Day 3: Tsukiji

(Photo: Kaiyi)

We ordered two rice bowl for breakfast. We had a hard time trying to locate this little eatery. We had wanted to order the cheapest rice bowl that cost about 900yen. Then we ended up upgrading our rice bowls. It's almost the same as our original choice but we upgraded the tuna to toro (fish belly with more fats).

(Photo: Kaiyi)
The second rice bowl that we ordered. There were 9 different types of seafood in this bowl. This breakfast is to date one of the best breakfasts that I have had in my entire life. I want my sashimi again!

Be prepared to spend at least 2,000yen each to truely enjoy the fresh sashimi. There are cheaper items on the menu but those will only leave you craving for more.

Kaiyi and I both agreed that we are born with a Japanese taste bud. We can have Japanese food everyday for every meal. Sushi, ramen, sashimi, don...you name it, we are most likely to like it.

 

(Photo: Maggie)

We woke up at 5am to get ready for Tsukiji market. Actually come to think of it, it was quite silly. We won't be able to get into the fish market wholesale area before 9am. The new ruling states that only 140 visitors per day are allowed in the tuna auction area and you have to be there before 5am to queue. We woke up like zombies and did everything slowly. By the time we are done, we set off for the market at about 7am. It's a long walk to the train station. We bought the Tokyo Metro One Day Pass for 710yen for unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro lines. Did my sums and decided that's the most cost efficient method since we are exploring Tokyo today.

Took the Hibiya line to Tsukiji and followed the road signs and maps available along the way. We were first greeted by a little temple where fishermen comes to pray for a good harvest everyday.

(Photo: Maggie)
The vehical entrance of Tsukiji market is a very busy place. We headed straight for the stores to take a look at store keepers opening their stores at the outer market where it is less hectic. Even then, we had to lookout for vehicles, trolleys and such. Very busy. The inner market area opens after 9am.

(Photo: Maggie)
The outer market when it is less busy.

(Photo: Maggie)

Stores in the outer market were slowly opening to greet their first customers.

(Photo: Maggie)

(Photo: Maggie)

This is the vehicle that they used to transport fishes within short distances.

(Photo: Kaiyi)

Pickles.

(Photo: Kaiyi)

Finally we see some fresh fish. After touring the outer market, we proceed to find food to fill our stomach. We were not able to take any photos as the shop has prominently placed a "No photography" sign near every seat. So the only pictures we got with Kaiyi's iphone were of our food. Superbly delicious but expensive food. We both ordered sashimi don. Please scroll to the top two photos. The first one was supposed to be only 900yen. But we upgraded the fish to toro (the belly loin of the fatty blue fin tuna, supposedly to be the most prized.) It eventually cost about 1200yen. The 2nd bowl with the prawn head boast 9 different types of sashimi. Of course it came with a price. The damage to the wallet was about 1500yen. Don't worry if you are not able to speak Japanese when ordering as they have a Chinese speaking helper.

(Photo: Maggie) Along the way, I took a picture of an unsuspecting primary school girl...

(Photo: Maggie) and a school boy.

We left Tsukiji at about 8.30am for Tokyo.