The moment I saw the huge archway topped with the red “Tsukiji Outer Market” sign, my appetite and exploration radar instantly kicked into high gear! At the entrance, there was even a prominent sign prohibiting suitcases, because the narrow lanes were already packed solid with food lovers and tourists from around the world. The calls of vendors in Japanese mixed with the sizzling sounds of charcoal grills, making the whole place lively, noisy, and bursting with energy! Even though the wholesale market has relocated, Tsukiji Outer Market remains Tokyo’s most intense and passionate pilgrimage destination for seafood lovers!
Following the crowd into the lanes, I was met with an almost ridiculously dazzling array of seafood stalls! Beds of crushed ice were covered with freshly shucked jumbo oysters, each one plump, full, and glistening, while nearby were small mountains of richly colored monkfish liver. Without a second thought, I picked out a large oyster. The vendor deftly handed it to me with a bamboo skewer, added a few drops of lemon juice, and I slipped the whole thing into my mouth. The rich, sweet taste of the sea and its silky texture instantly exploded across my tongue. It was so fresh, without even a hint of fishiness—just pure sweetness and a satisfying crispness. After finishing it, I couldn’t help closing my eyes and exclaiming with delight!
After the oyster, I turned a corner and was immediately hit by wave after wave of irresistibly smoky charcoal-grilled aromas! The grill was lined with steaming white scallop shells, each packed with thick scallops and crab sticks. The most outrageous part was the thick layer of rich, golden sea urchin spread on top! As everything cooked over the intense heat of the charcoal, piping-hot juices bubbled and sizzled around the edges of the shells, while the sea urchin released an incredibly rich aroma. I took the luxurious charcoal-grilled seafood scallop and dug into a huge bite while it was still hot. The springy scallop and sweetness of the crab, paired with the intensely creamy flavor of the melted sea urchin, were incredible. The broth was so delicious that I couldn’t bear to waste a single drop. My mouth was filled with an extravagantly sweet taste of the sea, and the satisfaction was completely off the charts!
The most enjoyable thing about exploring Tsukiji is this laid-back rhythm of holding freshly grilled seafood in one hand while weaving through the narrow, traditional lanes. Besides oysters and scallops topped with sea urchin, both sides are lined with piping-hot, freshly cooked tamagoyaki, richly marbled Kuroge Wagyu beef skewers, and long-established traditional shops displaying plump tuna nigiri everywhere you look. Every shop seems to beckon to the stomachs of passersby. The thrill of feasting on premium seafood everywhere you turn makes this absolutely one of Tokyo’s most irresistible and unforgettable food paradises!
Tsukiji Outer Market | Review by Jk
Other Reviews by Jk
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Odaiba Marine Park
Odaiba Seaside Park is home to an approximately 800m artificial beach "Odaiba Beach" and a rocky shore "Isohama Zone" where you can fish. In addition to enjoying fishing and water sports, there are cafes and restaurants where you can relax. It's a popular spot that both adults and children can enjoy.
From the skywalk at Odaiba Seaside Park, the entire sweeping view of Tokyo Bay opens up right before your eyes, and the first thing that grabs your attention is definitely the striking Statue of Liberty! There’s no need to fly all the way to New York—you can see a full-scale replica of the iconic statue right here in Tokyo, standing tall with a golden torch raised in her right hand and the Declaration of Independence in her left. The folds and texture of her bronze-green robe are incredibly detailed, and with the blue sky and thick white clouds behind her, the whole scene feels both exotic and futuristic.
Walk along the wooden boardwalk, and the photo angle is simply unbeatable! If you stand in the right spot, you can fit the blue-green Statue of Liberty, the white Rainbow Bridge stretching across the bay, and the dense skyline of downtown high-rises in the distance all into one shot. Sightseeing boats and yakatabune leisurely glide across the water from time to time, leaving long ripples behind them and instantly adding a relaxed, pleasant sense of movement to the otherwise still scenery.
At the observation deck directly in front of the statue, look up at her imposing expression and the seven-pointed crown radiating from her head, which looks especially three-dimensional in the sunlight. The area is always crowded with visitors from around the world, all trying to find the right angle for selfies by the railing. With the lively atmosphere and the cool sea breeze blowing toward you, leaning against the railing after a long walk, enjoying the breeze, and looking out at the distant ocean instantly makes all your accumulated travel fatigue disappear.
