A Shrine Visit

Right after the political discussion, we boarded a bus for a quick city tour until we arrived at the Asakusa district of Tokyo. On our way to this area we did get to see the Imperial Palace grounds and government buildings like the Diet building (similar to the US Capitol Building). After we arrived in the Asakusa district, we set-out to visit the Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa Shrine. It was quite a sight. On the way to our restaurant, we were able to shop at a bunch of little stores with many different things to buy. Then, everyone was treated to a traditional and formal Japanese dinner, complete with us removing our shoes to walk on the reed-like carpet and sit at low tables on pillows. The meal was OK, but I still don't have the stomach for Japanese food! On the way back to the hotel after our meal we took the scenic route through the Ginza section of Tokyo, which is probably even more like the Times Square than is the Shinjuku section. Since I stayed-up late last night out in Tokyo and still got up at 4 AM for the fish market, I am calling it a night early and trying to get some sleep for a change. Below is a picture of the shrine we visited.