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20061204-Tokyo
<p>This is the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) entrance to the Sensoji temple area in Asakusa, Tokyo. </p>
Kaminarimon - Thunder Gate
 <p>Next to the Thunder Gate I found this quaint example of what I as a Westerner think of as traditional Japanese architecture. </p>
Traditional Japanese Architecture
 <p>Another conveyance I found in Tokyo was the Rickshaw. I did not try one though. </p>
Rickshaw for Rent
 <p>Pigeons roost on the roof of Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) </p>
Roof of Kaminarimon
<p>The Kaminarimon Entrance features this large balloon-structure (and I have forgotten what it signifies).  </p>
Kaminarimon Entrance
 <p>My tour guide Junko told me these banners are being used to announce the upcoming festival at the Sensoji temple.  </p>
Signs Announcing a Festival at Asakusa
 <p>Four of these ornate brass rings hold the balloon-like structure in place using ropes. </p>
Brass Carving at Kaminarimon
 <p>Between the outer Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) entrace to the Sensoji temple and the main Hozomon gate is the Nakamise, a promenade of small shops selling a variety of wares - edible and otherwise. </p>
The Nakamise in Asakusa
<p>This vendor on the Nakamise alley had a large variety of beans for sale. </p>
Beans for Sale on the Nakamise
 <p>Here’s me in front of a shop which sells all sorts of prepared seaweed. I bought some vinegared seaweed “jerky” (or that’s what it seemed like). Weird but tasty. </p>
Seaweed and Me
 <p>Seaweed for sale on Nakamise. </p>
More Seaweed For Sale
 <p>On either side of the Nakamise are more small shops, including the one in which this photo was taken of myself with the proprietor of a hand-painted fan shop. </p>
The Fan Man Can
<p>The proprietor of the hand-made fan shop off the Nakamise at Akasuka. </p>
The Fan Man of Akasuka
 <p>A number of the shops along the Nakamise featured <i>Lucky Cats</i>, known locally as <i>Maneki Neko</i> (means <i>Beckoning Cat</i>). These Japanese figurines are thought to bring good luck to their owner. Those with a right paw raised are supposed to bring money, property, and wealth, while those with the left paw up attract customers and business opportunities (and maybe friends). See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki_Neko">the Wikipedia entry on Maneki_Neko</a> for more details. </p>
Lucky Cats - Maneki Neko
 <p>As part of an annual festival celebration, some stalls sold these packets featuring ornamental rakes, which are believed to bring wealth to the purchasers (e.g. raking in the money). Found a description of this at <a href="http://www.pongalfestival.org/tori-no-ichi-japan.html">http://www.pongalfestival.org/tori-no-ichi-japan.html</a> </p>
Lucky Rakes For Sale
 <p>This elaborate rope structure is apparently used to protect the tree underneath from the ravages of wind, while still allowing sun and rain to pass through. </p>
Wind Protection For Trees
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