Hiking and climbing mountains inspired me into this life philosophy - LIFE IS A MOUNTAIN. Every step you make leads to summit. You may be forced to turn around or change routes for any cause, never know. But, stay focused and look forward. The mountain will be there always. Pace yourself and reach "your" summit, for every step counts. Enjoy the view and feed your soul as it comes along. Life is a journey, not a destination. Life is like climbing a mountain.....
Asakusa (浅草) is, perhaps, one of the most popular and photographed sightseeing places in Tokyo. Sensoji (浅草寺) and Kaminarimon (雷門), Nakamise (仲見世), and Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) are among the best known in Asakusa.
Asakusa is down to earth and you can experience Tokyo's "shitamachi" (下町)....literally means "lower town" or "downtown" vs. Yamanote (山の手) or "upper town". Shitamachi is a local area where common people used to live. It's a friendly and traditional neighborhood. Shitamachi has become very popular with Japanese and foreign tourists who look for the real soul of Tokyo!
Asakusa celebrated the 37th Samba Carnival 2018 this weekend. Wow, it
was fun and beautiful....the most dazzling parade I’ve seen so far. No
kidding. It’s quite an array of colorful costumes, creative floats,
artistic/creative choreography of dance and carnival music with high
energy. The dancers are quite entertaining and friendly with smiles and
kisses! It’s a fantastic carnival that both performers and spectators
really enjoy.
Connecting the dots, Japan has a close relationship with
Brazil....Brazil has the largest Japanese diaspora in the world....so,
it makes sense Tokyo has such an amazing carnival as its relative Rio’s
in Brazil does!
If you happen to be in Tokyo in summer(late August), Asakusa Samba
Carnival is a must see for sure!... it's a galore of creative samba
floats, energetic marching bands and beautiful dancers with dazzling
costumes with colorfully feathered head dresses. TWO THUMBS UP!!
