October 23-25, 2014
Senso-ji(金龍山浅草寺) is the oldest and most
significant Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism,
it became independent after 1945. Japanese legend shows that a statue of the Kannon was found in Sumida River in year 628 by two
fishermen brothers. The chief of their village, Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the
sanctity of the statue and enshrined it by remodeling his own house into a small
temple in Asakusa for the worshiping of Kannon statue.
While travelling, I always prefer ancient
churches, castles, temples or houses than modern architecture. Additionally, Nakamise-dori (仲見世通り) is a street market approximately
250 meters on the approach to the temple, there
is no way I would like to miss this path packed with Japanese traditional handicraft shops and
food stalls.
From Omotesando, Gate Kaminarimon, on the
left side performs the God of Wind, on the right, stands the God of Thunder, which
is commonly known as the ‘Thunder gate’. The enormous red lantern ‘Thunder
Gate’ was a gift from Panasonic industrialist Knontsuke Matsushita (松下幸之助) after
his health-wishes was rewarded at Senso-ji.
Before
entering the temple, it is a traditional etiquette to wash hands at the
fountain. The Kannon is behind the barbed wire, surely it is a necessarily
protection measure, still the Kannon is grounded at certain level in my opinion.
I would like to test and pray for my luck for the up-coming year, so I put a
hundred Yen coin to the donation box, shake the lots a bit, upside down the
kettle and I get a bamboo stick written 86 in kanji. Following the number and pull
the tiny wooden drawer, Oh! What the best fortune!
The
last two lines of the poem on lucky charm paper go as follow:
You
will become virtuous with learning; your wishes will be realized;
While
riding horse in spirit, all will praise you high.
After
the temple trip, I go to Pro1 Fashion Trade Show with friends from Hong Kong.
Held in EBiS 303, though only 31 exhibitors in total, still there all quite
some young impressive designers full of creativities and passion. Though due to
the no photo policy, I can show very a few glimpses of the show, still I
recommend CHEEKLDN by Charlotte Yamada, Mink Pink from Australia, Primitive
Action Shiroma and hactin from Tokyo.
On Friday I decide to relax myself, away from the hustle bustle Tokyo City, I
take JR bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets. Located in Fukasawa, the outlet is also
where Fujiyama in the neighbourhood. I choose to travel at least 3 hours on
transportation, because I bet on chances to take photos of Fuji Mt. while doing
shopping. Furthermore, the design of the outlet is American village style,
walking between bridges and stores is very fun as well.
Alas
Fuji is still hidden behind the clouds, even the sky is clearly blue.
Surrounding among Chloé, Dior, Kate Spade, Marc by Marc
Jacobs, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Tsumori Chisato, or even Godiva, though most
of the collection apparently too pricy to go crazy buy, I still treat myself a Chloé
lambskin cosmetic bag (I would treat it as a long wallet) and a pair of sophisticated
stockings by Tsumori Chisato. It is not a super bargain to buy luxurious goods
in Japan, but adoring the styles and materials of my new purchase, plus the
nice service with tax free, it’s definitely one of my best outlet hunting
experiences.
I am very grateful for whom I met, where I
have been, what I have taken responsibilities and eaten during these 10 days. To
me, Tokyo trip is no doubt beautiful, eventful and inspirational.
Special Thanks: Team MH, Team MINGO,
Iwasaki and those great people I meet during my Tokyo Trip October, 2014.
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