Around Tokyo with Chisanga

Words and photos by Chisanga Mubanga

 

Something fishy

Tsukiji Fish Market

Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo

The world's largest, busiest fish market has long been a favorite destination for jet-lagged tourists with predawn hours to fill. But the main reason for going at 5am is to catch the live tuna auctions.

 

 

Tea time

Nakajima Tea House

1-1 Hama-rikyū Onshi-teienChūō-ku

This beautiful teahouse from 1704 stands elegantly by a pond and a long cedar bridge in the middle of Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien garden. It’s the ideal spot for a cup of matcha (powdered green tea) and a sweet while contemplating the very faraway 21st century beyond the garden walls.

 

 

For the record

JBS Vinyl Bar Shibuya

〒150-0043 東京都渋谷区 道玄坂１丁目１７−１０ 第２宝ビル２F

JBS (Jazz, Blues, Soul) Jazz Bar, operated by Kobayashi-san is dark, tiny, narrow and somewhat smoky. A freakin’ great place! Owner Kobayashi-san has more than 11,000 records in his tiny cafe, with no other decor visable. Even in a nation filled with maniac collectors this is an impressive site. I'd never seen such a collection up close before so it was quite overwhelming on my first visit. 

 

Take a look

Tokyo Government Metropolitan Observatory

2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings have become the face of the west side of Shinjuku Station. You can see all of Tokyo from the popular 202-meter high observation decks, located on the 45th floor of Main Building No. 1. I recommend the South Observation Deck during the day, as you can see toward the popular Odaiba entertainment district. There is also a café where you can get light snacks. The North Observation Deck, which is open until 10:30pm is great for enjoying Tokyo at night, complete with drinks at the deck's café and bar.

Shopping and style

Takeshita, Harajuku

〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, 神宮前１丁目 

Harajuku refers to the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station, which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles. The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.

 

 

Play tourist

Asakusa Temple 

2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 

Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's shitamachi (literally "low city"), one of Tokyo's districts, where an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Asakusa can easily be explored on foot or alternatively you could consider a guided tour on a rickshaw. 

 

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