May 2016

Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji Shijō) is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in Tokyo. Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. It is scheduled to move to a new site in Toyosu in November 2016 so we absolutely had to go.

The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attractions. In fact, the numbers of tourists has increased so much over recent years, that they have become a problem. They absolutely let you know that you are in the way. No vehicle slows down for you, those doing business walk right into you and security constantly tells you to keep moving. Not as easy as I thought for snapping photos.

Surprisingly it doesn't stink. The fish is so fresh that it doesn't smell. Lights are low and ice is everywhere so I guess it stays fresh. It sure tastes fresh. Sushi and sashimi will never be the same.

The inner market is where most of the wholesale business and the famous tuna auctions take place. We visited this area but did not got to the tuna auction. You had to be in the line well before 5am and even then only 120 people get in. Wasn't worth the risk so we went at 8:30. It was still super cool and buzzing with activity. We were constantly in the way of people who obviously work very hard. Leaving there I decided I best rinse and bag my slimy sneakers and wear something else on the flight.

Despite all that, I figure this is the worst job in the place. Crammed into a little box taking money. I wouldn't get the job because I would not fit!

The outer market contains tons of processed fish, restaurants and lots of free samples. ALMOST like Costco.

It was awesome and the was food amazing. We tried everything from scallops to eel ending with a huge plate of tuna sashimi which we ate standing around the counter with tons of others doing the same. It honestly melts in your mouth and as Scott described it, is closer to ice cream than fish back home.

My scallops with sea urchin on top. OMG!

More treats

I have to mention the price of fruit. Strawberries, although picture perfect were between 90 cents - $1.30 each and two mangos went for $160.00 Yikes. No wonder you don't see much fruit.

Definitely the biggest and most impressive fish market I have ever seen. It was crazy busy with tons of people.

What a way to end our week. Now it is off to the airport for the long journey home.

Remember....don't text and drive!

And a few more....

Our final day at work ended at three so we hurried back to the hotel to try and sneak in another adventure before meeting the gang and a colleague from Japan who has recently left our group.

We decided to visit one of the quieter neighbourhoods in Tokyo called Yanaka.

Yanaka (谷中) is one of the few districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi atmosphere, an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades, still survives. Throughout the district, there is an air of nostalgia and a rustic charm. It is within walking distance from Ueno Park, and offers a sightseeing opportunity different from the metropolitan city feel of other parts of Tokyo.

Around every turn there were treasures. A few extra because we took the wrong exit and walked away from the street we were trying to find. We even walked through an amazing graveyard. This was quickly corrected by a cab ride back to the metro station where we started over.

The we grabbed another train to Asakusa where we would search for the famous red temple, Sensoji.

Sensoji (浅草寺, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples.

The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.

It was very cool to see it in the light and dark.

The transportation system in Tokyo is efficient, prompt and clean. We are now masters.

The stores are insane. Some have such detail in the decorations. This was a cookie shop.

Then it was another amazing and beautiful meal with beautiful friends.

Underground parking garage. Elevator brings you up, then spins you around.

Karoke bar....every floor is karoke

Home tomorrow but not before I embark on another adventure in the morning.

When you are working there really isn't much time to get out and explore. Tonight, however, after feeling the effects of sitting in a poorly air conditioned room from 9- 5 daily, I had to find some fresh air. I did about an hour of work before meeting up with Tracy to begin a wee adventure. On our way out we met up with Wendy, one of our colleagues' wives and she decided to join us.

We decided to hit two of the most famous neighbourhoods that are best seen at night. This city has contradictions all over the place. When I have more time, I will explain more, but tonight really showed the contrast between the zen lifestyle and the electric energy in a city that is built up even more than out. And a little crazy, in contrast to the order that is ever present in the daytime.

I was really happy to take my real camera out of the safe for the first time since Sunday.

First we visited Shibuya, famous for being the busiest pedestrian street crossing in the world. We made a few crossings.

From there we took a train to Shinjuku, known to be the land of skyscrapers and "love" shops but also known as the red light district. Even though there were a few shady places, it really had too much happening to be terribly scary. Our colleague from here said it wasn't a good place to go but tripadvisor and the hotel concierge said don't miss it.

We had the most amazing, cook it yourself supper.

Then we made our way back, only to discover this treasure. An alley of tiny restaurants with people crammed in eating the food cooked before them. The highlight of my evening for sure.

Looking forward to getting out again tomorrow. And perhaps Saturday morning before my flight.

Here are few from around the hotel area. Horsemeat is very popular

Now that I am working, I am really not doing much else besides having dinner. But that can be pretty impressive. At least different than home.

I did take some time today to snap some pictures of the hotel because it is pretty snazzy.

Security doors to my hallway.

other stuff

A few of the automatic buttons in my room.

There are so many people in the lobby that simply bow and say hello and I find it almost impossible to take the elevator without laughing. There are three attendants who bow to you constantly and direct you to the right elevator. Speaking of elevators, you never wait or wonder. As soon as you push the button, it tells you which will arrive and it is never wrong and arrives very quickly. You can also de-select a floor entry if you get it wrong.

Today, I took a few rides to look around. Especially the 6th floor which is the bridal preparation floor.

I went to the top (17th floor) to the cocktail bar where I could not afford a cocktail. But the people up there looked way too fancy for a gal like me. The view was nice.

I have only turned on the tv once since I left home, and only for 2 minutes, but this was what appeared when I hit the on button.

We have a beautiful walk to work. First through one of two annual German Oktoberfest. Go figure.

Then through a gorgeous garden.

We did have a pretty cool supper last night. I had to eat the Soba noodles since they made them fresh.

And tonight we had the most amazing sushi. Melt in your mouth. Scott even ate the poisonous blowfish or fugu.

The weather is amazing so the little walk after dinner is always refreshing. Can’t complain too much about my job, that is for sure.

Here are the unedited results of my photography workshop. An exercise working in black and white, shooting things I wouldn't normally shoot.

I had a great time. It was a great opportunity to learn about photography and life in the city.

click here to see Alfie's website and work

Off to work in the morning. Will probably blog again in a few days.