1. If you see something you like, buy it. “Coming back later” isn’t always the best plan.
2. If you must go back, plan an additional adventure.
Last week, when I went to Kappabashi with my neighbor, I saw adorable kid bento boxes. I thought of my favorite two littles, Jack and Isaac. At the time, I thought Dave and I would have plenty of time to return, pick them out together and get them in the mail in time for Jack’s birthday in a couple of weeks. Clearly, I wasn’t considering, most of the area is closed on Sunday (we planned to go yesterday) or that mail takes at least 7-10 days to arrive. If I put it in the mail tomorrow, I’ll have 11. Guess I have a plan for my Monday.
Back to #1 – if you see something you like, buy it. I failed on that one.
Back to #2 – if you must go back, plan an additional adventure. Boy, did I ever!
I decided to visit the Asakusa Sensō-ji Temple. This made me feel as though my ¥1820 round trip train ticket wasn’t just spent on buying presents (not that the boys aren’t worth it!) I was also having fun exploring and investigating vice just running an errand. Simultaneously, I was working on perfecting using the trains around Tokyo! Here was my route via the train. The most amazing thing, I only had to switch trains once!!
Once I was out of the station, it was easy to find the temple and Tokyo Skytree.
Main Entrance
Close up of Entrance
Talk about a tourist spot. I heard so many people speaking English. Honestly, it was kind of weird to understand people’s conversations as they were looking at trinkets. Check out all the souvenir shops!!
Lucky Cat store. This was at least the third one!
Umbrellas… even on a sunny day. Because Japan
KAWAII!!
Sun Dancers
Vendor street leading to Temple
Another interesting thing was the availability to rent kimonos and enjoy the temple dressed up. Their were a lot of Japanese who were donning a kimono. I’m not sure if they were rented or owned. But, please consider when you visit, we could rent kimonos and make perfect pictures!
I love this picture of three girlfriends having a fun time together. Their smiles are priceless. Friendship looks the same in every culture.
Back to the Temple. It was amazing.
Koi Pond – because Japan
The ladder behind the Buddha made me giggle – steps to enlightenment?
I know I have mentioned it before and I’ll say it again. I love exploring the temples. They bring me a sense of calm, happiness and peace.
The world needs more Peace
By now, it was time to find the bento boxes. Remember, the reason I came back here less than a week later. And find them I did! Here’s a picture. Please, if you see Jack before his birthday, don’t ruin the surprise!
Before I went up today, Dave and I decided the fire truck for Jack and the train for Isaac. Adorable, right!?!
I’m also please to report, I made it home without issues. I was a boss of the Tokyo trains today!!
The Sensō-ji is an option to visit if you want to explore Kappabashi during your visit!! Peace, friends.