Tokyo, Japan (Spring 2024) - Day 2
Toyosu Fish Market
The actual market itself was closed due to Golden Week but the village style area next to it was open where a lot of the eateries and shops are located
The fish market moved here from Tsukiji in order to update the facilities. It was closed due to the holidays when we arrived but it seems to be a more sensible layout. It’s big and seems to create some separation between the commerce and the tourists. You used to walk right in between all of the bustling aisles of moving seafood.
They built a food hall styled after a traditional village next to the market where a lot of the shops and restaurants are located.
Noodle Samples
Aburiya Sen (千客万来 炙り屋 鱻 せん) - Toyosu
There is an overwhelming selection of eateries in these halls. We decided to pop into this one. The Sakura Salmon was their highlight dish but we decided to opt for the cooked options. The food was very tasty here.
Fishing Fire (漁火)
When at a fish market, eat some fish I say. This popular stall on the outside of the mall has seafood being cooked over hot coals on stakes. A fun little snack.
Harajuku
We headed to Harajuku after the fish market. I actually wanted to hit one of my favorite cigar bars there but it was closed due to Golden Week - oh well.
Harajuku is a popular district that is a mix of high end shops along with a hipster-vibe neighborhood. The area was packed with people during this holiday week.
Beetle Harajuku (大衆食堂BEETLE 原宿) (Harajuku)
There were not too many day drinking options here in Harajuku. We walked to this place for a beer. They were fairly busy and we had to order some food as well but they were nice enough to let us get away with sharing just one set instead of getting two since we just wanted the beer.
Chop Coffee (Harajuku)
We had a little coffee break here in one of the hipster areas of Harajuku.
Bar Daze (Harajuku)
Further searches for day drinking options brought us here. It was a bit of a walk but got to see another hipster area with small shops. This place was on the 3rd floor and rest of the customers were responsible locals having lunch. We were there for some highballs.
Shibuya
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
People waiting for the green light
Mass crossing in action
Hachiko - the dog that waited for his owner at the station even after he passed away
This statue shows how much the Japanese value loyalty - much like the shrine to the 47 Ronin
Our next stop was Shibuya to walk around the massive commercial and shopping area.
Tasuichi (Shibuya)
Our next beer search brought us here as they were one of first bars to open at 4 pm. Very party oriented place. They have drinks and snacks but no seats as they have standing tables and counters only.
Ramen Nagi (Shinjuku)
In this globalized world where you get anything anywhere, you really can’t get niboshi (fish based broth) ramen outside of Japan. Being able to enjoy this ramen was thus a goal of the trip. People line up for hours to get into Ramen Nagi in the Golden Gai area of Shinjuku but you can just walk a few blocks and get the same thing in a nicer environment without the wait. This is where the locals eat it. I actually found an even better niboshi ramen place in Tokyo Station later on the trip.