May 18, 2015

The 3rd and the last day of Sanja Matsuri

On Sunday, people carry Miya-Mikoshi; Ichinomiya, Ninomiya and Sannomiya, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the main event of Sanja Matsuri.

Ichinomiya

Ninomiya

 


Miyairi, it's the end of the Matsuri.




May 13, 2015

shop#182 Hinomoto Hanpu

The new shop of Hinomoto Hanpu was opened in Asakusa on April 29, 2015. The bags are made by this company from 35 years ago in Yamagata. These handmade bags are made of sailcloth, which means they are very tough, sturdy and also water-resistant.




There is another shop in Yanaka too.


May 8, 2015

shop#181 Asakusa Monja Croquette

Asakusa Monja Croquette used to be in other location, but moved to Asakusa Tanuki Street in February 2015. If you do no have time to eat Monja at a restaurant or if you have already taken lunch at another restaurant, try Monja Croquette here. There is just basic Monja (cabbage, ginger, noodle) inside croquette. The shopkeeper, Shinobu-san, always welcomes you to come and take a rest at this shop.

On this street (Tanuki means a raccoon), there are 12 Tanuki statues. It is said that you will be lucky if you pat on a stomach of these Tanuki.





About Monja-yaki:
Have you ever eaten Monja-yaki? It is hard to explain but let me try. Monja is a local food in Shitamachi. When you go to a Monja (or Okonomiyaki) restaurant, you make Monja and Okonomiyaki all by yourself on a hot iron plate. You receive a bowl of ingredients which include cabbage, ginger, sakura shrimp, flour and water basically. You can choose toppings such as pork, octopus, cuttlefish, noodle, curry powder or Mochi. You don't know how to make it? Don't worry. You can ask an employee to make it. Or, check this video on my friend's site at:
http://www.mustlovejapan.com/subject/tsukishima/

May 3, 2015

shop#180 The Spin Days (closed Feb 2016)

-shop closed-
This shop was opened recently near Tawaramachi Station, 5 min walk from Asakusa. The products sold at this shop are made by people who has a handicap. Pictures they drawn are so cute. They also sell tumblers or dishes by ceramic artists.




store website:
http://www.thespindays.com/

May 1, 2015

shop#179 Dr. Goods

Dr. Goods is a kitchen tool shop located on Kappabashi Tool Street. I found colorful baskets, which can be washed in a dishwasher.





shop#178 Manufacture

Manufacture is a newly-opened bakery run by a restaurant Sukeroku Diner (Suke6 Diner). It is on a third floor of the building, just next to the Sumida Park.