Met many nice people

After buying my cellphone in Akihabara, where I ate a notably delicious tenzaru soba set, I returned home briefly before departing for an area called asakusa. It was about 4. Not knowing exactly how to get to the shrine that I was headed for, I ended up seeing everything in the reverse order. It ended up working out well, because I was able to figure out where I wanted to go afterward.

The shrine was large and impressive, there was a long line of people waiting to bow and whatnot, and many people were wearing yukata. It was strange though, because it still felt very tokyo-y.



Of course, there are tall buildings everywhere, I think that most people assume as much. I think, though, that the fact that Tokyo is so flat gives the whole are a similar feel, which when not recognized as flatness is likely often thought to be Tokyo-ness. That's what I think at least.
There is just something about this place that made it seem less sacred, spiritual.


It was still interesting and pretty though, and at night it was lit up:


Although I have yet to become particularly attached to any area of Tokyo, I definitely did enjoy visiting Asakusa. It is somewhat similar to Kyoto's Gion district (for those of you who have been there i guess?). It is a bit old-timey, there is a lot of wood visible in the buildings and arcade style shops reminded me of an older teramachi. The whole area seemed to have a lot of travelers, Japanese and otherwise, and for that reason had shops selling omiage, traditional japanese wares, and also soft-serve and shave ice vendors and the like.
After plenty of looking, roaming, observing, reflecting, I decided to eat. I really wanted to eat unagi-don. While trying to figure out which restaurant might have it, I took this photo,

and one of the guys at the near table posed for the shot. I went over to talk to them, and after briefly apologizing for my rudeness sat down to eat with them. I had thought that they were already finished, but they were not. They offered me a taste of a couple of their dishes, then I ordered something for myself. We talked about many things. Apparently they are all part of the Japanese army, which seems to exist primarily to perform public works. I believe that they were all in officer candidate school together. Two were from Hokkaido, and one from Nagasaki. They were nice and fun to eat with. They continued to order various dishes and drinks to let me try. What fun it is to go new places, meet new people, and try new things!

In the end, they even ended up paying for my meal. It was the opposite of last night. To me, going out and meeting nice people seems much better than attending strange circle (club) social events. I say strange, because the circle events seem to be somewhat rigid and ceremonial, though there purpose ,I believe, is simply to allow members to enjoy themselves and to strengthen their friendships.

After dinner I got on the train, where I had a conversation with other friendly strangers, then walked home. While walking again spoke with some people, and they told me about a small festival that is happening in a nearby park tomorrow at 2. I told them that I would go, so I will try to be there.

oo, also, this green thing was very tasty.