Tsukiji Fish Market

So far, the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market or what is commonly known as the Tsukiji Fish Market is my favorite place in Tokyo. It is the largest fish and seafood market in the entire world and covers more area than 40 football fields.

It is an unbelievable sight to see when it is running at full steam at 6 in the morning. Motorized carts zipping around, tuna auctioneers barking out prices and warehouses full of every seafood imaginable make for great pictures. But please be respectful to those that are working. They recently closed the tuna auctions to tourists because they were being too disruptive. They have since re-opened the auctions from 5:00 am to 6:15 am only. They now have security personnel and no flash photography is allowed.

The key is to go early in the morning. If you’re visiting from the US, getting up early shouldn’t be a problem your first couple of days in Japan as your body clock will probably wake you up before the sun rises. If you get there after 8am, you'll miss most of the action.

I haven't been back since they restricted tourist access, so I'm not sure how easily you can walk around and take pictures anymore. However, when I was there three years ago, as you can see from the photos below, I was able to go pretty much anywhere I wanted. I think the key was that I kept out of their way and I was respectful to the people who were there doing their job.

Before I left, I bought a small tray (approximately 20 slices) of fresh sashimi for 1000 yen (US $10). The best sashimi I have ever had! Oishikatta!

The nearest subway stations are the Tsukijishijō Station on the Toei Ōedo Line and the Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

To see more photos click on the slideshow below.


Tokyo : Tsukiji Market - Images by darrell miho

Miyajima

I don’t believe in love at first site, but after spending 8 hours exploring Itsukushima Island, commonly referred to as Miyajima (shrine island), I fell in love with this place. Miyajima is designated as one of the three most beautiful places in all of Japan. And I must concur.

Despite the hundreds of tourists that were sharing my newfound treasure, there was still a sense of serenity. Perhaps it was the feeling of accomplishment after the hike to the top of Mt. Misen and the panoramic view it offered. Or maybe the deer that have grown accustomed to visitors and will come up to you in search of food. I can’t really explain it. It’s just one of those places you have to experience yourself to gain a full understanding of the mystique the island offers.

Located in the Inland Sea in the southwest portion of Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima Island is a revered sacred destination where it is illegal to chop down a tree or bury the dead. The island is home to Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in 593 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.

As the ferry approaches Miyajima, you are greeted by the most recognizable landmark, the 50 foot tall otorii (great gate) that marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, it appears to float on the water and at low tide, you can walk up and touch it. So how many ways can you shoot a torii? If you’re me, quite a few!


It was a day trip and my main goal was to get one great shot of the otorii. My favorite shot came after the sun had set and most of the tourists had gone home. While most people tend to capture the beautiful red, orange and yellow hues of sunset, I like to stick around for when the sky turns blue and purple. I added a little fill flash to bring out the detail in the pine tree and stone lantern.

There isn’t a boat load of things to do on the island, but that is part of the charm of this sacred place. You can walk through Itsukushima Shrine, peruse the shops in the Omotesando area, visit the Miyajima Aquarium, take the ropeway (aerial tram) up the mountain to see the monkeys and hike to the top of Mt. Misen. If you're really adventurous, you can hike down and see several more shrines along the way.


But before you leave the island, you have to pick up a box (or two) of momiji manju, a Japanese pastry filled with red bean paste, custard or chocolate. Yum!

I plan to go back in the fall when the hills are a sea of red from the changing colors of the red maple trees. After all, when you're in love, you shouldn't stay away for too long.

yokoso!

yokoso! welcome to Japan! i've been spending a lot of time in Japan lately and have discovered that it is an amazing country, rich in history, culture and interesting customs that, from an outsiders viewpoint, can seem quite strange, even for me, a Japanese born in America. while i have been exposed to some of their customs, like taking off your shoes when entering someone's home, there are still others that are fascinating.

i hope to introduce you to some of the many wonderful, amazing, interesting and eccentric things about Japan that i have learned as well as give you travel tips and some simple nihongo (japanese language) lessons. simple being the operative word, since i am not fluent.

so take your shoes off, because it is the Japanese way, and come join me as we explore the land of the rising sun.