Vol.35 TOYOSU OR TSUKIJI - WHY NOT BOTH?

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT- a special series by your Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. Like the rest of the global community, Tokyo is currently facing many challenges due to the novel virus COVID-19, but every part of the city is doing its best to preserve a thriving and welcoming environment. At the time of this writing, locals are observing a "stay-at-home" order that will affect countless businesses across all industries for the foreseeable future. But among the activities that is expected to come back strong is the opportunity to eat through the wondrous array of foods; so this month we'd like to navigate you to two areas known as 'the Kitchens of Tokyo', Toyosu and Tsukiji. One is cutting-edge, the other time-honored, but both are essential destinations for all travelers.

Observing a New Future for Traditions - Toyosu

In the rapidly developing waterfront area of Toyosu, there is no mistake that the Toyosu Fish Market is the crowning jewel. Opened in 2018, it not only helped update operations for vendors and buyers, but also created more spaces for the public. There are now specific observation areas where visitors can watch the famed tuna auctions or shop for everything from fresh fish to prepared foods, chef’s knives and general cookware. Some of the most acclaimed sushi restaurants located in the old Tsukiji market, including Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi, have been transported and recreated here. But everything from the tonkatsu at Odayasu to the tempura at Tenfusa are worth the wait. Open from 5:00am to 5:00pm (with various operating times for vendors), this complex of three interconnected buildings features a building dedicated to fish, one for fruits and vegetables, and an Intermediate Seafood Wholesale Building, where the majority of shops and restaurants are located.

In Toyosu, can also uncover destinations like TeamLab Planets, a digital art museum that presents highly immersive exhibitions, or IHI Stage, which reimagines stage performances by making both the stage and the audience completely movable. But nothing may be as unique as Wild Magicin Odaiba, where people can experience the ultimate in glamping, with its artificial beaches and fully decked out camp sites.

Eating Through a Piece of History - Tsukiji

For years, the 5:00am opening time for many famed sushi restaurants in Tsukiji’s jonai (inner market) was always a blessing in disguise for jetlagged travelers – the perfect opportunity for dinner themed breakfast. But since the Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market first opened in 1935, a legion of shops and restaurants opened up in the surrounding jogai (outer market) area, of which 460 still remain. Among them are gems that sell hand-held snacks like the riceballs at Marutoyo, and yakitamago egg omlettes on a stick at Yamacho, and fish shaped sweet red bean cakes at Sanokiya. Ever wonder what fishmongers feast on after a hard morning of work? Perhaps the fresh sashimi Tsukiji Maguroya Tokyo Honten, the piping hot ramen at Wakabaor the delectable unagi don at Tsukiji Unagi Shokudo. A more recent mainstay Tsukiji Uogashi opened in 2017, and also houses a variety of shops and restaurants to relish. Make no mistake, this is truly a foodie’s paradise, and with more reasonable opening times like 9:00 or 10:00am, is a perfect follow up to that daybreak visit to Toyosu, which is less than 1.25 miles away.

While exploring the outer market on one’s own may be enough for some travelers, those who wish for more insight are encouraged to sign up for various English language-friendly tours that are features at the Plat Information Center. Gourmands who crave hands-on experience with Japanese cuisine can tap into organizations like Tsukiji Cooking that offer cooking lessons alongside a tour of the market.

*As of April 15, Tokyo is observing a "stay-at-home" order. Restaurants and venues in this newsletter may not be open at the time of this writing.

For more information on Toyosu Fish Market and Tsukiji Outer Market, as well as he surrounding neighborhoods, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head toTokyoTokyo.jpandGotokyo.org/en/

To visit the archives, visit:www.japansolutionusa.com/tokyobeat