10/6/12 - (continued)  Traveled via subway to Asakusa.  Visited the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the Sensoji Temple and browsed through the Nakamise Shopping Center on our way in.

 

This is the Kaminari Gate.  The entrance gate leading to the Sensoji Temple.  This was built more than 1000 years ago.

 



Here's Ryan, Nikki & George at the gate.

 



Here's Ryan, Nikki & Me at the gate.

 



This is an unusual piece of art.  It's actually the bottom of this huge lantern.  As we passed under I looked up and saw it and couldn't help but snap a picture of it!  I must do some reading about this place so I can understand what it all means.

 



 

We passed through the Nakamise Shopping Center which is really a whole bunch of vendors, lined up along the streets selling their knicknacks.  As Ryan put it, "it's a tourist trap".  I agree, but I like looking at all those things.  I didn't buy anything but I like looking.

 

We are standing outside the Sensoji Temple.  This temple was built to honor the Goddess of Mercy. Tokyo's largest and most popular Matsuri (Shinto Festival) is held here in the Spring.

 

We made some offerings and checked out the Takoyaki and chicken booths right outside.  Not so good!

 

Here's a Pagoda right outside of the temple.  It is believed that this is an "antenna to heaven".

 



 

There were two of the statues on both sides of the lantern at the entrance.  I'm assuming they are the protectors.

Going through the Nakamise Shopping Center, approaching the Sensoji Temple.  They sold Osenbei (rice crackers), Yukata, tshirts, bags, little knicknacks, ice cream and there was a shop that sold really pretty japanese fans & material but they were super expensive!  There was also Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street which ran perpendicular to the Nakamise Shopping Center.  It's a covered shopping arcade, lots of interesting things.  I wanted to buy this little fold out stool.  Uhm, mostly because my feet were killing me!

 

I am standing outside of the temple looking back at the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) which is the entrance to the temple.

 

Here's Ryan & Nikki outside the Sensoji Temple. 

Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist Temple is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple.  Built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest.

 



Another picture of the the Pagoda!

 



Inside the Temple!  Said our prayers in silence.  There were so many people there, such reverence and respect for their religious beliefs. 

 



 

 

Another shot of the Pagoda.

 



 

We came across this after our visit to the temple.  A Buddhist statue tucked away in the brush.

 



 

And yet, another shrine.

 



 

We could see the Tokyo Sky Tree from here but it costs 2500 yen to go up to the tower to see the city.  Uhm, that equates to $32.00 per person so, maybe next time or we'll try to go to the Government Tower for free.  Ok, we're done here and off to Kappabashi Dori.