Mom gets to be Queen for the day in Asakusa

This is my first tour of 2025! Kicking off the new year in style

Her carriage awaits

I have a special place in my heart for mothers.

It’s about time this single mom of two receives the “royal treatment.”

For one whole day, Her royal Highness has left me in charge with the itinerary that includes all the decision-making, navigating, time-keeping, banking and photographing. All Her Highness has to do is be present and enjoy the precious moments with her two princesses.

I’m glad she has DEFINITELY taken advantage of just that! Kids grow up so fast.

The weather in February couldn’t be any more perfect too! This year is warm so cherry blossoms are predicted to arrive earlier…

*A local passerby thought they were all sisters!*

“Everything is so good!!”

Of course! I only take you to the best places that are worth your calories!!

Japanese calligraphy

*Thank you to Pink Asakusa for use of their space*

While Mother found her peace during her tea ceremony session, I took the girls for their own cultural lesson.

They were excited to try Japanese calligraphy for the first time as per request.

When I attended summer school in Japan, I was taught the basics of Japanese calligraphy (書道, shodō), also called (習字shūji) in the 3rd grade. I remember practicing our names and a few kanji characters.

I’m no teacher or have any business teaching. My purpose is to make this a great fun learning experience and to pass down what I was taught.

After this, it is up to them to pursue it and find a real sensei. Whether it turns into a hobby, or just a check off the bucket list, the girls learned patience and committing to the strokes with elegant movements.

I am extremely proud of them for trying something new outside their comfort zones. They wanted to practice a few more sheets, but I had to stop them haha.

I chose the kanji for “Dream” (夢Yume) and “Love” (愛Ai), since it is important to have dreams and to live a life full of love.

Their final pieces looked so awesome! This a great souvenir and skill to take back home.

*one starter kit is sent home with them to practice (ink, brushes, paper weight, mat, pens) Good luck!

All giggles

Kappabashi Kitchen Town

The moment these sisters bonded. They will look back in 10 years and remember the good ol’ days in Japan.

Hair care

When it comes to hair, Japan does not mess around!

I’ve noticed that they all had beautiful healthy hair!

So I showed them “made in Japan” hair brushes out of animal hair. My grandma had one, which means it must be really good!

This shop in Kappabashi has brushes for practically anything, for makeup, hair, teeth, to cleaning sinks… you name it!

They also bought a tiny brush for the hair brush for $2 lol.

This is a great alternative for those that are not interested in purchasing knives or other kitchen ware.

“I'll take two please…”

This hair brush is made using pig hair. The pig-bristle brush is stiff, which resists the generation of static electricity, adding a natural luster with every stroke, making hair manageable.

How well do you know yourself?

During the fortune telling session, we discussed topics like family, friendships, career, money etc.

It was refreshing to get some heavy subjects off our chest. The ladies got to know each other on a deeper level and each other’s struggles and concerns in an open, safe environment. It was an interesting read!

Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t serve you.

Traveler’s Tip:

1) Our fortune teller knew a little bit of English, but it’s best to let them focus on their part connecting with the divine spirit without getting distracted communicating in English.

2) Using a translator device will only suck up your time because this is time-based.

Thank you for an awesome day!

They ended their night at the new opening of the Sumo Stable Dinner Show in Asakusa. VIP seats!

Queen in Asakusa for the day