Photos from my trip last winter, not previously posted.

 Sightseeing in the Asakusa area. North end of Tokyo, near the Sumidagawa (river). This river runs north/south down to the Tokyo harbor.

So, first I wandered around in the area of shopping streets that lead to the temple grounds. Following the street layout that predates cars, these streets are narrow enough for pedestrians only. Makes for a crowded, but easier wandering pace. So I spent a couple hours gawking at crowds of all types of people, snacking at street vendor stalls, being amazed at the variety of little shops, and taking photos.


The cherry blossoms aren't in bloom yet, but there are lots of fake ones around, just to get us in the mood I suppose.

The temple area was swarming with people, as it is quite famous, having been established in 630 or so. I've found most of the Buddhist temples to be quite large, embellished with gold and elaborate paintings, carvings, and multiple buildings. While the Shinto shrines seem to be subtler and not as frequented. I find the Shinto ones to be much more peaceful.

Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

The photo with the lanterns is leading up to the main Temple. There was also a five story pagoda, and several other similar buildings.

This lady was all by herself, no crowds around, while right on the other side of those bushes is the scene at the temple. Behind her, was a lovely little pond with stream, Japanese foot bridge and camelia bushes. Part of the Shinto shrine area.

Lovely young ladies, who were on their way somewhere, and graciously allowed me to take their photo. 

 Legs at the lantern shop.



And me, on right, pretending to be part of an ancient Japanese wood block! Just a futile attempt at fitting in here!


For those who don't know... if you click on any photo, it should show up bigger for more detail.

 I apologize for any bizarre formatting. Wish I could figure out how to just put these photos all next to each other with captions!!

At left is the famous Asahi Beer building. It's the black one, shaped like a beer glass, with the gold shape on it. The buildings are really modern art sculptures some times. Also in this shot, is the newest, tallest tower. The gold building was super reflective depending on whether or not the sun was shining on it, and from which direction. Then I went on a river cruise and got the opportunity to see many wild things. Hard to photo, unless they were on my side, since the boat was covered in plexiglass. (I showed up too late in the day to be allowed to ride on top!) I thought I might see some green areas, but the entire distance was fully cement and tall buildings!






The next view, is through the right side windows (complete with stylish light fixtures!) looking down a smaller side canal, which had many old style boats - maybe parked along their owner's apartments?

 These buildings are across the river, hard to see in this shot. The water gate is very old, from Shogun days. Standing there, I wondered what the ole Shogun would think of his falconry grounds being now in the middle of such a metropolis! The water comes in here, to feed a beautiful little lake, with a tea house where many Shoguns and other dignitaries entertained their guests. Didn't have time to have tea, as I was trying to get home before rush hour.

This is the tea house, set in the lake, now with gigantic glass buildings behind it! Also, the sounds were in contrast. Freeway noise mixed with cawing crows who were gathered up in the tree tops. There's a wooded area with tall pines just to the right of the lake. The crows are really large here, bigger I think than ravens.

It's hard to really get a handle on this building unless you are actually standing there. Each of the panels is about 10 foot square. My shot begins around the 20th story, just to get the whole thing. Absolutely stunning with the reflection of the clouds and the sheer scale of it!

So tomorrow and the next day are my last two days working with clients, then teaching Level 3 on the weekend. This stage of the trip, I am more relaxed, as I am used to things. At the same time, feeling homesick and pretty tired. Looking forward to a few days off at the end!

Blessings,
Daeryl