Asakusa

On Columbus Day we made our way down to Asakusa. This is a really old and historical part of Tokyo. It is home to the Senso-ji temple, one of the most visited temples in the city. Most of the temples and shrines have been re-built post war, but still it had that really old Japanese feel with the temples, shrines, gardens, and various little alleyways. The shops were small and the roads extra narrow, definately transported me to a Tokyo of old.

Our day began as always, a 3 mile bike ride to the gates of the AF Base. There we left our bikes and headed to the train station. Mind you when we go anywhere on bikes, we have a bag in my front basket, Avery on the back of my bike, Rich wearing a backpack WITH our stroller strapped to the back of it. We are quite a sight, but getting very proficient at traveling this way. I'll have to get a picture though before we leave. We then walk to the train station, get on the train for about an hour or longer, make a transfer. Get off train, transfer to Subway, and then we are finally at Asakusa! Whew, but our day is just beginning!

A shrine in one of the many gardens surrounding the main temple.

Avery in front of the holy inscense. People try to get the inscense all over them, especially on places that might hurt- they believe it has healing and properties.

Sweet pagoda behind us.

The infamous Octopus Balls! Avery trying and hunk of octo- hey, it's not too bad!

Close up of the balls. Covered in dried fish shavings, Yum!

Wall to wall people walking towards the temple down the infamous Nakamise-Dori. This street is lined with vendors and little craft shops. Very commercialized temple grounds!