Tokyo - Day 4

Another lazy morning before heading to Asakusa and the Senso-Ji shrine. Each family went separately to spend family time together for a while, although the kids saw no point in this.

The shrine was jam-packed with visitors, many of them thronging into the temple to receive their fortune. The Japanese set great store by the fortune cards in the temples and good luck amulets. There were several women, mostly young, dressed up in traditional kimonos, taking selfies and posing for others.

The Coventrys sampled a local fish-shaped pastry called Taiyaki (red sea bream), which can be filled with cheese, chocolate, custard, or bean curd. Just the usual pre-lunch dessert.

Everyone met up for karaoke in a tiny room. It was fun but overpriced.

Lunch at Gonpachi restaurant on the river was one of the highlights. We all sat at the bar and ate delicious fresh sushi and tempura. The service was great, and the artwork was...interesting. Thanks to Aki for the recommendation 🙏

Ali then expertly guided the group along a stroll through Asakusa. Everyone was delighted to see such interesting sights like the young men practising their champion ball skills, a Harley Davidson motorbike, and a typical Tokyo playground. The close-up view of the Tokyo Skytree tower was the icing on the cake.

The adults made the effort to head out again for an authentic Japanese gyoza and dumpling stew dinner in Shinagawa. We had a great time with Aki, first experiencing a genuine Izakaya, which is a combo of 'i' meaning to stay, and'sakaya' meaning sake shop. It's a traditional Japanese tavern where people would drink sake while sharing food plates and is now a place to socialise in a cosy, informal atmosphere and have a drink and a bite to eat. The only place to hang out in this predominantly office suburb was a darts bar. It's surprisingly popular!

We watched as a young man left his table of male colleagues with his pretty young girlfriend and everyone at the table (older men) stood and shook his hand and then gaily waved them all the way to the door.Leia mais