Tsukiji Fish Markets

The Tsukiji fish market are a renowned tourist destination and you can find plenty of articles about the markets on the internet.  I have been to Japan many times but this was my first visit to the market and I can see the attraction.  Now not being an early morning person I didn't do the famous tuna auctions, but instead visited the inner and outer markets only.  However there was still much to see and enjoy.  You still need to be their early I'd suggest 8:30 to 9:00am and start at the inner market where you will see all sorts of fish being displayed, chopped up and a frantic pace of buyers and sellers getting the best cuts.

Once you have explored the inner market head to the outer market where you can explore what the stores have purchased in the morning at the inner market.  In addition, this is where you'll find loads of small Sushi stands selling the freshest of fish.  Now some of the stands only have seating for a few and will specialise in certain preparations.  Now some of the shops look a bit dodgy but in Japan you really don't need to worry about the food being served it's all great.  Of course the busier vendors with the locals are usually always the best.

Again many of the shops provide sample tasting and I found sheets of wasabe seawood. Being a lover of wasabe I stocked up on those.

Sugamo - Harajuku for the elderly

Most people heading to Tokyo will always be looking out for the young, fashionable and hip crowds around Shibuya and Harajuku which are popular tourist locations.  But if you are wanting to find where the older generation flock then Sugamo is the place.  The street is much more crowded than Harajuku but everyone is basically over 60 and you'll be fighting for space amongst the wheelchairs, strollers, walking sticks and frames.  And believe me the place is full of action and excitement amongst the elderly.  The time I was there I watched a stretcher with medical staff on either side being wheeled up the street with the staff blowing whistles trying to cut a path between the crowd, to get to and I can only imagine, is some one who took a turn for the worst whilst shopping.  In addition I saw another older lady do a massive dive into the pavement after losing her footing on the curbside.  It was great to see the other elderly come to her rescue and assist her.  Thankfully she wasn't hurt and proceeded on her way.

The elderly shopping days are held on the 4th, 14th or 24th of each month as the number 4 has special significance for Japanese.  Sugamo is located on the Yamonte line and is the second stop from Ikebukuro heading towards Ueno.  When you get out of the station on the days of the street festival just follow the crowd.  The traffic cops are out in force but I doubt for any unruly behavior but to ensure the elderly cross the road before the lights change.

The street is famous for its red undies and there are many stores selling them.  These are not your slinky briefs these are the granny versions.  For the Japanese they are known as aka pantsu and are a must have item.  The underpants are known for warmth and apparently provide vigor.

Another great thing is the free food sample tasting thats available from many of the vendors.  However, one that I'll leave up to you is the grasshopper or inago apparently a delight but you won't find the younger generation chewing on'em they will be at Harajuku with a crepe in the hand.

This lady I reckon completely forgot about the hair rollers being in her hair but such things are not a big surprise in Sugamo.

So if your looking for something a little different and not really on the list of tourist destinations head down to Sugamo.

Edo-Tokyo - Open Air Museum

This museum seems to be known more by the tourists than  the locals.  When we visited the staff asked how we new about it and informed them via the internet.  The same day another couple from Singapore said the same thing.  When asking our Japanese friends about it they said they have never been or hadn't heard of it.  This of course makes it a bit more that interesting.  Details on the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum and how to get there can be found here.

It's an interesting mueseum with the restored buildings and how much there was a western influence in architecture even before World War 2 but with a distictive Japanese flavour. 

One building which as the distinctive copper facade was from the Ueno area which was heavily bombed and you can stillstill the shrapnel scars in the copper.

They also have a restored 1950's style bath house. which has great murals on it's walls.

Definately worth a look.

Getting around in Tokyo - Use the Subway

The Tokyo Metro Subway train system will get you  to most of the major tourist destinations without many issues.  Probably the hardest part is knowing which exit to take once you get off the train.  However, there are large yellow maps at each station showing where you are and which exit will take you to which location.   All in english thankfully.  If your a tourist and heading out for a day of sightseeing I recommend getting the open day ticket which will get you an open ended ticket for the day on any of the metro subway lines.   A very cheap option.

Grab yourself the Metro Subway map so you can plan your trips in advance.

If your are want more of the above ground train experience then the Yamanote train line is for you.  Think of it as the equivalent of any major city loop train but this ones BIG.  

With any of the train lines you never have to worry about paying the wrong fare.  At each destination and just before the exit gates you'll find a fare adjustment machine (there is an english menu option).  If you are ever unsure of which fare to pay then pay the lowest fare at the start of your journey and then locate the fare adjustment machine near the exit gate when you get off at your station, place in your ticket and pay any extra amount owed.