More Tokyo Sights - Tsukiji Fish Market and Meiji Shrine
There were 13 in the group from all parts of the country, and Kate Ulberg who is still leading trips through Japan, made 14. Three couples, three men and the rest women. None of us were younger than mid-40's, the amazing Mary was 77-years young, and still up for hiking Japan's Alps. What a little fireball she turned out to be. Introductions all around and Kate gave a short "informational" with suggestions for the next day. The Meiji Jingu Shrime was one. Others, Steve and I saw yesterday, and then one very early excursion if we chose to accept. And by early, Kate meant a 4:00 am wake-up call. Everyone up for this, we set off by taxis the next morning to the Tsukiji Fish Market.
The Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest in Japan and one of the largest in the world. About 3:00 am, boats begin arriving from around the world laden with fish. Japan is one of the biggest fish-eating nations and over 450 kinds of seafood are consumed in Tokyo alone.
We were able to watch the tuna auctions in 1987, but I understand that the popularity of Tsukiji forced the authorities to close the auctions to tourists. The entire auction of sea products takes place between 4:40 to 6:30 am. I had never seen this quantity of seafood before and probably never will again. Crates and crates of shrimp, squid, octopus, clams, and too many others that I couldn't recognize.
But the most jaw-dropping sight had to be the tuna. I've only seen small portions of tuna on my plate when we eat out and never imagined how big they are. The tuna are huge. Frozen, they are rushed from the docks, laid out and numbered in row after row while people with dollies rush back and forth the aisles and wholesalers walked up and down, checking out the best looking tuna to bid on. Hard as a rock in their ice shells, it's a wonder that the buyers know exactly which tuna is the best. Worth getting up before the crack of dawn to witness a sight like this.
Subway'd back to the hotel for breakfast. People then went their own ways while we followed Kate to the Meiji Jingu Shrine (station: Harajuku). This shrine opened in 1920 and dedicated to Emperor and Empress Meiji, is the most venerable shrine in Tokyo. The Harajuku area has now become famous for the Japanese teenagers who hang out wearing unique fashion statements. Next time we visit Tokyo, this area will definitely be on our "must see" list.
Tomorrow, the trip would start in earnest with a bus ride to the Fuji Five Lakes area...
