Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) is Tokyo’s oldest temple. It is a popular site for locals and tourists alike.
To reach the temple, you must pass through two gates. Kaminari-mon Gate (Thunder Gate) is the outer gate, which was destroyed during the air raids in 1945. A huge paper lantern is painted in red and black to represent thunderclouds and lightning.
After passing through the first gate, a long shopping street leads to the second gate. This street is the perfect place to buy Japanese souvenirs!
There were so many people walking toward the temple that pictures had to be taken on the move!
The 2nd gate, called Hozomon Gate has another large paper lantern.
One of these heads does not match the others…
Beyond Homozon Gate are the temple’s main building and a 5-story pagoda. Smoke from incense and food stalls filled main temple the area.
Sake barrels…
Coi fish…
We ate lunch at a soba noodle shop near the temple. Soba noodles are traditional Japanese noodles made of buckwheat and wheat flour. They are served hot in broth or cold with a dipping sauce.
The restaurant had a window where you could watch the noodles being made. You can see the dough being rolled out below.
I like how the dirty window provides a natural texture and makes it appear as though the photo was taken several years ago.
by beth
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