2013 Trip - Day 5 - Friday - Asakusa and Ginza....again!

Day 5

Friday

Well, jet lag sucks. I woke up at 2:30 again so, I ended up Skyping with my mom and getting up, dressed and showered at 5:30 to get ready for another early-early bird 6:30 a.m. breakfast.  After breakfast we took the subway to Asakusa - which has become one of my FAVORITE places in Tokyo! We went to the Tourist Information Center's Observation Deck to get a great view of the city (would have been better if it wasn't so very grey and cloudy) and we were able to take some photos.  After this we hit the Nakamise Shopping Arcade since we only had limited time to shop there the other day while on our tour.  It was great to not have a time limit and just shop (shopping is my favorite thing to do....anywhere).  After about 1/2 hour or so I split from my in-laws and we picked a meeting place for about an hour and a half later.  I did some shopping for Xmas ornaments and Xmas gifts for family and I picked up a T-shirt for my brother. When we met up we also were able to go into Sensoji Temple and get a better look at the Pagoda and gardens because we weren't pressed for time.  I can't say enough how much I really loved Asakusa.  It is really one of my favorite places I've ever been. I wish I could just hop on a train any day and spend time there.  I just felt very connected and at home here.  The next time I visit Japan I will most definitely head back to Asakusa first!

 

 

 

This is my FAVORITE painting that hung on the ceiling of Sensoji Temple.  It is called "Angel with Lotus Flowers"

 

After Asakusa we took the train back to Ginza. My father in law missed the fancy 0101 department store the day before but after we raved about it he wanted to check it out too.   The first stop was lunch! Basement or bottom levels in department stores here are good courts and restaurants.  We found an Italian place that looked good (judging by the plastic food display) and it was pretty good.  I think the issue for me is that they use fish seasoning in EVERYTHING and I'm not used to that flavor in my tomato sauce.  But, it was still pretty good.  After lunch we did some more shopping (surprised?) and I purchased another fancy fan and a purse for me :) 70% off!!

After the 0101 Shopping extravaganza we took the train back to Shinagawa.  My in laws went to the pool and then fell asleep when they got back to their room and I was super tired too.  I ended up just picking up a snack at the conbini (convenience store) and we didn't even go out for dinner.  I decided to just stay in, pack and snack!

OK, I was OBSESSED with these little bear cookies.  

 

I ended up eating 1 package of the little bear cookies and having my Teas Tea and bringing the other things with us on the train and for snacking in Kyoto....which never happened, they got squished in my bag and I ended up throwing them away :/

 

 

The next morning we were checking out and heading to Kyoto.  I just laid on my bed and looked out at the Tokyo night skyline.  This had become my favorite thing to do every night.  Just lay on the bed and gaze out onto Tokyo.  I wished we were staying here and not leaving for Kyoto. I would surely miss this hotel, the view and of course Tokyo.  But, at least I would be heading back to Tokyo for another 9 Days after Kyoto!

Next post can be found here: Day 6 KYOTO!