Chapter Fourteen: Year of the Horse, Tokyo, December 2013. Part Two

Continuation from Part One here.

Tsukiji Fish Market

One of the areas in Tokyo that I always try and visit is the Tsukiji fish market area. Although this area in Tokyo has been a fish market since 1935, after the previous fish market was relocated here following the major earthquake that hit Tokyo in 1923, the decision has recently been taken to relocate the fish market outside of the city. From Wikipedia: “The Tsukiji fish market occupies valuable real estate close to the center of the city. Former Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara has repeatedly called for moving the market to Toyosu, Koto, with construction of the new market to begin in 2013 for completion in 2014. The new location has been criticized for being heavily polluted and in need of cleanup. There are plans to retain a retail market, roughly a quarter of the current operation, in Tsukiji. The remaining area of the market will be redeveloped.”

Tsukiji Market Trader

Especially during this time of the year, the fish market is crowded in the early morning. The streets through the market are very narrow, and the eagerness of the shoppers to get the best fish, combined with the steady flow of traffic, really means you have to keep your wits about you so that you don’t fall over and get trampled upon. The area provides some great opportunities for photography, and it’s possible to get some timeless photographs of the traders hawking their wares. Of course, after you have spent a couple of hours wandering the streets, it’s breakfast time, and there is an ample selection of sushi and sashimi restaurants serving the freshest fish….

Tsukiji Market Trader serving fresh grilled oysters

Tsukiji Market Trader preparing freshly caught fish for sale

Asakusa

Prayer boards in Asakusa

The Asakusa region is home to the Senso-ji temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Always bustling with tourists, it’s a good place to go and visit for the street markets and worshippers.