Tsukiji Fish Market and Namiyoke Inari Shrine

4 April 2015

I am always fascinated by local markets, so my visit to Tokyo must include a visit to its famous fish market. Tsukiji Fish Market is located about 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from the APA GInza Kobashi hotel. It was drizzling slightly as we made our way there under a shared umbrella, hungry and looking forward to some sushi breakfast.

We had a map of the market showing us where are the seafood food stalls were located and the inner market where the actual fish auctions and seafood selling takes place. We arrived at the Outer Market first. There were many small stalls and restaurants serving fresh seafood in the outer market. Some had long lines but we were not prepared to queue, so we settled into a random restaurant and ordered our breakfast. Like most restaurants here, it is small and counter-seat only.

One of the many sushi and sashimi restaurant at the Tsukiji Fish Market.

Sushi set at the Tsukiji Fish Market.  

There is a small information centre located within a long building. There were more stalls selling fresh seafood in there, including one that was irresistible.

Grilled scallops!

Grilled scallops with two different toppings. Queue, buy, stand and eat at the counter before moving on.

After touring the Outer Market, we followed our map towards the Inner Market, passing by the Namiyoke Inari Shrine. We would visit this shrine later, on the way back as we were eager to see what is in the Inner Market.

Outside of the Namiyoke Inari Shrine, on way to the Inner Fish Market.

Electric powered fish carts that can easily spin around 360 degrees zooming up and down the alleys. Visitors streaming towards the Inner Market on the right.

Close-up of one of the carts, laden with boxes.

Most of the stalls in the inner market were already closed by this time in the morning.

At the Tsukiji Inner Market.

Crabs for sale at Tsukiji Inner Market.

This wooden carts was used to transport the large tuna.

Shellfish stall in the inner market.

We stood and watched a large tuna being cleaned, cut and sliced into large chunks by a man holding a long sword and helped by his assistant. 

Cutting off the head.

Slicing and getting the fillet.

Onto the table and cutting into large chunks.

After seeing enough of the inner market, we dropped by the Namiyoke Inari Shrine. “Namiyoke” means protection from the waves. Since the Edo period, the worshippers came to the shrine to pray for safe voyage, good luck and averting misfortune. Two prized lion heads (rest being lost in an earthquake) are enshrined here and these were occasionally used in the Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri festival (Lion Festival).

Worshipper ringing bells using the ropes.

One of the treasured lion heads.

Another treasured lion head in the Namiyoke Inari Shrine.

After the morning visit to Tsukiji Market, we went to Ginza. As this was a Saturday, the central Chuo Dori street was closed to automobile traffic and became a large pedestrian zone. The road closure took place from 12:00 to 17:00.

Chuo Dori in Ginza.

Akihabara was our next stop after Ginza. Akihabara is an interesting place with much to see, not to mention a 7-storey building for “naughty” people.

Akihabara - famous for its many electronics shops.

Signboard advertising the maids’ cafe where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters.

We ended the day with dinner at Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street. It features Ramen stores operated by eight renowned names in Tokyo ramen.

Most famous of them all is Rokurinsha Tokyo, and there’s always a line. This restaurant is popular for its tsukemen, or dipping noodles.

We queued almost half an hour for this.

After queuing for almost half an hour, it made sense to go for the best…   "special recommendation" of Tokusei Tsukemen (1,080 yen) which came with the addition of shredded pork.