We headed for an interesting venue to have breakfast at this morning. The Tsukiji Market was no place to dine in, but what it lacked in beauty it gained in liveliness. We arrived at the market a little before nine, which was the opening hours, so we actually got a chance to see what goes on around the area as they prepare for opening hours. Our early arrival also allowed us the opportunity to have a very entertaining breakfast at one of the sashimi restaurants near the area. The food that was ordered ranged from yakitori bowls to sashimi bowls; our hostess was very nice and engaging as well.
After giving us a few lessons on how to speak “Janglish” (Japanese and English) he was telling us about the big move the Tsukiji Market will be making in about two years. Speaking of the market, we headed there after breakfast to see what actually goes on there. The market can be considered a place where all the restaurants go to get there fish to serve to the public. You can think as a “wholesale” for fish. As we walked through the warehouse, we were able to witness the process from beginning to start, from the cutting of the fish to the packaging. Fish ranging from tuna to squid could be found at the market. Many of us didn’t realize how big tuna was until this trip.
After breakfast we headed to Asakusa, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tokyo and it is also considered the traditional center of the city. We were giving the choice, this time to venture around the neighborhood to either view the important landmarks, for example the Senso-Ji Temple or the Asahi Super Dry Hall, in the city or stroll down the streets where handmade items and goods are sold. Many of us decided to check out what interesting handcrafted items were being sold near Nakamise Street. There were many merchants on the block selling items from handmade combs to tapestry. After a full two hours of exploring we met up for a nice soba noodle lunch. As the day was beginning to wind down we made our last stop at the Haka-Rikyu Gardens, by way of boat. Once we arrived at the gardens we had our occasional stop at a teas house nearby where we drank the traditional matcha green tea.
-Kirsten, Chelsea, Geoff
(Written by Chelsea)
(Picture by Kirsten)
Picture by Kirsten
(picture by Kirsten)
(picture by Kirsten)