Our last full day in Japan, and we didn't have much of a plan, other than visiting Tsukiji fish market. the girls did a nice VLOG that pretty much shows what it's like. The visit was shockingly my first (it's always on the "top" lists of things to do) so I was pretty pumped.
We elected not to go to the tuna auctions (wake up at 2am, queue up at 3am, enter at around 5:15am and watch the auction for 15 minutes - not with two kids!!), so,we started at the outer market (more of a standard food market) at around 7:30am and I quickly hunted down a sushi breakfast for myself (the 3 girls foraged elsewhere!).
The sushi was predictably amazing, but it was extra nice to have an experienced sushi chefpatient with my Japanese explain the levels of Toro (Tuna). Basically, the fattier and larger the animal, the more expensive it is. For example, the sushi in the pic below had 4 pieces of tuna on the left. The one on the left is twice as expensive as the next one, which is twice then twice then twice.... On down the row of tuna. They were all amazing- I was thinking of my friends who appreciate sushi the most (Probir, Adam) knowing they'd have a blast here.
The inner market (which opened at 9am to the public) was better than my expectations - I loved the energy and having to watch wherever you went not to interfere with the real work going on. Sometimes it's annoying knowing you're just like every other tourist snapping pictures of dead fish, but I get over it quickly!
After the market we tooled around, eventually making it to Hibiya park, located in the heart of Tokyo and next to the imperial palace. Another great park - the city is literally full of them. We had a picnic lunch and the girls played in the park like they were 6 and 8 - too cute. We had the ice breaker (frisbee) with us and sure enough the kids attracted a couple of 3 year olds that they began to teach. I fear our status as leaders in ultimate frisbee may end in 20 years....sorry Toronto Rush!
For dinner we treated the kids to a nice Teppanyaki dinner. It was great once again to be back in Shibuya - the busy/calm bundle of energy/zen place that feels like a second home.
Tsukiji Market is most definitely on my Bucket List. OMG that sushi platter looks amazing Craig! The foodie/sushi freak in me is sooooo jealous.
ReplyDeleteMMMMMM.........O TORO......gghhhhghgghghg (mouth watering sound)
I am echoing your friend Adam... OMG... I just hate at Kupfter and Kim and I am full but would eat the sushis in your pic in a heartbeat! This is so nicely written, feel like I am travelling everyday... :)
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