It was a great was to commence, an Omakase dinner. Omakase means "I'll leave it up to you chef". This had a few of us a little nervous, none more than me.
The chefs however, were very kind to us, with the selections being very tame, and very enjoyable. The very skilled sushi chefs are shown in action above.
Our sushi chef joined in for a photo, this was after he had read through our itinerary, and was very impressed. A very nice evening, and a good welcome to Japan for all.
This morning we met up with our local guides Kiyo and Yasuka, who showed us the sights of Tokyo for the day. We started at the markets. Disappointingly, the historic Tsukiji fish market closed permanently on Sunday just gone, after 83 years, and the new market does not open until Thursday.
This meant we visited the outer markets. Michael Merrett is weighing up the ganstroenterological benefits of the dried squid above.
One of the vendors creating the Tamagoyaki Omelette. An interesting process involving layering and pressing as they cook. This vendor put the omelette on a stick, and customers walked around looking like they were eating an egg ice cream.
There were many items tasted along the way. Omelettes, Green Tea, Green Tea Ice Cream, but no one seemed to jumped in and make the most of the boiled crab brains offered here. Yuk!
The group is pictured outside the Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza. This theather is the principal venue for the traditional Kabuki drama form here in Tokyo. It is very traditional, with men playing the roles of women, and some marvellous costumes. The style would certainly be an acquired taste, and I think would take a long while to acquire. Worth seeing though.
The youth have really embraced the traditional costumes of the past. There were many young women dressed in their impressive Kimonos.
This is a tough way to may a living. Good for the quads and glutes though. Human powered rickshaws.
The entrance to the Sensoji Temple area. This entrance is called the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). This gate houses four statues. Shinto gods Fujin (god of wind) (left) and Raijin (god of thunder) (right) are show above. On the other side of the gate are Buddhist god, Tenryu and goddess Kinryu.
After a stretch of market style shops, you are met with another gate, the Hozomon or "Treasure House Gate".
It is believed that the smoke from this incense burner (Jokoro) has a healing effect. Wendy Pullar and Genevieve Morgan are at the burner to get some healing, along with our guide Kiyo. Wendy is getting the smoke on her head, as it is said that by healing your head you become smarter.
A view of the smoke from the Jokoro, and looking back at the Hozomon from the step of the temple.
Next to the temple is the Sensoji shrine. Before praying at the shrine, you must purify yourself. This process involves using the ladle to pour the water over your hands, and then using your hands to cup water into your mouth to purify it. Biv Gilson and Sharon Marks are shown "purifying" themselves. Sharon did mention that she may need more water!
Photos are not permitted in the temple, but this is it's impressive facade from near the shrine. The temple has been here since the year 645, but needed rebuilding after the area was decimated during World War 2.
A really enjoyable day seeing some very interesting sights in Tokyo.
Tomorrow we rise early, and make our way to Kasumigaseki Country Club, and play the host course for the 2020 Olympic Games Golf Tournament.
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