Asakusa
The thunder gate (Kaminari Mon) is probably one of the most well known images that are associated with Japan even though most people wouldn’t initially think of it. If you were to select ten images that unequivocally make you think “Japan” I am sure you would select Mt. Fuji, sumo, geisha, and sushi. However, if I were to flash the picture of the thunder gate (kaminari mon) in front of your eyes you would most certainly say Japan.
If you were to have your picture taken underneath the massive red lantern that hangs from the bottom of the gate, you would absolutely hear thunder rolling above your head. You could possibly attest this sound to the bustle of the market behind you, but I would like to think that it is voices of all the people who have passed through the gate since its construction in 1657.
We walked up the cobblestone walkway with merchants selling souvenirs on either side of us all the way up to the temple. They sold things like ornamental samurai swords, Japanese flags, yukatas (a robe that looks very similar to a kimono but is specifically worn in the summer), chop sticks, and traditional Japanese sweets. Before long we reached another set of gates which lead to an open courtyard. In the center of this courtyard was a large metal well. Within the well were burning incense sticks. It is believed that the smoke from the burning incense within the well will make anything better. So you see many people wafting the smoke to the areas of their bodies. Most people pull the smoke towards their heads. The elderly tend to pull the smoke towards their backs or legs. I noticed one man pull the belt line of his pants away from his hips and waft the smoke into his pants. Ancient Japanese secret huh??? Yuri, Travis, and I each buy a bundle of incense and set it on fire. I have had trouble focusing lately so I wafted the smoke towards my head.
If you ever have the chance to visit the temple at Asakusa, be sure to look up once you enter the building because one of the most spectacular sights are the paintings on the ceiling. Time and exposure has faded the detail of the paintings on the ceilings but it is still very visible. If you do have plans to visit Tokyo, make it Asakusa and see the painting for yourself.
After leaving Asakusa we had to prepare to board the bullet train for Aichi prefecture. I have been on the bullet train several times so it is nothing new to me. The best way of describing the feeling of riding the bullet train is the same feeling you get on a plane when it is taking off. Immediately after the train leaves the station it slowly builds speed and your body is pulled back into the chair. It’s amazing how well the eyes adjust to the speed of the passing scenery. Its really funny because at 186 miles an hour the railroad crossing bells that warn drivers of an oncoming train go from a continuous ringing to a single ring.
Businessmen file into the train expeditiously and sit in their seats as quickly as possible. Most of them are carrying plastic bags that have their dinners in bento boxes in them. These salary men are commuters. After gobbling down their dinners and guzzling a beer or two, they are off to sleep.