Girls Trip (part 2)
Time travel back to the Edo-period in Asakusa
If this is your first time visiting Tokyo, I recommend paying Asakusa 浅草 a visit! Asakusa is known for its entertainment district, traditional craftsmanship and unique delicacies like koi sashimi, dojo fish, whale sashimi etc. It is also the center of education, where many scholars and artists had worked and made a living.
Kaminarimon 雷門 (“Thunder Gate”) pictured above is the icon of Asakusa. The first gate was built in 941, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1865 and was rebuilt in 1960.
Google Map: Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
By the end of the 18th century through the 19th century, Edo (now called Tokyo) developed into the largest population city in the world. Asakusa flourished as it became the cultural center of Tokyo.
The Reluctant Traveler: Episode 7 Tokyo
We gave each person 1000 yen cash to spend on street food! This can get you 2 snacks. Most shops won’t take certain credit cards or cashless payments, so don’t forget to bring cash when you come here!
We made our way from Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
… and stopped by the shop that was featured on “The Reluctant Traveler.” Mitarashi dango is one of Japan’s classic mochi on a stick dipped in a salty-sweet miso sauce. It’s not a taste you can get in the States. The cucumber on a stick has also been a favorite among my tour guests! Perfect for a warm day!
The girls did some shopping and more snacking along the way in Nakamise Shopping Street and scored these beautiful fans! The fans came in handy on a pretty warm day, but the worse is yet to come in August.
Strawberry Warabi Mochi… her favorite!
Ichigoza is a chain store, so there are about 3 locations spread out within this area. They also have strawberry daifuku mochi, as well as, Strawberry Beer, Strawberry High-ball, and Strawberry Tequila!
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and most frequently visited sacred site in the world. The temple is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokiteśvara), the merciful nirvana achiever and the Bodhisattva of compassion.
The girls said their prayers and pulled their fortune just like in the travel show. If you don’t resonate with what it says, you can tie it up and leave it at the temple grounds.
The girls were prepared to walk, eat and repeat
The melon pan (melon bread) is another classic favorite of Asakusa. This is best shared among 2-3 people since it’s pretty big! There is soft ice cream inside sandwiched inside a melon bread. Another favorite was a truffle curry bread, but it was quickly devoured before we could take a photo. Super good!
The fishing game is directly across from the melon pan shop.
This is a newly built shopping mall that has cool photo-worthy backdrops. There is a Uni-qlo, kimono rental shops, food court, smoking area and nice clean bathrooms. I don’t recommend eating at the food court, since I think its overpriced and the service was very slow the last time I was here. There are many local authentic mom and pop shops that have better food! Anyway, go to the rooftop to get some quick shots and hop away!
We bumped into some cute Japanese boys wearing yukata! They were also taking their summer photos for the gram as well!
The girls were challenged to a Bunny-Candy Making Workshop
Since 2023 is the year of the rabbit and they were with a bunny, I figured it was the perfect occasion!
I must warn you, this is pretty advanced! I don’t recommend this activity for little kids. It can get pretty stressful since you only have seconds to create the shape while the candy is still hot and mendable. This taught us to breathe and take it step by step because if you rush and panic, the outcome will not turn out so great as you hoped.
This workshop will give you a bigger appreciation for the traditional Edo crafts and how much work it takes to become a master.
The experience: You watch a video on the step-by-step process. Then candy master will show you in real time. You get three tries with practice material and on the final try, you get to take that one home after you paint a face on it. This workshop is a two-hour experience. Limited to 8-10 people. Must make reservations in advanced.
I give credit to these girls, they all did awesome! Every bunny had character and it is a nice souvenir to take home.
We had one Art Major in the group, and she basically did this in her sleep!
After the tour was over, we sent the girls back to their hotel in the Bunny Mobile. Until tomorrow!
Great photo spot of two iconic figures on Sumida River! That is Tokyo Sky Tree (left) and Asahi Beer statue (right) that’s supposed to represent the white part of the draft beer.
