shop#174 Asakusa Bidoro

A new shop was opened last month (January 2015) on the street of Denboin Dori. Asakusa Bidoro sells cute little glass works as well as accessories made of glass. As March 3rd is a girl's day ("Hina Matsuri"), there were Hina-dolls made of glass. These dolls are to celebrate girls' birth and their good health.

shop#173 Sweet Sanctuary ISO

You may know that Japanese patissiers make cakes of exquisite beauty and taste. They are cute and delicious. ISO makes adorable cakes. If you are tired and need sugar, come here and try "Mignon Fromage," a cheese cake for a few bites. But I also love its croissant with a slightly sweet taste. The best choice for breakfast with coffee. Try it! :-)

Located along the street just in front of Kaminarimon.
Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.

ISO's website (Japanese only)
http://www.ss-iso.com/asakusa/

shop#172 Gofuku Nakayama

Gofuku Nakayama is a Kimono shop located along Nishisando Street in Asakusa. Usually you can see beautiful bridal Kimono at its display window, but a few days ago, I found these animal dolls beautifully dressed in Kimono. Very Japanese.

shop#171 Mokuhankan

Are you interested in Ukiyo-e? Mokuhankan is a new place in Asakusa, where you can buy beautiful woodblock prints and can experience how to make these.

The owner, David-san, kindly showed me his workshop and a brief demonstration of "Print Party." The design is Momotaro and his vassals (dog, monkey and pheasant), which is a Japanese old tale.

"Print Party"
- Use 4 colors to make woodblock print on carved blocks.
- A typical session lasts about an hour.
- 2,000 yen per person (discounted for families and groups)

See their website at:
http://mokuhankan.com/parties/index.php

Ume Blossoms starting to bloom now

Ume blossoms bloom in February. You may enjoy them in many temples or shrines in Shitamachi.

These two photos are taken on February 6th at Awashima-do in Sensoji.

There are many events called Ume Matsuri (Ume festival).

Yushima Tenjin:  February 8 - March 8
  You can check the update at their site.

Kameido Tenjin:  February 14 - March 15
  Over 300 Ume trees are planted here.

Mukojima Hyakkaen:  February 7 - March 8


See also: Ume Blossoms in Sumida-ku

(photos taken last year around early March)