Tokyo Day Two - Asakusa

 After I accidentally slept for twelve hours, we decided to venture out to Asakusa in the rain.  (How does one accidentally sleep twelve hours?  Well, I kept checking the wrong clock - the one set to California time - for the time, so I thought it was 3:45 AM, when it was really 7:45 AM.)

 The Senso-ji complex is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Kannon.

 The place was flocked with tourists and worshipers alike.  I can't imagine how packed it must be when it isn't raining.

 Kabuki actors before a new season and sumo wrestlers before a tournament come to visit the shrine to pay their respects.  I can't say that we saw any wrestlers, but perhaps we were rubbing shoulders with some Kabuki actors.

 The entire area leading up to the temple is a shopping arcade full of fun souvenirs.

 In addition to the souvenirs, there were all kinds of "treats" to be sampled, as well.  I say "treats," as one of the things we tried was borderline disgusting.  The soft serve ice cream was great, though!

 In a slightly distant section of Asakusa, there were even more interesting and slightly ridiculous things.  Japan has a love affair with toy crane machines, and this one in particular made us laugh since the gyoza and shrimp tempura key chains looked exactly like real food.

 We next visited Akihabara, the electronics section of town.  It was pretty garish and full of sketchy stores selling used cell phones and lap tops.  No thanks!  We were bad Americans and stopped at McDonald's for fries and drinks.  It was better than visiting a "maid cafe" where young Japanese girls are dressed as school girls or french maids.  They were all over this neighborhood and reminded me of a fetishized version of Hooters.  Blech.

 Back in our neighborhood we witnessed the crazy crossing outside of Shibuya station where all traffic lights turn red at the same time and pedestrians stream across the road as if they are animals just released from their pens.  It was pretty surreal.

Also outside of Shibuya station is the famous Hachiko statute that represents the dog who met his owner at the station every day after the owner returned from work.  When the owner died, Hachiko still  diligently went the the station every day for seven years and waited until the last train pulled out of the station.

We finished the day with a multi-course tempura meal that I couldn't even dream of finishing.  The chef kept placing piece after piece of freshly fried shrimp, vegetables, and fish in front of us, and his wife kindly explained to us the best way to enjoy each item.  It was delicious and unlike any tempura I've ever had.  The restaurant only sat eight people at the counter with one small additional back room.  It was pretty incredible.