There’s something fishy about this place…
Learning from the previous nights mistake, I wore earplugs to bed last night and slept like a baby and I was up at the crack of dawn (well, 5.45am…) to get myself ready to go to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. I managed to take a wrong turn from the hostel, and get hopelessly lost. Eventually got my bearings and I was miles off course…but fortunatley I was close to a subway station, so all was well again. I noticed a street aerobics class going on, with all the old folk from the area doing steps etc in the street…quite funny, especially considering the time! The Japanese are VERY early risers. The subway this morning was the quietest yet; in fact, most people were asleep. The train was packed with black and navy blue, and there’s me, in 3/4 shorts and a bright green t-shirt, seemlessly blending in to my surroundings.
Arrived with plenty of time left to see the action of the hectic market. And there was a lot of action! I’ve never seen so many different types of fish and shelled creatures. They range from very small…like mussles etc, right up to huge bluefin tuna. It makes you wonder how there are any fish left when this much comes in every day! Many we’re still alive, although not for long. It’s like death row…just for fish. I was peering into one particular tank, when a hand went in, pulled out a fish, and took a very large knife to its neck! Perhaps not for the squeamish. I spent a good hour or two engrossed in the market. One thing to realise is that these guys are at work, so I was careful not to get in anybodys way! You want to make sure you arn’t in the way anyway actually, there are these motorised cart things that flee about all over the place…you need eyes in the back of your head at times!
All the blood and guts really worked up an apetite so it was time to treat myself to a good quality sushi breakfast. On my way in to the market, I noticed some stalls and restaurants so I headed back there, but once again I got lost and wandered around for a bit. I eventually stumbled upon a place called Tsukiji Sushi Sen, and they were offering fresh sushi sets. I went for the 1200yen option, which consisted of scallop, tuna, salmon, another fish which i’ve forgotton the name of, and horse meat. All fresh from the market that very morning (expect for the horse of course). This was all lightly toasted and it was delicious. I know I said earlier that sushi was probably my least favourite Japanese food….well I really ate those words! I won’t top that for a sushi meal, I know that for sure. It was that good! Had a conversation with the chef, who at first asked me if it was delicious (in Japanese), and I understood him so I replied in Japanese. I think he then assumed I spoke Japanese as he started saying other stuff…which was met with a bit of a blank look, a shrug of the shoulders and a cheeky grin. So he started speaking English….and i’ve noticed a bit of a trend forming. Everybody asks if i’m from the USA first. The fact that so many people have good English skills is really helpful and is totally unexpected! So had a bit of a chinwag about Japan and such like, and then I made tracks…giving a hefty bow before I left! So – if you go to the fish market, try and find this place for your sushi breakfast, it’s great!
I had a wander round Tsukiji, and went to have a look at the Shiodome building (impressive!) and the neighbouring Conrad hotel where ‘Lost in Translation’ was shot. From there it wasn’t too far a walk to the nearest train station and I headed back to the Yebisu Garden Palace to visit the beer museum, which is open on Tuesdays! It’s not very big, and it’s all in Japanese..but I got the general idea, and it was free. Naturally I had to have a sample at the end and I made a great discovery – Yebisu Black. It’s a bit like Guinness, but it’s got a far less harsh flavour and in my humble opinion it’s far nicer…so I reccomend that! I dare say I will have a few more Blacks before I leave Japan! Eastern beer is very good indeed. I had a quick look around the photography museum while I was there, but that was pretty expensive so only went into one gallery, but I think I made the wrong choice! Never mind.
Did some more wandering around during the afternoon, people watching and such like. Eventually headed for some food..more tasty Ramen. Had a good chuckle at the menu. “Steaming cock ramen offered in the spy she” (meaning spicy obviously!).
Went to Ueno afterwards for a wander, and then back to Shinjuku to catch the view from the Metropolitan Government Building at night – very impressive indeed. I managed to get lost in Shinjuku station (it had to happen really…). Despite going 3 seperate ways, I managed to end up back exactly where I started! Like in Mario where you go off the side of the screen and appear on the other…
And now I’m back at the hostel. It’s been a very busy day. That’s pretty much it for my time in Tokyo…and another part of my trip is over. Tomorrow I head back to base camp, via Yokohama!
