Kawagoe, Gokoku-ji Temple and Ikeukuro District

We took a 1-hour train trip to Kawagoe, a small city with a 19th century Edo-period neighborhood. The architecture is quiet interesting: imposing, black heavy buildings, low ceilings, with shutters and pagoda roofs. Amongst the throngs of Japanese tourists, the buildings house all kinds of specialties: candies (but not much chocolate!), rice crackers, ceramics, soy bean products, restaurants, gift shops, etc. Lots and lots to see and we wandered forever.

Edo-period building

Gift shop

We found an outdoor exhibit of Edo-period guns and armor. We were then invited to participate in an Edo-period tea ceremony! Lucky us! The Japanese tea ceremony is very precise and slow, with many rituals and movements. We were first presented with sweets, given by a kneeling assistant. Then, the tea master brewed some green tea which we were given after the assistant kneeled and turned the bowl 3 times to the right. We bowed our thanks and turned the bowl to the left three times before drinking. This shows appreciation for the beauty of the bowl.

Antique gun

Edo-period armor


Tea master


Tea ceremony

Today was Yom Kippur and we decided to spend it "communing with nature" in lieu of going to a synagogue. We went to Gokoku-ji Temple which is very special because it wasn't destroyed by the big earthquake of 1923 or the fire bombs of WWII like so many other temples in Tokyo. It is really magnificent with a copper roof, huge wooden columns, a beautiful main hall and ceiling displaying paintings of celestial maidens. There were very few people around and we sat outside gazing at the temple...very serene and restful.

Main hall of Gokuku-ji Temple

Shrine at Gokoku-ji Temple with oragami paper offerings

We loved this rock at the Temple

In the Ikebukuro district, we found a modern art pavillion and saw a beautiful Japanese quilt exhibit and a small doll gallery.

Unbelievable quilt--I was mesmerized

Quilted eggs and apples! So pretty...

The Japan Traditional Craft Center was also nearby and we saw the most exquisite new ceramics, wooden bowls, Japanese sandals, hats, etc. and even saw a craftsman making ceramic tiles. So much delicate beauty. I just can't describe it.

Various woods used in traditional Japanese crafts