Dear Tina and Gabby,
One of my memorable mornings in Tokyo was spent in ASAKUSA TEMPLE (heard them pronounced it as Asaksa).
From Gotanda, I rode a subway train alone directly to Asakusa; after few minutes of train ride, I’ve explored their so-called “traditionally Japanese atmosphere.”
I had mixed thoughts on seeing human-powered-transport in the form of RICKSHAWS. I think I cannot pay Y8,000 (PhP 4,000) for several minutes to an hour of a runner’s agony. But it was nice to know that these runners have passed a licensure exam to do the job and know how to speak English for the sake of tourism.
The gates to Asakusa Shrine…
The place isn’t hard to locate once you got off from the subway train. It’s immediately across the main street guarded by a KOBAN or a Japanese Police Station because understandably, Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s main tourist attractions.
Asakusa has the largest CHOCHIN or a Japanese lantern made of framed bamboo wound in spiral that is located at the central entrance of the KAMINARIMON (雷門, “Thunder Gate”). After the Kaminarimon, visitors are greeted by souvenir stalls in parallel on way to the main temple.
This was one of the places where I got your little pasalubong. (read : I’ll have another post letter for pasalubong soon). If you fancy something else that I failed to buy, at least I have captured them in pics, LOL
The souvenir shops along the path to Asakusa Shrine reminds me of the pasalubong stalls in Antipolo Church.
I did window shopping first and held myself from impulsive buying; after which, I found myself mesmerized by these Buddhist statues…
I like how this monument depicted motherly love; I remember how much you love Gabby, ‘ney
Then I also like this statue of a monk with one foot dangling. His posture appears peaceful and sublime.
The place also features a 5-tiered tower and the essentials of a Buddhist temple –incense to purify their being; water to wash their hands and mouth; all done to prepare themselves for veneration.
A few steps more to the main Shrine…
Cherry Blossom began to bloom that day…
Lovely as any Spring…
In God’s time, we’ll visit Tokyo together and savor these wonderful places again.
I love you, ‘ney and Gabby!
Tatay-doc.









































































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