constructed in 1973 and reputed to contain some of the ashes of Buddha and closed to public.
There is a giant sandal on either side of the Thunder Gate. These symbolize the powers of the temple protectors and are handcrafted in a process that involves 800 people and each weight 250 kg. They were first donated in 1941 to protect the temple in WWII. However the temple was completely destroyed and rebuilt in 1958. Every 10 years, the people could donate a new pair to the temple.
Hozo-mon gate.
the myriads of illuminated lanterns along Nakamise-dori.
Most of the shops were closed and we were pleasantly surprised to find some enchanting sights.
the colourful and artistically painted shutters
It was so interesting to walk around indeed..
Look properly and you can see various statue of "Shoki-san guarding the house/shops
Don't think we saw any shops selling brooms...hahaha maybe this painting tells a story..
yes, traditional musical instruments...
No need to guess what this shop is selling during the day..
Look who's up there? !!!
The Ninja in red is down here....
The Tokyo Tree illuminated too in the background
It was getting cold ...time to go back to hotel...
on the way, saw these yatai along the alleys
these people were so happy drinking, eating and talking under these covers
More wall murals inside the train stations.
so much green over there. I like
ReplyDeleteIts a surprise that whilst the hotel rooms and shops are small compare to the vast open spaces!
DeleteYour photos are always beautiful and full of surprises for me. I didn;t know that we could visit that temple at night.
ReplyDeleteI love their rice crackers and they are not cheap! How I wished they are my relatives. On my next future Tokyo trip, I will read up your back dated blog posts to see where I have missed.
I have read your post before and they have been a great help too.
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