Tsukiji Fish Market

Our stay in Japan is coming to an end today. But with a late flight, we still have time for some yummy Japanese food - saving for last what has been high on Jeremy's "must do" list. We ditch our luggage at the lockers in Ueno train station and head to Tsukiji market, the biggest wholesale fish market in the world handling over 2,000 tons of marine products daily, which equates to $14 million traded in seafood every day.  The sight of the many kinds of fresh seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attraction.  Its famous tuna auction begins before the sun rises (the 120 spots are gone by 3am); the most expensive tuna ever sold went for $1.76 million in 2013.  There's an outer and inner market; tourists are not allowed in the inner market before 10am. But the outer market is full of seafood delicacies to fill our bellies. If you plan to visit after June 2018, make sure you check the status of its relocation to the Toyosu waterfront.

Tsukiji Fish Market - main artery of outer market

Walking around I can overhear expressions of tastebuds in ecstasy - the flavors evoke uncontrollable expletives. I chuckle as I am caught on film - a girl narrating her experience to her vlog. First we sampled the snow crab fish cake from Nigiwaiya Honpo (600 yen). The crab cake was really good, particularly with the wasabi mustard. 

Snow crab fish cake from Nigiwaiya Honpo

Huge oysters from Saito Suisan (green umbrellas) - 600 yen each. 

Menchi Katsu from Yoshizawa Shoten: delicious, hot katsu from the famous, expensive company.  Rather than paying a couple hundred for a meal, you can try it for 350 yen.

One hot katsu wasn't enough!

Sea Urchin Bun from Hamada Shoten: Sea urchin in a bamboo-charcoal-coated steamed bun for 860 yen.

By now the wholesale market is open to tourists so we go to explore. It is massive and busy, to say the least!  "This place is like an OSHA nightmare," comments Jeremy, watching the workers manipulate power tools, huge knives, axes and other razor sharp weapons surrounded by gushing hoses and fast moving vehicles.  It was a sight to behold. 

Our last destination in the market is the small shop with the navy blue noren:  Tsukiji Masamoto. It specializes in Japanese knives - known for being some of the best cooking tools in the world.  Tsukiji Masamoto is one of Japan's premier knife makers and is the leading sushi chef knife maker name in Japan. If you know a professional sushi chef, odds are he owns a Masamoto knife. Tsukiji Masamoto knives are prized for the quality of their workmanship and materials, and are known for their durability. Founded in 1845, the venerable business is run by the 7th-generation owner, Misao Hirano, from within the city's famed Tsukiji wholesale fish market.  We decided a knife would make for a useful, albeit very pricey, souvenir. 

From left to right:  3 Santoku knives and one Gyuto knife.  Of the Santoku knives, the first 2 are stainless - only difference is the handle.  The 3rd is carbon which corrodes easily so you must be diligent in taking care of it.  We got the stainless (16520 yen) and Jeremy got carbon (15120 yen).

Engraving our initials into the handle

Somehow, always, Jeremy and Chris have an insatiable appetite for more ramen. They can't leave Japan without trying Ichiran, considered one of the best. Privately in your own booth you get to customize the ramen and contemplate its deliciousness; it's an experience. Jeremy rated it high on the ramen list, for the ability to customize it, but his hands-down favorite was Karashibi Kikanbo. 

Private booths at Ichiran Ramen

I'm leaving Japan with nothing but respect for the Japanese people. I love their kindness, patience and forgiveness. I love their strong sense of culture and commitment. I love their organization, dedication and efficiency. I love the beauty and the history. I love the silence everywhere. I love the heated toilet seats. What I won't miss are the crowds.  

At the airport I drop the pocket WiFi - the best travel invention ever - into the post office box. The trip is officially over.

Thanks for joining us on our incredible adventure - I hope you enjoyed the beauty and sights as much as we did. Come join us on our next adventure - Croatia in September!