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20061204-Tokyo
<p>Dragons are the source of the water at the cleansing fountain. </p>
Ornamental Dragon Spouts
 <p>Behind the red curtain at back is the idol the fisherman found many centuries ago. In the foreground is the area where people make a small prayer and then throw in coins as a donation or contribution. </p>
Interior of Asakusa Shrine
 <p>Behind this is the idol of Kannon found by the fishermen. A Shinto priest presides over a prayer ceremony in front of the curtain at an altar, of sorts. </p>
Close-Up of the Red Curtain
 <p>Looks like these pigeons on the shrine roof also enjoy a fair bit of rice flour snacks. </p>
Fat Pigeons
<p>In preparation for extensive New Year’s festivities, a stand is being built using traditional methods - wood logs with rope. </p>
Stands Being Built
 <p>Junko told me this was a private family shrine. The foliage colors surrounding the shrine are brilliant. </p>
A Family Shrine
 <p>A statue reminiscent to me, as an ignorant Westerner, of Buddha, resides in Akusaka. </p>
Deific Statue
 <p>The fairy tale setting of Asakusa would not be complete without Koi - a Japanese goldfish frequently depicted in Japanese art. </p>
Koi, Of Course
<p>Another private family shrine in Asakusa. </p>
Another Family Shrine
 <p>Another shot of the same private family shrine in Asakusa. </p>
Same Family Shrine, Different Angle
 <p>Note again in front of this one the incense pot. Inside are icons of the Asian Zodiac. This one is located to the left of the larger, centrally located shrine at Asakusa. </p>
Another Public Shrine
 <p>The gentleman in the little stand inside this shrine sells small pieces of gold jewelry representing the Japanese Zodiac (similar to the Asian Zodiac). For example, I was born in 1964, and thus in the Year of the Dragon. The Japanese Zodiac repeats every twelve years. </p>
Japanese Zodiac Symbol Sales
<p>There was a whole little park of family shrines at Asakusa. </p>
Another Family Shrine
 <p>The symbol at the peak of this roof looks like a Nazi Swastika, but is in fact a symbol dating back many many centuries as a part of Buddhism. </p>
That Is Not a Swastika
 <p>Another small shrine, this one to children. </p>
A Shrine to Children
 <p>Tokyo has been razed by fires a number of times. This statue or monument represents a memorial to those who put out the fires, as I recall. </p>
Water Bucket Fire Brigade Statue
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