Asakusa - The Loach's part in the Circle of Life

Yesterday my housemate and I met up with an incredibly nice man who gives tours at Tsukiji fish market. My housemate met him on his last trip to Japan when he got up at the incredible hour of 4am to go see some fish thrown around. This meeting was much more reasonable, occurring around the hour of 5pm. We met at an entrance to Ueno park and wandered a few blocks over to the nearby market, Ameyoko.  The market apparently got it's name by selling sweets after WWII (ame = sugar or confection), and also by selling American goods.  Our host informed us of the history and also informed us that Ameyoko is "where the bad fish goes".  But though the fish is not as high quality as that found at Tsukiji, you can find other quality goods.  I had been to the market a couple weeks before with some friends and I can say that the fresh fruit is a win.

After discovering that the market no longer sold American army fatigues we hopped onto a train heading for Asakusa.  On the train we heard a very interesting description of Asakusa's efficiency.  Asakusa is home to a temple (probably several) where people go when a loved one passes away.  Upon finishing prayers and rituals, to cleans themselves of the evil spirits that accompany death, temple goers partake of a meal of loaches.  This is not Engrish for roaches, loaches are a small fish that live in rice paddies.  I googled it and they even have their own site: http://www.loaches.com .  Restaurants serving this small fish are right down the street from the temple.  However, this little fish is apparently an amorous creature and shares its love with those who consume it.  In short, it is an aphrodisiac.  So, just down the street from the restaurants (and the temples that started the whole thing) is the red-light district.  Problem solved.  The circle of life is a beautiful thing.

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