Day 3 - Tsukiji Fish Market, Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Ueno, Ryogoku

First stop, Tsukiji Fish Market. It is a world famous wholesale fish market. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks and people hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attraction. The inner fish market is only opened to tourist after 9 am so as not to disrupt the daily business. Advance bookings have to be made to witness the fish auction that starts very early in the morning. The locals here don't take too kindly to tourists getting in their way. It is scheduled to move to a new site in Toyusu in November 2016. So we managed to visit the place before it goes into the history books.

He uses a long samurai like sword to slice the prized tuna

It is common to see a typical stall with a booth whereby transactions are recorded.

Long queue of tourists waiting their turn to have a fresh shasimi just adajacent to the market.

The reason for the long queue. The shops are small and can only seat a few customers at a time. Noticed the proprietor did not allow me to take a snaphot.

Imperial Palace/Nijubashi

The Edo Castle, formerly the Tokugawa family's residence, became the Imperial Palace as the Emperor moved to Tokyo from Kyoto Imperial Palace after the Meiji Restoration. Part of the site is opened to the public. The Nijubashi Bridge is in front of the main entrance.

You can only view the castle from afar. :(

Time to rest our aching feet

Tokyo Skytree Tower

The tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world , rising 634 metres in height.



The tower viewed from afar in Akasuka

Akasuka - Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Sreet

Sensoji temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, said to have been built in 628. It is famous for its main Kaminarimon Gate where a giant lantern hangs.

Sensoji Temple

Both sides of the 250m street from Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate are lined with about 90 stores.

From there, we went to Ueno Onshi Park to view cherry blossom trees lit up at night.



Then it is off to Ryogoku to experience Chanko Nabe. It is the staple food of sumo wrestlers. It is a hot pot dish that comes in different soups and contains vegeatables, seafood and meat.

A welcome warm hot meal from the very cold weather.

Hotel Tateshina, Shinjuku