Tokyo, Japan's capital and the country's largest city, is one of Japan's 47 prefectures. It consists of 23 city wards, 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages. In the short amount of time we were there, I was amazed by how much we did. But, I was even more amazed by how much we didn’t see. With our two days of Dance Clinics and two days of games, we had about two and a half days, plus hours in between events, to fit in as much sightseeing as we can handle. Thanks to Yoshi, Yoshimi, Manabu and Ray for being patient with us and making it possible to see as much as we saw and do as much as we did!
Asakusa: One of the districts which still holds the atmosphere of old Tokyo. We entered the town through the Kaminari Gate, the first of two large entrance gates leading to Asakusa's main attraction, the Sensoji Temple (built in the 7th century). The gate was first built more than 1000 years ago and is the symbol of Asakusa. The second gate (the Hozoman Gate) was located just outside the Temple.
We had no idea the gate was going to lead us to the best souvenir shopping ever; Nakamise. With over 200 meters of souvenir and snack shops, shopping for gifts got overwhelming! As soon as one girl wanted to buy something from one store, another girl found something in another store. You would think it would be easy to spot the Americans, but with the streets being so crowded, it was easy to get lost from the group! After purchasing a gift for my dad, I stepped out of the store and felt like a lost puppy! I couldn’t even spot Leah, who seemed to be one of the few blonde people in the area!
Although the temple was the main attraction, there was something even better to see. Locals had raved about the best Tempura restaurant being found in Asakusa! As we weaved through the crowded streets, asking many people for directions, we finally found ourselves entering a small restaurant found at the end of an alley way. We walked up the stairs, took off our shoes, and sat on a few pillows that surrounded a very short table.
We let Yoshimi do all the ordering, for no one else could understand the menu! Tea was served and in no time, the waitress arrived with several covered little bowls. Without even looking at the food, I could smell the deliciousness! As Leah uncovered the meal in front of us, we found a bowl of rice topped with many pieces of fish and shrimp tempura. Yum! Each piece was fried to perfection and after the meal, I had to agree with the locals, this must have been the best place to have Tempura.
During one of our long breaks in between events, we were all invited to visit Yoshimi’s family at her house. In the city ward of Meguro, the group found themselves seated at the dining table of the Isohata family. “Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.”
I’m sure we couldn’t have found a more authentic meal in Japan. With the great-tasting food, wonderful hospitality, and even a personal calligrapher, this became one of my highlights of the trip. Next time you are invited to a meal at one of your Japanese friend’s home, please politely ask them to prepare, “Gomokugohan with Unagi,” and, “Yakisoba.”
Asakusa: One of the districts which still holds the atmosphere of old Tokyo. We entered the town through the Kaminari Gate, the first of two large entrance gates leading to Asakusa's main attraction, the Sensoji Temple (built in the 7th century). The gate was first built more than 1000 years ago and is the symbol of Asakusa. The second gate (the Hozoman Gate) was located just outside the Temple.
We had no idea the gate was going to lead us to the best souvenir shopping ever; Nakamise. With over 200 meters of souvenir and snack shops, shopping for gifts got overwhelming! As soon as one girl wanted to buy something from one store, another girl found something in another store. You would think it would be easy to spot the Americans, but with the streets being so crowded, it was easy to get lost from the group! After purchasing a gift for my dad, I stepped out of the store and felt like a lost puppy! I couldn’t even spot Leah, who seemed to be one of the few blonde people in the area!
Although the temple was the main attraction, there was something even better to see. Locals had raved about the best Tempura restaurant being found in Asakusa! As we weaved through the crowded streets, asking many people for directions, we finally found ourselves entering a small restaurant found at the end of an alley way. We walked up the stairs, took off our shoes, and sat on a few pillows that surrounded a very short table.
We let Yoshimi do all the ordering, for no one else could understand the menu! Tea was served and in no time, the waitress arrived with several covered little bowls. Without even looking at the food, I could smell the deliciousness! As Leah uncovered the meal in front of us, we found a bowl of rice topped with many pieces of fish and shrimp tempura. Yum! Each piece was fried to perfection and after the meal, I had to agree with the locals, this must have been the best place to have Tempura.
During one of our long breaks in between events, we were all invited to visit Yoshimi’s family at her house. In the city ward of Meguro, the group found themselves seated at the dining table of the Isohata family. “Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.”
I’m sure we couldn’t have found a more authentic meal in Japan. With the great-tasting food, wonderful hospitality, and even a personal calligrapher, this became one of my highlights of the trip. Next time you are invited to a meal at one of your Japanese friend’s home, please politely ask them to prepare, “Gomokugohan with Unagi,” and, “Yakisoba.”
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