Produced by Isao Tokuhashi
Edited by Daniel Penso
Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com
Asakusa
A district famous for Senso-ji Temple. There are several other temples in the district, as well as various festivals. Asakusa has a more traditionally Japanese atmosphere than some other neighborhoods in Tokyo do.
*Asakusa. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 17, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asakusa
*Related article: Tokyo Getaways #4 SAMURAI & NINJA Safari TOKYO Entertainment Bus
Kaminarimon Gate
The large entrance gate that ultimately leads to Senso-ji Temple.
Girls from Canada, France and US
We’re exchange students who are studying at a university in South Korea for one semester. We all met there and came to visit here. We’ve never been to Japan and it was hard for us to go to the other side of the world, so we wanted to try that.
We came to Asakusa because we’ve heard that it was a famous tour destination for the temples, shrines and shopping. And it’s close to our hostel. We’re going to just look around the shopping district and we want to see the Senso-ji Temple because we’ve heard that it’s famous. Then, we are going to the Tokyo Skytree because it’s close by.
Question: Why are Japanese toilets so complex?
Mexican guy
I’m from Mexico City. This is my first trip to Japan. I came to Japan with my brother and friend because we like this country, which is far away from home. We love Japanese culture and people.
Japan is very beautiful and…unbelievable! People are very, very gentle and friendly. I love that.
We stayed in Japan for 15 days and went to Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and Miyajima. We’ll be going back home tomorrow. We wanted to go to more places, but we didn’t have enough time to do that. But we’re sure we’ll be back here in the future. I hope to see sumo matches next time!
Questions:
1. Why are they (=Japanese toilets) complicated?
2. Why do almost no one speak English?
Kappabashi
A street between Ueno and Asakusa which is almost entirely populated with shops supplying restaurants.
Couple from Switzerland
We know this area is for chefs. We’re interested in cooking; that’s why we came here. We love cooking and trying many different kinds of food. We’ve travelled many Asian countries and had the local food as much as possible.
This is our first trip to Japan. We came here to discover something different. Of course we’re interested in Japanese culture and food; that’s why we‘re here.
Japan is completely different from our place. Everything is different. For example, we have no idea about food, like vegetables sold at a supermarket because we don’t have the same ones. Also, we don’t know about even cooked meals sold there.
Question: Have you tasted European food? How did you like it?
Man from France
We, French, love cooking. That’s why I’m here in Kappabashi (LOL).
I’ve dreamed of coming to Japan since I was a kid. I love Japan because it has a long history like my country. Tokyo has many faces; Asakusa and Shinjuku are totally different. That’s why I came to the city first.
My girlfriend and I will stay in Japan for 10 days and visit Kyoto and Osaka to see as many things as we can. We’ll go to Hakone tomorrow and see Mt. Fuji, the lake there, temples and try hot springs.
My first impression of Japan was; Everything is totally different from Europe! For example, you can see electrical cables there. All the food, all the culture, all the architectures – everything is totally different.
But I love gyoza! That’s my most favorite Japanese food for now – even if it originated from China (LOL).
Question: Is it not too difficult to use chopsticks to eat nice steaks?
Nakamise
A street leading from the Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple, which is lined with small shops selling souvenirs.
Family from Malaysia
This is our first trip to Japan. We came to Japan because we love different cultures. Japan is a very nice country because it’s clean and tidyand we love Japanese technology. Even the toilet bowls are electric and automatic (LOL).
We have been here for 4 days and have been to Shinjuku and Tokyo Disneyland. We’re going to Akihabara and Shibuya today. We will go to Shibuya to see the world’s busiest crossing. Then, we’ll go back home tomorrow night. We hope to go to other places in Japan next time. So let me ask you; Where do you think we should visit in Tokyo? And where is the best place to buy “G-SHOCK”?
Question: Why don’t you have a place to sit in town?
Thank you very much for your cooperation!
A question from a Singaporean man!
…Who wants to ask the next question?
Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
*Interviews by Ayaka Iwano, Harutoshi Homma, Minami Aradate
*Photos by Masanori Tsuchibuchi
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