Smells a little fishy

When most people think of Japanese cuisine,  they think of sushi and other fish dishes.  Fish is a very common type of protein.  If you are not a huge fan, there is plenty of other ways to get your protein intake here, but fish is very common.

Going to the grocery store to see the fish department is quite interesting.  But even more interesting is going to the biggest fish market in the world, located right here in Tokyo.  Tsukiji Fish Market is known for their tuna auctions that happen each morning. 

We didn't attend the tuna auction, but instead arrived just after 10 am to wander through the wholesale market.  There is so much to see and enjoy within the market.  It is chaotic with flatbed carts driving up and down the main aisles, workers bustling here and there, as well as booths being washed down after a busy early morning rush.  There are so many unique underwater creatures that people eat in Japan that are not common in the states.  It is so interesting to see a container full of sea cucumbers and a tank with fugu (blowfish).  We all really enjoyed seeing all the market had to offer.  Unfortunately, they do not allow photos to be taken inside, otherwise I would have taken so many!  I really wanted to take a photo of the flatbed carts gathering tuna heads.  It was such an interesting sight and would have made an interesting photograph.

After wandering through the market, we went to what is called "Outer Tsukiji Market" where there are a variety of gift shops, cooking supply shops, and restaurants featuring the freshest of the fresh fish.  After looking at several posted menus, I found a restaurant that served both raw and cooked fish (most of the restaurants in the Outer Tsukiji Market are sushi and sashimi restaurants).  My parents were not interested in trying sushi, but my son and I couldn't resist a delicious lunch of raw fish. 

One thing I like about the restaurants in the market are how small they are.  They are very narrow and feature a bar for sitting, maybe two.  There are no tables, just the bar and stools.  Each restaurant fits less than 20 people.  The one we ate at had seating for 14.  I ordered a salted and grilled yellow tail for my stepmom and teriyaki black cod for my dad.  Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared.

People waiting in line to get into a restaurant.

Behind the restaurant was just as crazy as out front!

Once we were done eating, we wandered around and bought a couple things to take home.  By the time we were done shopping, we were ready to head back to Hikarigaoka.  We were all fished out for the day. 

It was super easy to get to (a direct train ride from our house).  I can't wait for more people to come visit so I can take them!