Tokyo - Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya

Today we woke up relatively early and headed for Tsukiji—the biggest fish market in the world! We did not make it to see the actual auction (that would involve arriving at 4am), but we had fun nonetheless.

One thing I enjoy worldwide is the helter-skelter pattern and downright liveliness of outdoor markets. In America, you can find this type of atmosphere in ethnic districts, giant flea markets, and the occasional garage/estate sale.

 

 

Tsukiji is excellent at combining all of this into something resembling a basic pattern—bless the Japanese (and their ever-constant organizational skills).

Left to Right: Paulina, Me, Keifer, Mari

Surprisingly, there was distinct lack of fishy smells—perhaps they would have been there if we had gotten there earlier?

The streets of the outer market were bustling. The first place we stopped by was a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) shop. Look at how cute they are!!

 

Paulina and I, both tea fanatics, were seduced by a green tea shop with free samples. Oh my, they were heavenly. Paulina didn’t have her camera to catch my expression, but I’m pretty sure it was the same as hers.

 

We wandered around some more and watched in amazement as the lines to the (pretty expensive) sushi shops tripled in under five minutes.

Unfortunately, we had an appointment later in the afternoon, so we couldn’t wait in line—so we found a kaitenzushi shop—cheaper, but still delicious! I decided to splurge—I bought some 中どろ—somewhat fatty tuna for a whopping ￥418!

My delicious 中どろ

And then there was a giant fish head. We didn't eat that for breakfast, though.

After our sushi breakfast we headed over to the Tokyo Imperial Palace for a tour—only a certain amount of people are let in and you have to apply online in advance! Unfortunately, it was pretty dry. We wer not allowed to enter any buildings and the tour took us about an hour. I had heard that the East Gardens were nice to be in, but it wasn’t blooming season yet and they were closed when we visited. Oh well, I can understand why.

But before that, we saw a swan

 

From the Tokyo Imperial Place, our stomachs decided to make their selves known, so we headed to Sweets Paradise in Shibuya.

So. Many. People. (in front of Shibuya Station)

But what is Sweets Paradise? you wonder, and why would you got there—it sounds expensive.

Sweets Paradise is an all-you-can-eat cake shop. The limit is one hour, the price is about ￥1500 and the desserts are endless! From ice cream sundaes to cakes to a chocolate fountain to mochi—Sweets Paradise has it all. I think the themeing and lighting is pretty cute as well!

Only part of the cake bar

Make your own mochi + toppings!

 After eating our fill, we wandered around Shibuya in the ever-darkening twilight—here are some photos of the night lights!

We also went to a giant glass Starbucks where we watched the giant sea of people enter Shibuya from the subway/train lines.

Heading back, we stopped by the Hachiko statue. Who is Hachiko? He’s a famous dog in Japan who would accompany his master to the train station and wait for him every day. One day, his master died at work, but the faithful dog returned every day to the station until he died as well. To honor this dog’s loyalty, a statue was made.

Then we headed back to the hostel, where I spend the rest of the night talking to various other people staying in the hostel as well. Everyone’s so friendly and nice!

The hostel's sign

Tomorrow is Harajuku, museums and hopefully a shrine or two!