A Friendly and Popular Area with a Lively and Cheerful Atmosphere

Tsukiji Market, often called the "kitchen of Tokyo," is probably the earliest riser in the capital, creating a vigorous and lively mood each day. Although the market plays a central role in the Tsukiji district, many IT-related corporations have also been established here in recent years. As a place with a long history where Western culture flourished during the latter part of the Tokugawa Shogunate and in the Meiji Era, the district features many historic spots and the friendly atmosphere of old Tokyo.

(1)★n Hamarikyu Garden

1-1 Hama Rikyu Teien Tel. 3541-0200
A well-preserved landscape garden built during the Edo Period that offers beautiful views throughout the four seasons. The pond in the garden is unique in that it is connected to the sea and ebbs and flows with the tides. This is a good spot for busy modern people to forget the bustle of daily life.

(2)★w Sumida River Waterfront

A new walkway along the Sumida River where strollers can experience a connection with water and abundant greenery. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterside while looking up at the sophisticated high-rise buildings such as River City 21, Sumitomo Twin Buildings, and St Luke's Garden.

(3)★b★z Tsukiji Honganji Temple

3-15-1 Tsukiji Tel. 3541-1131
This is the Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple built as a branch for the Hongwanji Temple Sect of Pure Land Buddhism (Western Hongwanji Temple) in Kyoto, and the building features an exotic stone construction in ancient Indian style. The temple grounds house a monument dedicated to the renowned Japanese poet Kujo Takeko, a monument dedicated to the memory of Hazama Shinroku who was one of the 47 ronin (Ako clan warriors), and a monument inscribed with a haiku poem by the haiku master Basho.

(4)★o Tokyo Central Wholesale Market
(Tsukiji Market)

5-2-1 Tsukiji Tel. 3542-1111
The lively voices of auctioneers echo from very early in the morning here at the largest food market in Japan, where boxes filled with fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits are almost everywhere. The auctions for fish and vegetables / fruits begin at 5:00 and 6:30 a.m., respectively.

(5)● Tsukiji Jogai Market
Tel. 3541-9466
Shops selling food and various other goods stand side by side, creating a very lively atmosphere. This market is open to the general public, and the morning is probably the best time to visit to get the best buys.

(6)★j Namiyoke Inari Shrine

6-20-37 Tsukiji Tel. 3541-8451
Situated near the Kaikobashi Bridge in the Tsukiji Jogai Market area, this shrine is greatly respected by those involved in fishery for its dedication to the god of commercial prosperity and safe operations at sea. Festivals are held around June 10 for a period of four days including one weekend, with a grand festival taking place every three years. One of the features of this shrine is Japan's largest shishigashira, the sacred lion head representation.

(7)● Tsukiji Fish Information & Museum
6-20-5 Tsukiji Tel. 3547-8824
A unique museum dedicated to the subject of fish, located within the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market.

(8)★j Teppozu Inari Shrine

1-6-7 Minato Tel. 3551-2647
This shrine is dedicated to the guardian god of the Minato area, which has been thriving as the gateway to Tokyo by sea since the Edo Era. The festival of this shrine has a long tradition, and because it is the first festival in May in Tokyo in attracts many people from within and outside the metropolitan area.

(9)★a★y The Eitai Bridge

The Shinkawa 1-chome end
Constructed in 1926, this bridge balances a kind of feminine dainty elegance with feeling of masculine weight.
In 2007, it was designated as a cultural asset of national importance.