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Our first chartered bus journey began with sightseeing. I was mesmerized by the current Imperial Palace (Kokyo). It is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The palace was destroyed during World War Two, and was rebuilt. As a matter of fact later in the week Crown Prince Naruhito was in our hotel for a summit meeting. Many of the educators including myself got to see his majesty and the massive entourage of diginitaries that accompanied him.
We passed the Supreme Court of Japan on the way to the National Congress Building of Japan called The Diet. We were able to tour the historic building and grounds of The Diet.
After the tour we headed to Asakusa for a traditional Japanese luncheon in a quaint tearoom. The specialty of the day was tempura and green tea.
I was excited to visit after lunch the famous Sensoji/Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple.
According to Japanese legend," 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." I was taken back when I learned that the temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. It was incredible to touch and see something built in the 7th century. The architecture of the temple was mesmerizing. I could have stood and observed it for hours.
Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. It was constructed over 1000 years ago and is the symbol of Asakusa. Upon arrival visitors are greeted by a large purification well. The well is for purifying yourself and your hands. However, everyone had to use the same ladle. I passed on this experience after all I do teach Kindergarten and know about these kinds of things. Yet, I did partake in the larger than life incense burner that is located in front of the temple. It alledgely cures you of all sickness. I soaked in so much incense that my hair smelled like incense for 3 days. Plus, I didn't get sick while in Japan so don't discount the incense.
The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. The street is filled with a plenthora of traditional gifts, local snacks and souvenirs. One of my regrets is that we did not have time there for a guided tour of Asakusa on a rickshaw or "man powered vehicle". I was too busy shopping. Nakamise Street stretches over 250 meters and has over 50 shops. If that is not enough for power shoppers there is Shin-Nakamise Street that runs perpendicular and offers more shopping and restaurants. One of our most delightful finds on thsi adventure was an used kimono and happy coat shop. We were able to find bargain prices for authentic traditional Japanese clothes. I bought some Japanese style flip flops you wear with traditional clothing. The salesman asked me my size. I replied,"Eleven." He quickly exclaimed, "You need to buy "Sumo wrestler" size!
Before I left Asakusa Temple I had to get my horoscope. Of course, It was free. It was a complex process. First, you stopped by a small table and picked up and shook a metal canister and a bamboo stick popped out. On the Bamboo stick was a Japanese Kanji character. Located directly behind the table were mailboxes. Each Kanji character had its own corresponding mailbox. You opened the corresponding mailbox and pulled out a bilingual message-my horscope said, "like the spring blossoms and grass turning green things were only going to get better for me!"
We passed the Supreme Court of Japan on the way to the National Congress Building of Japan called The Diet. We were able to tour the historic building and grounds of The Diet.
After the tour we headed to Asakusa for a traditional Japanese luncheon in a quaint tearoom. The specialty of the day was tempura and green tea.
I was excited to visit after lunch the famous Sensoji/Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple.
According to Japanese legend," 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." I was taken back when I learned that the temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. It was incredible to touch and see something built in the 7th century. The architecture of the temple was mesmerizing. I could have stood and observed it for hours.
Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. It was constructed over 1000 years ago and is the symbol of Asakusa. Upon arrival visitors are greeted by a large purification well. The well is for purifying yourself and your hands. However, everyone had to use the same ladle. I passed on this experience after all I do teach Kindergarten and know about these kinds of things. Yet, I did partake in the larger than life incense burner that is located in front of the temple. It alledgely cures you of all sickness. I soaked in so much incense that my hair smelled like incense for 3 days. Plus, I didn't get sick while in Japan so don't discount the incense.
The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. The street is filled with a plenthora of traditional gifts, local snacks and souvenirs. One of my regrets is that we did not have time there for a guided tour of Asakusa on a rickshaw or "man powered vehicle". I was too busy shopping. Nakamise Street stretches over 250 meters and has over 50 shops. If that is not enough for power shoppers there is Shin-Nakamise Street that runs perpendicular and offers more shopping and restaurants. One of our most delightful finds on thsi adventure was an used kimono and happy coat shop. We were able to find bargain prices for authentic traditional Japanese clothes. I bought some Japanese style flip flops you wear with traditional clothing. The salesman asked me my size. I replied,"Eleven." He quickly exclaimed, "You need to buy "Sumo wrestler" size!
Before I left Asakusa Temple I had to get my horoscope. Of course, It was free. It was a complex process. First, you stopped by a small table and picked up and shook a metal canister and a bamboo stick popped out. On the Bamboo stick was a Japanese Kanji character. Located directly behind the table were mailboxes. Each Kanji character had its own corresponding mailbox. You opened the corresponding mailbox and pulled out a bilingual message-my horscope said, "like the spring blossoms and grass turning green things were only going to get better for me!"
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