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Tokyo Stroll Supplement: Chūō Ku
This page indexes, contains corrections, and has additions to Chūō Ku in Tokyo. Related pages for specific neighborhoods/areas exist for: Ginza and Nearby Areas, Nihonbashi North, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu, Ningyōchō, Tsukiji, and Tsukudajima and TsukishimaFor information on Tokyo Stroll and this web supplement see Tokyo Stroll Supplement home page
For users of the Organic Maps, Maps.Me and Google Maps apps the items below have bookmarks you can import into those apps to make navigation easier. Akatsuki Park (あかつき公園) This park has a grove of Metasequoia, or dawn redwood, it also has a bust of Philipp Franz von Seibold near the fountain. Seibold helped spread Western medical knowledge to Japan during the rule of the Tokugawa shoguns. The bust was a gift of the Stichting Isaac Alfred Ailion, a foundation of Leiden University to Chūō-ku with assistance from the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. His Japanese born daughter Ine would later go to medical school, play a role in spreading Western knowledge, and practice medicine for several years. Next to the park is Saint Luke's Hospital, one of the first Western hospitals in Japan. Akomeya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 136 Amazake Yokochō: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 280 Artizon Museum / Ātizon Bijutsukan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 258 Asahi Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 132 Asahi Shimbun Head Office: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 399 Azuma Inari Daimyōjin: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 144 Bank of Japan / Nippon Ginkō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 252 Bank of Japan Currency Museum / Nippon Ginkō Kin’yū Kenkyūjo Kahei Hakubutsukan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 250 Bunmeidō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 247 Buyodō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 259 Café de l’Ambre / Kafe do Ramburu: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 145 Chanoki Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 283 Cheepa’s Cafe: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 145 Cheepa’s Gallery: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 145 Chikusen: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 250 Dear Ginza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 136 Edoya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 255 Eitarō Sōhonpo: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 260 Fukuda Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 254 Fukutoku Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 250 Funadama Jinja (船魂神社) A shrine to the funadama, a guardian deity that safeguards ships on the sea. This shrine is in the grounds of Sumiyoshi-jinja and to the right of the main shrine. Shrines to funadama can be found on land or on ships, when enshrined on a ship it is done at the mast by using a variety of items. This particular shrine was established in 1863. Funadama are generally held to be female and as the funadama is a jealous deity women are discouraged from being on ships with a shrine on them. Fushimi Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 265 Ginza Akebono: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 144 Ginza Komatsu Miwa Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 139 Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 139 Ginza Six / G Six: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 137 Gyokueidō: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 274 Hachikan Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 148 Haibara: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 260 Hakuhinkan Toy Park: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 146 Hamachō Park / Hamachō Kōen: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 286 Hamadaya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 270 Hamarikyū Gardens / Hamarikyū Onshi Teien: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 399 Hanashō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 254 Hie Jinja Nihonbashi Sessha: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 264 Hiyama: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 282 Hōdō Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 134 Hōju Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 150 Ibasen: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 250 Irifune Inari Jinja (入船稲荷神社) An Inari shrine in the grounds of Sumiyoshi-jinja to the right and behind of the main shrine. This shrine protects the arrival of ships, something of great value to a fishing community. Ishikawajima Lighthouse (石川島灯台) A replica of a lighthouse built in 1866 on Ishikawajima, the northern part of Tsukudajima at that time and the location of shipyards. The replica is in Tsukuda Park and below it are the park restrooms. This was also the location of a labor camp established in the 18th century for minor criminals and vagabonds. The prisoners were lectured on ethics, trained in trades, paid for their work, and upon release employment would be found for them. Ishikawajima Museum / Ishikawajima shiryoukan (石川島資料館)
A small museum on the history of the shipyards that were in this area from the 1853 to 1979. While this operation originated as a shipyard the manufacturing expanded into other areas such as airplanes, automobiles, bridges, and more. The history of all of this is illustrated by a series of exhibits with photographs, models, and dioramas. The museum is operated by IHI, the company which owned the shipyard when it shut down. Itakuraya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 273 Itōya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 135 Iwai Tsuzuraya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 280 Kabuki Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 148 Kabukiza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 149 Kabukiza Gallery: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 149 Kabuto Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 261 Kabutochō Kayabachō Machikado Museum / Kabutochō Kayabachō Machi Kado Tenjikan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 265 Kachidoki Bridge Museum / Kachidokibashi no Shiryōkan: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 398 Kachidoki-Toyomi Historical Archive Museum (勝どき・豊海歴史資料展示館)
Located in a park this small museum displays three neighborhood mikoshi that were made in 1935, a festival float with a taiko drum, and the local matoi are on display. The mikoshi and float were made by master artisan Asako Shuke. The display has three large windows to allow viewing the exhibited items directly from the street. The matoi belongs to the Group 6 Area 1 branch of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association. Kachidokibashi: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 397–398
Kagami Crystal (カガミクリスタル)
