Trip to Kura Studio Fukuoka, Japan: Day 13 Last day in Tokyo

Today is the last day for me in Tokyo, but before checked out from the hotel, i got up early at 5.30 in the morning to see one of the busiest fish market called Tsukiji Fish Market, at central of Tokyo. I have put this place into my bucket list since it's famous for the best place to eat super fresh sushi! As i wondering how sushi at Tsukiji taste like, i changed train from Ueno station and alighted at Tsukiji station, then walked about 10 minutes to get to the fish market area.

Minami-Senju railroads

Tsukiji

At Tsukiji, you can find outer market or Jogai market where many retail shops sells Japanese kitchen tools, restaurant supplies, groceries, many more. Further more just behind the outer market, is the inner fish market where the auctions and most of the processing of the fish took place. The auctions starts around 5:20 until around 7:00 AM. I didn't went to see the fish market auction because there wasn't enough time, instead i went there to get the taste of one of the freshest sushi in the world. Most of the shops in the outer market close by the early afternoon, and in the inner market even earlier.

Jogai market

Tsukiji area is a dreamland for all seafood fans, so you have to go there very early or else you might end up waiting in a long que line. Most of the restaurants close around noon, and it's always a hectic for people to get in the limited seats. Because its only a small size of sushi bar type restaurant, we need to wait outside then wait for the chef to let us in whenever they feel ready to serve the costumer.

Knocking on Heaven's door

Sushi bar delight

This is where the magic happens

Though it's suppose to be breakfast, but who can resist such tempting food?

Totemo yokatta desu!

This market is known as the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. For more than 75 years, Tsukiji Fish Market will be close down and move from it’s current location to a place called Toyosu, presumably in year 2014 or 2015. Guess i was quite fortunate to visit this place before it change to a new one!

Pretty sure this "Turret trucks" will fly someday

It's battery-powered, that means zero-emission!

Harajuku streets

Takeshita Street

If you are looking for the most vibrant area in Tokyo, you just can't miss Harajuku. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, from scary Gothic to super Kawaii Lolita. Takeshita street is a pedestrian-only street lined with fashion boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants.
One of my favorite shop is Daiso, a good place to buy less expensive souvenirs. When i was browsing around Daiso, i met with Indonesian fellows. I noticed when i hear one of them starts to speak Bahasa. Among them, there was one lady who turned out to be Pak Raden's nephew.

http://img-static.riaupos.co/pak-raden.jpg

Pak Raden with "Unyil" puppets

Pak Raden was very popular in Indonesia when i was a kid, most of people knew him as a good actor and voice over for a famous children TV series in the 80's, "Unyil". Pak Raden was also interested in animation as he went to France to study about animation.

How did Harajuku become the center of fashion trend in Tokyo? It all began when the Olympic Games was held in the 60's, foreign athletes came to Tokyo and attracted young people who was curious about western culture. A group of young people told creators and designers to open up a shop here. Until in 1978, the first fashion mall in Harajuku was opened and became Harajuku’s main attraction. Since then, Harajuku become a popular point for fashion business and has found it's own unique style.

Check out the "Android Girl"

Met with some Indonesian fellows

There are still some place that i didn't manage to visit like Observation towers, Asakusa temple, The Imperial Castle and Ropponggi. Well, maybe next time if i get a chance i will definitely come back again to Japan! Had a wonderful time here exploring city of Tokyo. Now it's time to head back to headquarter at Itoshima!