Tsukiji

Just a Little Ways From Ginza There is a Whole Other World

The place where Tsukiji was originally just part of Tokyo Bay, however by taking land from the mountains and filling it into the sea the area was created.  In the Edo Period 1657 there was a large fire that destroyed a temple in Asakusa.  This area was originally built for the reconstruction of the new temple.  After that the Jodo Shinshu Temple and cemeteries were built one after the other, and the surrounding area become similar to a temple town. In another area there are Samurai residences that are built in rows.

In present day many tourists visit this area.  The reason why so many people visit here is simple the Tsukiji Fish Market! This is one of the largest fish markets in the world.  Every morning thousands of fish are collected from seas all over the world and brought to this market.  Many people come at around 5am to see the fish auctions, however recently the fishermen have been annoyed by the presence of tourist during the auction, therefore, they appreciate you going after 9:30am.

The market atmosphere permeates all making a sushi breakfast extremely tempting.  There are many fresh sushi and sashimi (slices of raw fish) restaurants to choose from.

Tsukiji Fish market is known by most people, but what most people do not know is that outside the fish market there are also other areas worth having a look at.  If you have time after the market, why not take a stroll through Akashicho.  This area was a waterfront area; from the end of the Edo Period to the Meiji Period.  In this area many facilities were influenced by the advanced technologies from abroad. Especially, in Akashicho where there was a non-Japanese settlement furthering the Westernization Movement.  Monuments and many universities were also built.  In the neighborhood of Tsukiji 6th block there are remains here and there of buildings that were destroyed by air raids during the last war.  If you take a walk through these streets you will certainly get a taste of Japan’s Westernization Movement. 

 This is an old building in Akashicho.

Access
Toei Oedo Line Tsukiji Market Station
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station

Sight-seeing Spot ( Sight-seeing Route, Map)
1. Tokyo Central Wholesale Market
2. Tsukiji Honwanji Temple
3. Namiyokeinari Shrine
4. Phillip Franz von Siebold Statue
5. St. Luke’s International Hospital
6. America Delegation Print
7. Akashi Elementary School (Antique gas lamp in front of the school)
8. Archdiocese Tsukiji Church
9. Hamarikyu Onshi Tein (Garden)
10. Park along the river in Akashicho

Shopping
Fresh sushi and sashimi breakfast

Tourist Spot

♦ Tokyo Central Wholesale Market

For 2007 Tsukiji Market closing dates please check this website.
http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/etc/calendar/2007.html

Tsukiji Fish Market is not always open; therefore before you go make sure to check the calendar and make sure they are open. It is open 24 hours a day. The highlight is the fish auction starting at 5 am, however, please be careful not to get in the way of the tradesmen.

Basic shape of the market(left), Bike for transporting items in Tsukiji Fish Market(center), Tsukiji Fish Market (right)

Always transporting!(left), Many restaurants use the name Tsukiji(right)

[Tsukiji Honganji Temple]
At first glance many people think this is not a Japanese Building.  This is an Indian Style Building made of stone, however the inside is a very traditional style adopted from Momoyama Style.  One can come into study at ease.

[Namiyokeinari Shrine]

Just outside of Tsukiji Market Station gates and to the northeast there is Namiyokeinari Shrine.  When you enter into the shrine there will be two 2.4 m lion statues on either side of you.

Namiyokeinari Shrine was built during the Manji Era (1658-1661) and has been said to have been standing ever since.  At the time that the Tsukiji area was reclaimed from the sea the banks were often destroyed by waves making it hard for construction to progress. One day, an Inari (goddess of the harvest) Goddess Statue was found in the sea, it was enshrined and after that the winds and waves ceased and they were able to complete the construction. Namiyoke is an honorary title that was derived from this tradition.

Since then the goddess has been viewed as a protective charm against evil for safe voyages.  People believe strongly in this; during the Lion Festival many people walk the streets wearing lion masks.  A festival created during the Kaei Era (1848) continues even now once every 3 years they still have a huge festival in June where people wear Lion Masks and walk around Tsukiji.

The design of the Lions at the entrance is different.  If you look at the warnings you will find them interesting.  This shrine sells the charms that protect you as souvenirs, and they are very popular.  Coincidently, the person who carved charms is the same person who carved the lions at the entrance.

[Phillip Franz von Siebold Statue]
You can see the Siebold Statue in Akasuki Park. In Akashicho there is a place called Damiyo’s Mansion where a Dutch autopsy document book, Anatomische Tabellen was translated by a Dutchman named Phillip Franz von Seibold, due to him during the Edo Period this area became known as a place to study Dutch Studies.  Seibold was a doctor working for a Dutch Firm in Nagasaki.  When he came to Tokyo he started to teach Japanese people Western Science and Medicine.  Because of this large contribution to Japanese medicine Western Science was able to make progress in Japan.

[St. Luke’s International Hospital]

In the hospital complex there is a memorial to Rudolf B. Teusler and a church that lights up at night.  The memorial can be found in St. Luke’s International Hospital’s Garden.  Teusler was a Christian Missionary, who came at the time of the non-Japanese settlement in Tokyo.  Teusler built the hospital, with a strong foundation in Christianity.

[America Delegation Print]

In front of the Teusler Memorial there are American Delegation Stones.  In 1869 the non-Japanese settlement was established.  At first non-Japanese residences and churches were made by the missionary schools.  Tokyo became the place for Westernization Movement. In 1899 during the Meiji Era the non-Japanese settlement dissolved. Until the Kanto Earthquake in 1923 you could see many European style buildings.

Three types of stones were donated; the Bald Eagle, which is America’s National Bird, Stars and Stripes, and the 13 Stars representing the 13 Original Colonies of America were carved out of stone.

[Akashicho Elementary School (In front of the school antique gas lamp)]

There is an antique gas lamp in front of the main gate of the Akashicho Elementary School. They say that the iron modern design is from the Western Settlement. There was a person who would come around and light the lamp at night and snuff it out when morning came.  The lamp is not fueled by gas anymore, but by wind power generation. The lamp was reconstructed in 1925, after the Kanto Earthquake, therefore, the lamp has a feel of the 1920’s.

[Archdiocese Tsukiji Church]

The Tsukiji Catholic Church was built in during the Western Settlement Period in 1874. The magnificent Greek columns at the façade were added in 1927.  Although it looks as if it is made of stone, it is actually made of wood.  At night it is beautiful when lit up.

[Hamarikyu Onshi Tein (Garden)]

A long time ago this was the Shogun’s (General) hunting ground.  There are many buildings around this area, but Hamarikyu is surely the oasis. If you ride on the Yurikamome Monorail from Shiodome you will certainly will not be able to see miss the view from the train.  The entrance fee is \300, once you enter this garden you will feel very calm.

[Park along a river in Akashicho]
This is at the backside of St. Luke’s International Hospital as you walk along you can feel the sea breezes sweeping over you.