In the bustling city of Tokyo, what better place to relax and enjoy a peaceful stroll then in a Japanese garden. While taking my mom on a tour around the district of Hiroo, we stopped by to Arisugawa Park for an ice cream break. Interestingly, Arisugawa Koen is a popular site for filming Japanese soap operas. However, that day, we didn't come across any film crews.
The main reason I enjoy this park is for the several hills and plateaus to enjoy the greenery. Near the entrance is a fairly large pond where you'll often find fishermen perched on boulders waiting for fish to bite. Toward the back end of the park there are many rock paths that lead to small bridges.
Gorgeous! I could spend hours staring into this beautiful space.
Markus put on his charm for this adorable little girl we met on the bridge.
He must have left some impression on her. Here, she took a photo of Markus. She kept saying, "Shasshin, shasshin!", which means, "Picture, picture!". And of course, Markus was happy to pose for the shot...oh my! Enjoying yummy Baskin Robbins treats! Mom and Markus enjoyed hopping from rock to rock, while avoiding the muddy trail. I know I'll definitely miss the beautiful landscapes of the many gardens we've enjoyed during our stay here. We just had to take a trip to Asakusa...again. Since we were having such pleasant weather, I thought the Sumida River Boat Cruise nearby would fair well with mom. Our great friends Hiromi-san and Taro-kun met up with us at Asakusa Station to join us for the day. The Tokyo Cruise Line cruises under 12 bridges over the course of the of the 80-minute ride. We spent most of the time in the shaded main enclosed deck. Taro-kun and Markus enjoyed exploring and wandering throughout the three levels of the boat with Hiromi-san, while mom and I relaxed as I pointed out some city attractions. We sat on the upper deck until the kids had enough of the hot sun, then headed below on the main deck. That's the Komagata Bashi Bridge in the distance. Admiring the neat-looking fishing boats docked along side of Sumida River
ASAKUSA & THE SENSOJI TEMPLE
Beyond is a partial view of a city scene. Many of the buildings you see are condominiums which I've been told cost a fortune to live in. Sugoii takaii ne! My wonderful mother!
In Asakusa Station at the famous mural
Customs to follow at a Buddhist Temple
Basically most, if not all, Buddhist temples in Japan operate with the same basic rituals important to their varied purposes. In many of my posts, visiting several temples all over Japan, you may have noticed the typical customs of a worshipper's behaviour we have followed.
Within the temple grounds, you will likely find a purifying station, where you would rinse your hands from a spout of running water. It is common to find people rinsing their mouths at the station, as well. A large insense bowl, usually placed before the temple can be found. You can purchase sticks of insense to place in the ashed pit, then breathe in or fan the wafts of smoke over yourself as a sign of blessing and cleansing. You'll also see omikuji stations, which are fortunes written on sheets of paper. For a small donation, Reg and Haris shook a metal canister and pulled fortune sticks from the omikuji station in Asakusa when they visited in February. Positive fortunes are often taken home with you. Whereas, if the fortune is negative, you fold up the paper and tie it up onto the ropes or trees on the temple 
grounds with hopes that the bearer of bad fortunes will take it away. In addtion, you may find prayer plaques made of wood called ema, on which you can write wishes and prayers. These too, are left hanging on the temple grounds.
In the most sacred space of the temple, you will find people tossing coins into the donation chambers, followed by two claps, then bowing in prayer. Many temples may also have a bell hung before the temple, attached with a long rope that visitors can ring and offer a prayer. These are just some of the basic rituals, which I have been taught from my Japanese friends. Many more traditions can be witnessed when you visit the temples.
Along with many souvenirs and Japanese trinkets, cute kokeshi dolls can be found in many stores down Nakamise Dori, Asakusa. I've collected several of these adorable wooden figures.
The Sensoji Temple has been one of our most visited temples in all Japan. For one, it's closest to our home. Secondly, the surrounding Asakusa area has sort of the old Tokyo vibe happening, which separates it from the rest of the city and I always seem to notice something different each time. And furthermore, it offers many other attractions for tourists. After all, we are still tourists in this magnificent country.
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