TOKYO – THE VERY END
The next morning, we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel. Our flight didn’t leave until later in the day, so we left our bags and headed out for some last minute sight-seeing. We made our way (with some GPS difficulties) to the famous Tsukiji Market, a large working wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables – one of the world’s largest fish markets. Tourists are not allowed into the main area of the market until after 10:00am, when most of the work has finished for the day. We arrived with a few people still working, so we at least got a taste of what it must be like. Outside the wholesale market was a consumer market, with dozens of stalls selling (what must be) very fresh fish. This was a very busy place – wish we had more time to sample the food, but time was getting late, and we had a reserved seat on the fast train to the airport.
We went a different way back to the train station, and just happened upon the high-end Ginza shopping area! So we crossed off another Tokyo destination! But then we hightailed it back to the hotel to collect our luggage before heading off to the world’s busiest train station to catch our train to the airport. Even though it was just a half-day, it was a very satisfying end to our stay in Tokyo. Sayonara Japan – until next time! (And we’re thinking there will be a next time.) PS. Uniqlo 12-storey flagship store in Ginza! Just saying.
There were many rows of many stalls, all working fish…”butchers”?
A butcher, plying his trade. Would have liked to see him yielding that knife/sword.
This guy was using a bandsaw to cut up frozen tuna into steaks.
Bet that cart has been in use for many many years.
Blocks of ice were placed on a conveyer belt, and fed into this contraption to make ice chips for keeping the fish fresh.
Outside the Tsukiji Market are dozens of market stalls where regular folks can buy the fresh fish.
Once again, we missed a guy using a long sword to cut the tuna.
We sampled the scallops on the right. He slapped a skewer on a grill for about 3 seconds, then handed it to us saying “fresh for you”.
Walking a different route to the train station, we just happened upon the Ginza shopping area.
Nissan had a storefront, and this dense block of Styrofoam was being “whittled” by robots into a car.
I’m expecting that this just a concept car – but what an eye-catcher!
And for those who travelled with us… what do you see in the middle of this picture? That’s right – a UNIQLO store! (I was looking for Uniqlo stores everywhere we went.) One of their flagship stores. But we only had a few minutes to spare, so we tore up to the 8th-10th floors (Men’s Wear), and did actually buy something. A T-shirt that was marked down.