After Nick sorted out the tickets, we dived into a restaurant for tempura. Mine was very good: the lightest, crisp batter and not at all oily. The ginger shoot was particularly nice. Emily was charming the elderly serving women with lots of smiles.
This is a major draw on the tourist circuit, so the whole approach to the temple was packed. The entrance to the complex is through Kaminarimon (thunder god gate), with its giant lantern hanging beneath.
Beyond is souvenir-hunter's delight, Nakamisedori, a network of stalls selling fans, kinomo, kitsch trinkets and Japanese snacks. I bought a rather nice cotton kimono; the design was cherry blossom, peony and cranes. Not at all my usual minimalist style, but ideal for wearing around the flat.
Before the temple is a large treasure gate, Hozomon, decorated with a pair of giant rope sandals. 
We were rather intrigued to find a statue of a group of pigeons. Surely must be the only place to immortalise those flying rats in bronze. The real-life specimens foraging nearby looked just as mangey as those infesting every city in the world and certainly not worth celebrating. 
Before going home we made a great discovery in a side street called Cafe Rest Czun. It billed itself as a travellers' cafe and was very laid back with mismatched secondhand chairs and tables and a huge squishy sofa; not at all Japanese. Emily went crazy when we started drinking our iced water and entertained everyone by supping happily from the glass. She was being very appealing with lots of smiles and chuckles.
Before going home we made a great discovery in a side street called Cafe Rest Czun. It billed itself as a travellers' cafe and was very laid back with mismatched secondhand chairs and tables and a huge squishy sofa; not at all Japanese. Emily went crazy when we started drinking our iced water and entertained everyone by supping happily from the glass. She was being very appealing with lots of smiles and chuckles.
When we got home we heard about a stabbing in Akihabara, only a few kilometres from where we'd been. Six people were killed and many injured. Apparently it was a yakusa (gangster) who said he was 'tired of the world'. As Nick said, if he really was, why not top himself instead of causing mayhem like that?
I managed a half hour run before dinner, though it was hellishly humid out there.
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