Saturday, February 23, 2008

FROM SHRINE TO SWINE AT ASAKUSA ...

Before winging my way home to Santa Monica today, I decided to explore the Asakusa region of Tokyo, known for its many historic shrines and open air markets.  The heart of this neighborhood -- the Sensoji Temple -- is a deeply spiritual place.  Visitors come from miles around to walk through the Kaminarimon -- or "Thunder Gate" -- and purify their souls at the Water Dragon Fountain.  Just outside the temple walls is the Nakamise, one of the oldest outdoor markets in Japan, dating back to 1688 when a Big Shot Shogun named Tokugawa first allowed the opening of special Tea Houses to serve visitors to the Shrine.  Today, however, the Nakamise plays host to a more eclectic mix of shops selling everything from Halloween Costumes for your dog to Yokohama Bust Pudding, a popular, Japanese dessert served in a Pair of Perky, Plastic Breasts.  Like everything in Japan, it all makes Perfect Sense:  Visitors can pig out on "Breast Pudding" all day, then cleanse their souls at the Temple nearby ...!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cool pictures and what a nice way to end your trip before a long flight, making sure you are purified, lol.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an uplifting day....See you when you reach the shores of the states again hon! (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

Okay... plastic breast pudding... only the japanese!  lol

be well,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I've been there too, did they have the Hiroshima shrine there too. I cried looking at all the old photographs they had on show.

I had some weird things while I was there, but never tittie pudding!
Gaz ;-)

Anonymous said...

Charming...
Traci

Anonymous said...

dont tell me you didnt nibble a little breast while you were away!Beckie x

chicken of course.

Anonymous said...

See...that's what I like about the Asian culture.  Intellectual, spiritual, and UP FRONT.  Hehehe...sorry...that was just pigg-ish.  No really, I DO respect their approach to life, for the most part. ;)  C.