Asakusa and Japan's Oldest Amusement Park (Part 1) / 浅草と日本元祖の遊園地 （パート１）

A couple of weeks ago while the Namaste India Festival was happening at Yoyogi Park, a friend of ours invited us to join him and his girlfriend in Asakusa. Knowing my friend, the only reason he goes to Asakusa is to bet on horses. But as it was a nice day, his girlfriend suggested going to Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest amusement park. I've been wanting to go there for quite a while so we skipped the India festival and headed out to Asakusa.

二週間前位代々木公園でナマステインディアフェスがあった時、別の友達から浅草で遊びの誘いがあった。その友達が浅草に遊ぶのは絶対競馬だなと思って、やっぱり当たり。でも、彼の彼女がせっかく天気も良いし、日本元祖の遊園地「はなやしき」でも行ってみないかと提案した。僕は結構前から行きたかったので、楽しみでした。ってことで、今年ナマステインディアを避け、浅草に出かけた。

We were meeting our friends at the ever popular Sensoji Temple. One of Tokyo's main tourist spots. Mikako and I never get tired of going here.

待ち合わせ場所は観光名所の浅草寺。ここも何回行っても飽きない所だな。

Sensoji Temple's Lightning Gate / 浅草寺にある雷門

As you head towards the temple, you walk along Nakamise Dori. On both sides of this path our souvenir shops galore along with stores selling senbei (rice crackers), manju, and all sorts of other products.

浅草寺につながる道が仲見世通り。ここはお土産屋三昧のところです。焼きたてのせんべいもいろいろあります。

Nakamise Dori / 仲見世通り

Another gate before Sensoji Temple / 浅草寺はこの門の奥

Other views around Sensoji Temple / 浅草寺の周辺

Unfortunately, Sensoji Temple was being renovated, so the building was covered by scaffolding. As it isn't picturesque, I decided not to take a picture of it. However, I did take a picture inside the temple.

残念なことに、浅草寺は修復中で建物の写真は撮らなかった。中だけは撮りましたけど。

Inside Sensoji Temple / 浅草寺の中

We met our friends, who then took us to a place called "Corner House" where we bet on horses while snacking on various items.

友達と合流して、早速「コーナーハウス」に連れられ、そこでつまみながら、競馬をやった。

Corner House / コーナーハウス

My friend choosing his horses / 友達が真剣に馬を選んでる

To be continued...

つづく。。。