Seeking Kaminarimon

Since I was in Asakusa, I decided to get a few more photos for that map. Like the time when I was here before, there were rickshaw. It was good to see there were a lot more female drivers now. 

I believe this reads as "Thunder Gate East Section (or Side)". Which is where I wanted to be. Just thought I would show the misters being used to try to cool things down.

And there is the Thunder Gate. Kaminarimon. And a lot of tourists.

The outer gate of Senso-ji Temple was the reason I came here. Originally commissioned around the year 942. It has been rebuilt a number of times because of the many fires that have happened in Tokyo. This current gate was built in 1960. 

As for my current day visit it's because some of the most popular photos of Kami were taken here.

Plus the fact that Kaminarimon is very impressive. The Nio statues guard the temple grounds. This is the god of thunder, Raijin.

And this is the god of wind, Fujin. The gate is 11.7 meters high, so the Nio statues are not small.

The 3.9 meter high chochin (lantern) hangs in the middle. It reads "Thunder Gate".

The underneath wood dragon carving is of another protector of the temple. Definitely look for it if you ever go here.

The back of the gate holds two more statues. They represent dragon gods. This is Tenryu, the heavenly dragon. They were enshrined here in 1978.

This is Kinryu, the golden dragon. The reason for dragons, besides protecting the area, comes from the story of how Kannon Bosatsu became enshrined here. It's a story that is similar to other shrines. Two fishermen were out fishing when a statue became caught in their nets. It was of the Kannon. At that time, a golden dragon appeared in the water. Thus the golden dragon is believed to be the protector of Senso-ji, and the reason for it's full name, Kinryu-zan Senso-ji. Kinryu is golden dragon.

Looking at the back of the chochin. 

And speaking of tourists...

It's the very popular Nakamise Shopping Street. What I didn't notice at the time are the little komainu roof tiles at the roof peaks. Senso-ji is very well protected.

Since I had been to Senso-ji before, and it was extremely crowded, I went to my right instead of staying on Nakamise. Jumbo melon pan anyone?

Along with very fresh fruit.

Which was really delicious.

I headed back to the station through covered shopping streets. I did stop to appreciate this morning glory. That and the fruit were a nice way to end this day.

A Very Long Day

Last day of this trip. Waiting to take the N'EX train to Narita International Airport. Getting a little caffeine before the long journey begins. One thing I discovered this trip, there are a few decent cans of coffee in Japan. I don't remember if this was one of them. It was a long day.

On my way to Narita I continued my little tradition. Kirin's Salty Litchi. I found that this is actually really good when it is hot out, possibly because it helps replace salts in the body? Also the melon pan from Boulangerie Asanoya is really good. 

I caught sight of the gnome again! Some day I will have to go see him.

And of course, Sky Tree.

Crossing the Naka River, which runs next to the Arakawa river in this area. That may be the Katsushika Harp Bridge in the distance.

Finally another day of lovely weather, and I had to leave. I really wanted to stay longer. This, I need to do. Some day.

All I can say about my flight back to Canada was it was not good. I was feeling fine but unable to sleep thanks to other passengers. Some who even upset the flight attendants. I do have this photo of how I was able to get my Moi-même-Moitié obi back without it being crushed in a suitcase. It is nicely made and I love the color.

A couple hours in Vancouver International Airport. I got something to eat and drink at Vino Volo. Both were delicious, but the wine only increased my sleepiness. 

But I survived it all. Waiting for the small plane to take us back to Oregon. One of these days I will spend more time in Vancouver. Those mountains look enticing.

Those mountains from the air. From what I can find online, this is the North Shore Mountain Range.

A look heading over the islands off of Washington State.

Mount Baker in Canada, seen from the air over Washington, United States. Impressive.

Heading down the Puget Sound.

Below is Seattle.

Washington State and Canada in the distance.

Passing by Mount Rainier.

Another wonderful view of Mount St. Helens.

Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. This is why I get a window seat on this side of the airplane.

And finally Oregon's Mount Hood. I need to go visit it this summer.

Reaching the Columbia River with Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens on the horizon. On our way to safely land at Portland International Airport. And the end of this trip, all done in one very long day.