Tsukiji

Located southeast of Tokyo station, Tsukiji district was home to the 83-year-old world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market. The market has since moved to the nearby Toyosu site, but the outer shops and sushi spots are still a hotspot for foodies looking for the freshest fish and seafood in a historic setting.

Tsukiji is an ideal place to discover the local charm of old sushi and sashimi restaurants and indulge in a sushi-filled breakfast. Head to Uogashi Yokocho in the inner market, that’s where the most popular small sushiya (sushi shops) are lined up.

You can also browse the alleys of the outer market where you can sample a lot of snacks on the go, anything from grilled fish and meat on skewers and delicious tamago (egg) to fresh oysters and uni (sea urchin roe) straight from the shells.

While Kappabashi-dori in Asakusa is a great place to shop for kitchenware, Tsukiji’s outer market has a few old-school knife shops that you might consider visiting. One of the most highly-regarded shops is Masamoto Tsukiji, an old-world knife shop that’s been around since 1891 and is currently owned by the fifth generation of the family.

While the market is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of the area, even if it no longer has the fish market warehouse nor tuna auctions, there is much more to worth exploring in the neighborhood once you whet your appetite for fresh fish.

Beyond the fish market

Visit Tsukiji Honganji Temple which stands out from other Japanese temples with its strikingly beautiful architecture. The design of the stone exterior was based on an ancient Indian style and combines Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic architectural styles in a complex manner.

Take a stroll along the Hamarikyu Garden which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding skyscrapers and features an expansive and meticulously manicured landscape with gardens and ponds. The garden is all that remains of the shogunate palace that once extended into the area now occupied by Tsukiji Market. The best place to enjoy the scenic views of the garden is from the charming tea pavilion, Nakajima no Ochaya where you can to savor matcha and wagashi.

After that, you may consider catching a ferry right there and taking a boat ride to Asakusa via the Sumida River.

After that, you may consider catching a ferry right there and taking a boat ride to Asakusa via the Sumida River.

If you crave to learn more about Japanese art, consider attending a kabuki performance in the Kabukiza. The ostentatious façade of the theatre matches perfectly with the extravagant dramatic flourishes that are integral to the traditional performing art of kabuki. The tickets can be purchased via their official website and you can rent a headset for explanations in English.