Azaleas in Full Bloom
Day 1! Here we go!
The couple arrived from the east coast of the U.S. the night before with no plans. They were so busy at work, so they are winging it! I am the only thing that they planned. Thank you, I feel so honored!
Heather is a pediatrician and her husband is a radiologist, so they both work in hospitals and met in medical school. How cute!
Although they just missed sakura season by two weeks, they were right on time for Azaleas!
In Japan, we call these flowers 躑躅「つつじ」(Tsutsu ji).
Google Map: Nezu Shrine | つつじ苑
During this time of year, Yellow Sand from China came to Tokyo and Osaka. So please be careful of your eyes, throats and sinuses!
Nezu Shrine | 根津神社
This is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Tokyo that was built in 1705. It survived a major bombardment by U.S. forces in 1945 without any need of reconstruction, so it is highly valued for its cultural importance.
His Majesty Emperor Meiji visited this sanctuary to pray to the gods for his health. It had a similar architectural design as the famous Tōshō-gū (東照宮) in Nikko, a Shinto Shrine in which Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616) is enshrined. So His Majesty wouldn’t have to travel far.
Torii path like in Kyoto’s Inari Shrine
The two main entrances are marked by big red torii (鳥居, literally bird abode) in the myōjin style, very common in Shinto architecture, characterized by curved upper lintels.
It is a short path and there are lots of people around btw!
50 species of azaleas are in full bloom from late April to May.
Admission:
Garden: 500 yen per person (cash only)
Tori gates and shrine: Free
We hopped in the Bunny Mobile and off to… Asakusa!
Kaisei, the Rickshaw guy, was so strong!
Heather’s husband used to play American football.
We grabbed some Happy Hour drinks from Family Mart for the ride!
Purification ritual
Sensoji Temple
Oracle fortunes
Street Food
Heather enjoyed the fresh pork buns and unagi musubi.
Google Map: Sekine and Asakusa Unana
Funny story I will not forget and need to share…
As we ate our unagi musubi, Heather randomly pops an Asian squat and uses the bench as a table instead. I told her husband to take a picture! She’s being cultured right now!!! LOL Proud of you Heather ;*)
Heather and her husband’s smiles were infectious. As I’m taking their photos…
“Someone is observing your every move at work and… you’re getting a promotion…”
Says the palm reader. Heather’s husband confirms it’s in the works.
Bunny Cafe
Heather’s request was to visit a bunny cafe! It was a must!
We played with the cutest bunny rabbits who were so hungry for treats! In addition… a hedgehog!
Look who we bumped into! There were more samurai salarymen actors standing in front of the theatre that day.
Kappabashi Kitchenware Shopping
Edamame keychains for the folks back home. Nice choice!
Pizza cowboy hat
