What do these two things have in common? Absolutely nothing! But those were the hot spots we hit today.

ASAKUSA
Senso-ji Temple is a large temple built for the Buddhist goddess of Mercy. It was built in 645 but was destroyed in the bombings of WWII. It was rebuilt in the 1920’s. Merchants flank the pathway into the grounds.
George and Karen at the Thunder Gate

Shoe shopping in Asakusa

The main shrine had a large vessel with incense burning that people waived over themselves cleansing themselves before entering. There was also a place to wash your hands before entering.

The lantern flower festival is going on right now. At the entrance to the shrine they were selling the flowers.

Got a small snack of crab on a stick and wandered around

We stopped for some sushi at a restaurant where the sushi passes before you on a conveyor belt and the dishes are color coded as to what price they are. It was awesome!

Next we went to Ueno park
A park with shrines and beautiful grounds.

Our next stop was Nakano a huge mall area that consisted of one anime related shop after another! Karen was in heaven. Actually she was so overwhelmed she didn’t know where to begin. It was a good problem!

We wrapped up the day with noodle soup across the street from our apartment! We are pooped!