Sumo Day

Sumo (def.; wikipedia): a competitive full contact sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of their feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally.

Our first weekend in Tokyo just happened to coincide with the first Sumo tournament of the year, held at Ryogoku Kokugikan Staduim, a short train ride from our home. Arriving early to secure our tickets, we had half a day to burn in the Sumida-ku area.

Wandering along the Sumida River we found a flea market and the Asakusa Temple. While soaking up the culture we enjoyed the tasty sweet treats crafted with love (sesame doughnut - yum!)before we ventured west. Because it felt right, we continued our wanderings and happened upon the Monument in Memory of the Victims of the Tokyo Air Raids (WWII), which really deserves it's own entry.

One of the most thrilling things about discovering an ancient yet modern city is finding all of the juxtapositions. A hectic flea market at the entry of a temple, a WWII Memorial just steps away from a shopping center, Sumo wrestlers rubbing elbows with an American girl.

I love Tokyo.





{I wish you could hear the drum coming from this tower welcoming the crowd}

{A (large) handful of the wrestlers}

{Me purifying at the temple entry}



{Asakusa Temple}