Inokashira & Asakusa

This is near the entrance to Inokashira Koen. The man in the with the white headband is reading comic books to others for money. He was totally hilarious and quite gifted at character acting the parts. This is a testament to how popular comic books, aka "manga" are in Japanese culture. This park was packed on a Saturday with puppet shows, a flea market, musicians, food vendors... There was also a small zoo with amusement park. Inokashira Park is completely off the beaten track, yet only a 20 minute subway ride from our home. We were the only non-Asian people there. Many people came up to our kids saying "kawai"---which means cute. This picture was taken by a Japanese mom who insisted that her four kids meet Mia and Rhett. She also offered to take this picture. Mia doesn't mind being a celebrity in Japan at all.

Mia "helping" her brother look into the camera.

Inokashira has a lake with great paddle boats shaped like lovely swans. Here, proud papa and son are taking to the water.

With the ladies right by their side.

This was one of our first sights when entering Inokashira. Kind of a surreal experience to see these huge swans floating on by. The Japanese seem to know how to make everything beautiful, even the mundane paddle boat.

This the entrance to Hanayaskiki Park near Asakusa Shrine. Founded in the late 1800's, it still has Japan's 1st ever roller coaster, and it still runs great.

Mia loved this amusement park for it's huge panda bears that you can drive around on, and who can blame her?

As you have already ascertained, we are spending a lot of time outside with the kids in Tokyo's many parks. It's a great city to have kids in.