We started out with a couple of evenings in Tokyo, staying with friends of my mom. Brian got to try out dancing there for the first time, and tasted Monjayaki for the first time, and we walked around a lot. Two things are really worth mentioning: Tsukiji Fish Market, and the Tokyo Edo Museum. I'll start with the museum, which basically recaps the history of Tokyo, starting from the Edo era, when it began its gradual power gains and going all the way through WWII (which is really interesting from the other side). It's huge. And really well laid out. And the volunteer English guides are amazing. We spent at least 2 hours there, and could have spent a lot more. Tokyo was really central in the process of unifying Japan, taking power from the emperor, and returning it.
Tsukiji is a completely different experience. Something like 70% of the world's fish goes through this market, it is THE authority on the price of tuna, and it's immense. And busy. We had to battle our way through a dizzying array of fish transport machine things (big round engines with steering wheels right above them, and flat panels behind to set pallets of fish on) in order to get in. And then we wandered through aisle after aisle selling every kind of seafood imaginable. It's overwhelming. Made me wish I lived in Tokyo though- everything looked so interesting. They cut frozen tuna with a table saw. And the market is surrounded by some of the best sushi shops on earth. We stopped in this tiny little counter set into a wall, and had one of the best meals I've ever had- the sushi was so incredibly delicious. There's no way I can do it justice. But if you're ever in the area, stop by for the breakfast sushi- it's unbelievable.
Hong Kong is next...
1 comment:
OMGosh OMGosh, Hong Kong!!!!!!
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