Japan the Series: Day 3

On day 3, we got an early start to catch the action at the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market. Commonly known as the Tsujiki fish market, it’s the world’s biggest fish market and has been operating since 1935 in this location. For us, arriving at 8 a.m. was pretty early, but the market starts every morning at 3 a.m. with the famous tuna auction starting at 5 a.m. Although it was early, there were lots of tourists and many people lined up at the surrounding sushi markets for a fresh breakfast. The market itself was enormous, filled with a lot of people and every type of seafood imaginable. Despite all the people, it was pretty well organized and most of the sellers and buyers were quite friendly. We saw a few stalls selling huge whole tunas for a mere $700 dollars each.

After the Tsujiki fish market we hoped back on the subway to the Ginza area. This area is known for its higher end shops and classy residents, kind of like a Rodeo Drive in California. Lanvin, Chanel, Louis Vuttion, and Prada all have shops along the main road and for those who can’t afford designer goods, there was also more affordable options like H&M and Forever 21. The vibe was very uptown here, with many young women toting designer handbags and luxurious furs, almost always accompanied by a well-dressed, older gentleman who carried the shopping bags and a thick wallet.

                After some retail therapy, we took another subway to the Roppongi area. This area is a little more gritty, and probably the biggest foreigner district in Tokyo. Here you will find greasy American food chains like Outbacks, TGI Friday, the Hard Rock Cafe, and even Subway. There are also numerous pubs, restaurants, and clubs in this area, where the foreign crowds love to get their fix of homely goodness served in a glass. Also in this area are many tall office buildings, many of which serve as large department stores too. It was very interesting to explore this area; it is strikingly similar to Seoul’s foreigner district Itaewon.  Our lunch in Roppongi was incredible. We had soba noodles (made of buckwheat) served in a hot broth, tempura style pork over rice with a fried egg on top (delicious!), and some curry over rice. Roppongi also served as a great place for a crazy night out, which for us ended at a Irish bar talking late into the night with some interesting gentlemen from France who were intent upon making sure our glasses were never empty. Unfortunately the night also ended in our only time getting lost in Tokyo, accompanied by a large bill from our cabbie, but we eventually made it safe and sound to our hotel for a good night’s sleep. 

To use on your freshly purchased fish at the market

Ginza shopping district

Tokyo Midtown Tower

Delicious lunch!

Street art in Roppongi