Walking Tokyo streets

 Saturday 8 July 

Day19

After a later evening, I was in no mood to be getting out of bed early. We had decided yesterday, to visit the Tokyo fish market. Websites suggest an early visit, 6am, but there was no way that was happening. In the end, we started our morning at 8am and were finally out of the hotel at 9.20am. 

The fish market has changed somewhat in the last few years, with the tuna auctions now happening in a different area. We were heading to what is now known as the outer market. Here seafood products are sold, much of which is bought at the new fish market and then on sold to tourists and locals. The websites say it is a spot not to be missed and it looks like tourists have taken heed, as the place was super busy. There are a few intersecting streets that make up the market. You can buy dried seafood, freshly carved sashimi and beef and other food offerings. We tried a few freebies of soya beans and bought some Japanese omelette pieces to eat, as we tried to bustle our way through the crowd. It was a bit hectic, so we were pleased when we popped out of the end of one row. We found a quieter street and a tout at the bottom of a staircase offering food, so we made our way upstairs, happy to find it was quiet. The menu was in Japanese, so we pulled out Google translate and decided on a tuna set. 

What arrived wasn’t quite what we expected, a plate of various sashimi, but instead a giant seared tuna steak with rice, omelette and miso. The meal was still delicious and it was nice to find some peace. 

We returned to our wandering, making our way over Kachidoki, a draw bridge, that was undergoing repair and then walked along the waters edge, where we could view Tokyo Tower, before heading over Tsukiji-Ohashi Bridge and making our way to Hamarikyu Garden. We entered the large green open space, paid the 300yen each and then began our wander of the large area. We traversed the paths through the trees, we reached a large pond that had a number of traditional buildings that have been reconstructed and crossed bridges made from Japanese cedar. We watched little fish jumping from the pond and birds looking for lunch. We checked out duck hides that had views over carved trenches and finished with the 300 year old pine tree. 

Satisfied with our bit of green amongst the concrete and glass, we began the trip back towards the hotel. We found a YaMaYa along the way, so stocked up on some drinks and then continued into the main shopping area of Ginza. The road here (Ginza 4 Chome Intersection) had been closed to traffic and many shade umbrellas had been set up with seating. We moved amongst the shoppers and passed all of the high fashion houses. Each time we passed an open door, an icy blast of air escaped, cooling us off. The Japanese obviously live well, with the number of them buying up in these joints. 

We passed a sign advertising Yamazaki Whisky, so entered the building and made our way to the 6th floor whisky museum. We checked out some of the Suntory whiskies and ogled the prices. We weren’t doing any shopping here. Happy with what we had seen, we then returned to the street and made our way back to the hotel, thankful to finally be off our feet at 1.45pm, 19000 steps on the clock. 

It was no surprise really, that we happily stayed in our room for the next few hours. We were both beat. I did some sussing out for tomorrow and then Monday, when we have to return to the airport. It will be an early start, 7am train from Tokyo station. I checked us both in to our flights, which had come through today. We watched CNN in English, yippee and pretty much bummed about until our bellies started grumbling.

We were in no mood for heading long distances, so just walked across the road to Craft Rock Brewery for some small bites and a drink. It was a lot busier in the square, with some event happening and the brewery was busier than yesterday afternoon. After finishing up, we walked the streets, found a bottle shop, so had a look inside and grabbed a few things, before returning to the 7 eleven for supplies and returning to the room by 7.30pm, ready to put this day to bed.