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06 Jan 09
Sakura's Stepping out in Asakusa - Tokyo!
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Stepping out in Asakusa - Tokyo!
Whilst you are in Tokyo, you just have to go to SensojiTemple and Nakamise Shopping Street!
This street is full of great souvenirs and quirky Japanese foods, gifts and clothing. After living there for 2 years, it was still a place I could always find something new as well as enjoy the old favourites
If you are after some Japanese Summer kimonos called `Yukata’, swords, hair accessories or `Zouri’ (Japanese style thongs), there are so many to choose from along this long shopping mall. These are just a few of the many on offer. They range from about 2,500 yen and up ($40 with our great exchange rate!)
While you amuse yourself with shopping there are also some yummy treats to try! I do think that you must try `Ningyo Yaki’. It is a small picklet like texture in a variety of shapes. Inside is a red bean paste. Not all travelers find this sweet but it is more of a Japanese style sweet which means much less SUGAR than we are used to
 
For those of us with a sweeter tooth, they also have rare flavoured ice creams like sweet beans, black sesame, tofu and `matcha’ to try………hmmmmm!
One thing that really struck me was they amount of rice cracker shops! So many sizes, tastes and styles. Asakusa is famous for this
They are so immaculately stacked in the display cabinets that it is like a piece of art!!!
 
Yes isn’t this a cute image, seen so often are these cute icon on signs, roads and items in Japan. This one is a `Fugu’ (blowfish). In Asakusa I was taken to a popular Fugu Restaurant and we ordered a tempura set dinner box. I must admit although it looked so good I couldn’t help being a little tense about the eating experience….would I live to tell this story was on my mind as I took my first bite
To my delight it was soft and smooth in texture, not too oily and simple in taste. I soon forgot about the potential risks and finished it all with ease. A food to take advantage of whilst in Japan – you’ve gotta say you’ve tried itJ
Sensoji Temple is in such a lively and vibrant area however maintains a peaceful and calm presence. Once you step inside the hustle and bustle disappears and you are faced with a beautiful golden altar (no pics allowed!)
Look at this! A big straw Japanese style thong! It really grabbed my attention. It was hanging on the entrance gates to the temple – I believe that this was donated by the MurayamaCity in Yamagata. One is donated every 10 years to SensojiTemple, this being the 6th. The attention to detail in this has to be seen to be believed!
I am happy to say that all of the day tours in Tokyo visit this area which makes it a stress free and relaxing way to see this fascinating area
If you would like anymore information on Asakusa or Japan for that matter, please do not hesitate to drop Travel Japan’s friendly staff a line!
Until next time………..SakuraJ
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