The main reason that we intended to go to Asakusa was that it is an arcade area that we hope may be cheaper and we can buy any last minute things we can think off. And it certainly is that even though the stores are starting to close especially on the sidestreets.
And over the whole neighborhood looms the Tokyo Skytree, similar to the Eiffel tower but serving a slightly different function, it is a broadcasting tower here and is the tallest tower in Japan since 2012.
While we came for shopping what we didn’t expect was the Senso-ji temple which is beautifully lighted and the complex can still be entered even in the evening.
It is the oldest temple in Tokyo and it venerates Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and even this late there are people here to pay their respects and pray in front of the temple.
The grounds are also beautifully illuminated with lighted paper lanterns. it is a bit otherworldly and we wouldn’t be too surprised if supernatural events like in anime would start happening. But unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, nothing out of the ordinary is happening.
What attracts the eye however is the five story pagoda especially how it is siluetted against the modern Tokyo Skytree in the background.
It is an interesting contrast especially as both are beautifully illuminated at night. After our visit we are really tired and go back to the hotel as tomorrow we have to leave and return to the US.
