Exploring Asakusa

When we first arrived in Asakusa, we thought the main attraction would be the Senso-Ji Temple and Nakamise.  Little did we know that there are rows and rows of shops and restaurants that surround the Kaminarimon Gate.  It was extremely convenient staying across the street at the Gate Hotel.  We would start the day walking through the mall area (arcade), then go back to the Hotel to rest.  At night, we would return to the arcade and explore the many vendors..  Having no schedule or time constraints gave us the freedom to really take the time to see all that Asakusa has to offer.

This is an amazing map of Asakusa at the visitor center made from little pieces of wood.

The Japanese call these endless streets of businesses, the "arcade."

Lots of good restaurants!

Anyone need a new pair of shoes?

We think these were Water Chestnuts.

Many people ride mopeds and bikes in this area.

We love Don Quijote!  This one was huge!

The pocket wifi comes in handy when there are 7 levels on one store.

We tried a place that offered "authentic" Japanese food.

Want some pig tongue?  Or a plate of chicken anus? 

I wish I had taken video of this man flipping his arare crackers on a wood burning grill.  As we walked up to his window we could hear the "clack, clack clack" of his sticks as he swiftly flipped the crackers over on the grill.  Later, he would dip each cracker into a secret sauce nearby.  We stood there watching him flip those crackers and later bought some to taste.  Have you ever had an arare cracker right off the grill?  The experience alone, will be one I will never forget.

Finding his booth was like discovering buried treasure in the city of Tokyo.