Japan Day 5

A main reason I wanted to come in this trip (other than the quilt show) was for shibori indigo dyeing. It did not disappoint. A lesson in a fold I had not done before was followed by dyeing in pots of beautiful indigo, and we walked out with a dyed fabric.

This is beautiful if you like indigo.

We then drove to the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. 

Originally built in 628, it is the largest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo. Also very popular with everyone.

Massive numbers of people, great food, and all the souvenirs you could possibly want.

After lunch on our own, we walked to the location of the tea ceremony we were going to attend.

Known as Chadō, or Way of Tea, it is a performance with set rituals.

We all got a chance to make and be served tea, which is powdered macha, or green tea.

After the ceremony we were told of the cultural concept of ichi-go ichi-e, a once in a lifetime experience, or to treasure the unrepeatable nature of the moment. This really spoke to me. To live in the moment is something that I will continue to strive to do.

An afternote: walking back to the bus we passed this small shrine of the Edo period, backed by the Sky Tree Tower. Ancient and modern Tokyo in one photo.

The Skytree is 634 meters tall, tallest tower in the world, and second tallest structure in the world.