Temple Drums

On this unseasonably hot day, we took the subway for a long ride to the Asakusa district where we had a lecture-demonstration on Taiko drumming, followed by a drumming lesson. 

We learned, primarily, that not everyone in our group has a sense of rhythm. But it was kind of fun.

The drum lesson was followed by a visit to a very large Buddhist temple complex. The Asakusa Temple is said to be the most visited religious site in the world. On this Sunday of a holiday week, the place was packed.

A temple has existed on this site since the 7th century C.E. when two fishermen were said to have found a statue of the Buddha in the nearby Sumida River. The current temple was built after the destruction of World War II, and consists of huge gates, a five story pagoda, and the main hall. In addition, there is an avenue between the gates that is lined with shops selling all sorts of religious items, from incense to amulets.

On our own for lunch, we tried to get away from the crowds a bit. But even though we walked several blocks, there were still people everywhere. We finally found a dumpling shop with sit down seating and only a 10 minute wait for a table. We ordered a half dozen dumplings, some pork and some shrimp. They were not quite the same as Chinese steamed dumplings, but still good and able to make a decent light meal.

We headed back into the crowds once again, but between the jet lag, the crush of people, and the hot sun, our fatigue was multiplied. We found our way to the tourist information building which was to be our meeting point when the group reconvened. We found a place to sit and watch a movie about the Asakusa area. Then we moved upstairs to the observation deck to sit some more.

When the group got back together, we boarded an excursion boat -- with a couple hundred of our closest friends -- for a cruise down the Sumida River. Again, we were able to sit, and the breeze was very refreshing.

The boat docked at Hama-rikyu Garden, not far from where the river flows into Tokyo Bay. From the 18th century C.E., this manicured garden was a game reserve for the Shogun, second in power only to the emperor. A villa provided the Shogun with a home away from home where falconry and other types of hunting could be practiced.

From the garden we walked some distance to a metro station and commenced the long subway ride back to the hotel. Showers and some clothes washing were necessary, and served to revive us from the heat,

We then gathered in the lobby for a walk to a local restaurant for our OAT group "welcome dinner." The dinner was remarkable in two ways. First, although it was supposed to be the welcoming event, it didn't take place until the third day of the trip. Second, in spite of being on a cultural tour of Japan, the welcome dinner was at an Italian restaurant. Go figure. It was a good meal anyway.