Wander down the steps, and right beside them is a wide, clean artificial beach and a neat, tree-lined walkway. With fine sand under your feet and the sound of waves hitting the shore in your ears, you can look up and see a modern bridge and skyscrapers while still feeling as relaxed as if you were on an island vacation. This contrast between the city and nature is exactly what makes Odaiba so charming. Whether you come during the day to see the impressive Statue of Liberty beneath the blue sky and white clouds, or stay until evening to watch the sunset turn the entire Rainbow Bridge golden, Odaiba Seaside Park is definitely a god-tier place for a stroll where simply walking around will put you in a much better mood! -
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Fuji TV Headquarters Building
With the futuristic impression of its silver sphere, the Fuji Television Headquarters, designed by architect Kenzo Tange, is a landmark of Odaiba. There is also a floor offering tours of the TV station.
The moment you look up and see that building, you really can’t help but say, “Wow!” The entire Fuji TV Headquarters looks just like a secret base from a sci-fi movie. The most outrageous feature is the enormous silver sphere wedged right into the middle. It gleams like a spaceship that could launch at any moment and is incredibly eye-catching!
Ride the long outdoor escalator slowly upward, with the street views beside you and the sea breeze blowing past, and you’ll feel completely relaxed. The best part is heading straight inside that huge sphere! From the circular observation deck, the whole of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge spread out below your feet. When the weather is good, you can even see Tokyo Tower far in the distance. The view is so expansive that you’ll want to stand there zoning out for several more minutes.
There’s also so much to explore inside the building, with tons of elements from anime and Japanese dramas that everyone grew up watching. There are sets and photo areas featuring series like One Piece and Chibi Maruko-chan, and you can’t help stopping to take photo after photo as you walk around. The merchandise shop will also make you itch to buy something.
Afterward, you can wander over to the nearby seaside park for a walk in the ocean breeze and see the Statue of Liberty and the giant Gundam nearby. The whole outing offers unbeatable ocean views and plenty of photo opportunities while being both fun and relaxing. You really can’t miss this place when visiting Odaiba! -
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Gotokuji Temple
A Soto school temple situated in Setagaya ward and the birthplace of Manekineko. In 1480, Masatada Kira, a lord of Setagaya, established a temple called Kotokuin, in 1659, the temple’s name was changed to Gotokuji.
The moment you step into Gotokuji Temple, you'll be completely overwhelmed by the spectacular and heartwarming wave of beckoning cats! This is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, and as soon as you reach the Shofukuden Hall, the sight before you is guaranteed to make every cat lover and traveler exclaim, “Wow!” Layer upon layer of wooden shelves are packed with thousands upon thousands of pure white beckoning cats, all lined up neatly. They range from delicate miniatures smaller than a finger to hefty, round, extra-large cats. Every one of them wears a bright red collar with a small bell and raises its adorable right paw to beckon everyone over. There are so many that the shelves are completely packed, and the visual impact and cuteness are instantly off the charts!
If you look closely, you'll also notice that the beckoning cats here are quite different from the maneki-neko commonly seen elsewhere: they aren't holding gold coins! That's because Gotokuji's beckoning cats are meant to “invite good connections and good fortune.” As long as you remain grateful and form positive connections, good luck and blessings will naturally follow. This pure and heartwarming meaning makes them even more lovable the longer you look. Almost everyone who comes here takes one home to make a wish, then respectfully brings it back as an offering once the wish comes true. Before anyone knew it, they had accumulated into the unrivaled army of white cats you see today. Taking photos in front of these adorable little creatures is almost unfairly cute from every angle!
Besides the extremely popular shelves of beckoning cats, there is also a large cutout of a smiling, waving cat with curved eyes at the entrance. Its playful and amusing appearance lifts your mood the moment you see it, making it an absolute must for photos before going inside to worship! Passing through the wooden temple gate, the grounds reveal a completely different sense of peaceful charm. Lush old trees line both sides of the broad, tidy gravel paths. Even on a day with a gentle drizzle, the main hall's green eaves, washed by the rain, still give off an elegant, stately, and timeless beauty. Walking under an umbrella along the softly crunching gravel path, the surroundings are so quiet that all you can hear are raindrops and the breeze rustling through the treetops. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and pleasant.
There's absolutely no need to rush while strolling here. You can first buy a beckoning cat amulet that catches your eye, put your hands together in prayer before the main hall, and then slow down as you walk through the garden beneath the towering old trees. Take a deep breath of air scented with earth, grass, and trees, and your whole body, mind, and spirit will feel completely cleansed and restored. Whether you want to take countless photos of the incredibly adorable sight of more than 10,000 beckoning cats lined up together, or escape the noise of the city and enjoy the peaceful Zen atmosphere unique to an old Japanese temple, Gotokuji is definitely a wonderful hidden gem filled with good fortune that will have you smiling without even realizing it! -
