Japan Nov 2009 Day 6 (part 2)

Edo Museum @Ryogoku

Decoration in conjunction with the Rake Festival

Daruma dolls of various sizes on the Rake Festival decor

Figurine of Ebisu, 恵比寿 one the “Seven Gos of Fortune” on Japanese mythology, seen here carrying a sea bream (Tai) on the Rake Festival decor

Large central piece on the 2nd floor of the museum showcasing a large diorama depicting the day-to-day sights and sounds of Tokyo during the Edo era.

A life-size replica of a Palanquin, which is essentially an enclosed sedan carried by 4 servants/footmen. This is commonly used by daimyos of the Edo period.

Hand calligraphed book dictating the laws established during the Kamakura bakufu in 1232. Interestingly, this is still in use 400 yars after its incline, during the Edo bakufu 江戸幕府 ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. This book dates from 1641.

Replica of a life-sized armour worn by samurais. The real one is a national treasure.

Look at the intricate details of the embroidery and ropework.

Selection of earthern and crockery ware used during the Edo period.

Coins from China during the YongLe 永樂 Period from the Ming Dynasty. They are thus known as 永樂通宝. This coincides roughly with the end of the Kamakura period in 1300s-early 1400s.

A sword signed “Yasutugu”

Statue of Ieyasu Tokugawa

A blue-print, presumably of Edo Castle which still stands in Chiyoda in Central Tokyo, where the Tokugawa shongunate ruled until it was overthrown by Emperor Meiji during the ‘Meiji Restoration’.

A wood print art depicting a major fire that took place in Edo-Tokyo

Wooden statues of 2 of the seven Shinto Gods of Fortune.

Mannequins of famous figures in Kabuki stories

Statue of Sumo Wrestling outside Ryogoku Station. Kokugikan, the famed sumo wrestling arena is within walking vicinity from the station.

Akihabara, the “Electronic Town” of Tokyo

Love Merci, one of several adult novelty shops in Akihabara

Another shop which sells adult sex paraphenalia and DVDs

Yodobashi-Akiba, a real eye-opener, with level after level of electronic and electrical goods. Its a good place to window-shop first to compare prices and collect product brochures and catalogues. The real bargain lies within the small shops in the lanes. On of the upper floors has a good selection of restaurants from western food to ramen. Good place to stop by for a meal.

Dinner, from one of the small lanes around Ostuka station. Its a mish-mesh of vegetable curry and mabo tofu “don” . Quite a large portion for a mere 350 Yen. A lot of restaurants in this area have takeaway counters set up around lunch and dinner time to cater to the needs of the residents around the area.

Deep fried spring rolls from the same takeaway counter. 2 for 150 Yen.

We decided to have a go at the sweet and sour pork, which was offered as an ala carte dish for 550 Yen.

Another “bento set we bought, which came with stir-fried cabbage with pork and shrimp, as well as a piece of tori karaage. Also for 350 Yen.

Closeup of the cabbage stir-fry.

Another bento with a pork cutlet in nanban sauce, which is basically made out of sweet fermented soy bean paste, much like “tao cheo” we eat with yong tau foo, or used in some nonya dishes, obviously of chinese influence.

Closeup of the nanban pork cutlet. Very wholesome texture and taste.