Specializing in Edo Kiriko glassware, their parent company was established in 1934. They have an excellent selection of exquisitely carved glass in a variety of shapes and colors for a variety of uses. They use a base of high-quality crystal for maximum clarity, fuse colored glass onto it, then carve the patterns. Designs range from simple and elegant to complex. If you are looking for an expensive gift for a special person the beautiful items here would fit the bill. Their glassware is used in official receptions by the Imperial Household Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and for special events at every Japanese embassy and consulate. Some major department stores also have sections for Kagami Crystal products. Kaneman: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 272 Kanmidokoro Hatsune: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 283 Kanmo: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 246 Kasama Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 285 Katsuozuka aka Bonito Mound (鰹塚) A memorial stone to katsuo set up by the Japan Katsuobushi Association in 1953 when this area still played a significant role in the fishing industry. The mound is easy to identify, a low stone fence surrounds a base of black stone and an upright brown stone with the two kanji for katsuo (鰹) and tsuka (塚). Once a year a memorial service for the katsuo killed to make katsuobushi is held. Kawashima Kami Ten: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 254 Kayabachō Chōjuan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 265 Kikunoya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 139 Kimuraya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 134 Kissako Kaiseiken: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 273 Kite Museum / Tako no Hakubutsukan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 244 Kiya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 247 Kizushi: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 270 Koami Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 271 Kobikichō Square / Kobikichō Hiroba: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 149 Kogiku Dōri: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 283 Koharuken: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 272 Kotobukidō: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 283 Kumagaya Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 145 Kuroeya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 260 Kūya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 139 Louis Vuitton Ginza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 135 Maison Hermès: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 144 Marukyū (丸久)
This business has been making and selling tsukudani made from seaweed, fish, and other seafood since it first set up shop in 1859. They replaced their old building in 2009 out of concerns that it was not fully earthquake safe. The new store has a lattice motif and a tall attractive blue noren out front when they are open. The still make the tsukudani by hand producing enough each day to hopefully supply the next day's stock, they do sell out at times. Maruzen Nihonbashi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 259 Matsushima Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 284 Matsuya Ginza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 135 Meiji Kannondō: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 285 Meijiza: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 285 Meitoku Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 264 Mikimoto Ginza 2: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 136 Mitsui Memorial Museum / Mitsui Kinen Bijutsukan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 252 Mitsukoshi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 251 Mitsukoshi Ginza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 132 Monument of the Fifth Master of Senryū (五世川柳句碑) The Fifth Master of Senryū was Mizutani Rokutei. Mizutani's parents died when he was a child, he was then raised by relatives on Tsukudajima. He studied senryū under Karai Soemon and took Namagusa Itatsukuri as his literary name. When he was fifty he became the fifth master of senryū. The monument is inscribed with “One's heart should be soft but firm.” Mori Inari Jinja (森稲荷神社) The name of this Inari shrine shows a connection with the family of Mori Magoemon the first head of the fishermen who relocated to Edo and founded this community. The family name Mori had been given to Magoemon by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a reward for his strong loyalty. Morinoen: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 275 Muro Ichi Ramen: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 246 Muromachi Sunaba: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 253
Musée Hamaguchi Yōzō: Yamasa Collection (ミュゼ浜口陽三・ヤマサコレクション)
Coming from a family with several artists in its history and being the third son of the president of the Yamasa Shōyu company Yōzō Hamaguchi went on to become one of the world's most famous mezzotint artists. Among other things he developed the color mezzotint technique now used by many. He spent most of his career in Paris and San Francisco with a period in Japan from 1939-1953. He returned to Japan in 1996 and passed away in 2000. The museum opened in 1998, is operated by the Yamasa corporation and was set up with Yōzō's approval. The collection includes not only prints by him and his wife Keiko Minami, it also includes tools, various photographs, and occasional displays of works by other artists. There is also a cafe attached to the museum.
Nakagin Capsule Tower 中銀カプセルタワー I had long known of this building, having seen many photographs in magazines and books over the years. A few years back I was strolling through Shinbashi toward the Ginza when I turned a corner and spotted it. My camera went up instantly. Completed in 1972, this was one of the most iconic Tokyo structures from the 20th century. A developer had been impressed with the capsule design for Expo 1970 in Osaka by Kurokawa Kishō and asked him to design a similar building of offices and small apartments for this lot in Tokyo. There were a total of 140 capsules assembled off site and cantilevered to the two towers. Construction was completed in just thirty days. In 2007 the neighborhood, including some tenants, petitioned to have the building demolished and replaced, as it was in bad shape. However the demolition company hired to do so went out of business due to the 2008 market crash. A preservationist movement grew to prevent demolition and new tenants purchased capsules and moved in. However eventually demolition tok place in 2022. Namiyoke Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 398 National Film Archive of Japan / Kokuritsu Eiga Ākaibu: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 266 Nishinaka Dōri (西仲通り四番街)
This street is informally known as Tsukishima Monja Street (月島もんじゃストリート) as it is lined mostly with restaurants specializing on the local treat monja. There are roughly 80 monjayaki restaurants to choose from. Just choose one that looks good. Be aware this is a dish you normally cook yourself, staff are often willing to help you learn how or just observe other customers. Depending on the restaurant they may do it for you, but that is not as much fun. Do fully expect your first attempts will be a little sloppy, but still tasty. The first time I went my Japanese friend did not know how to make it so the owner showed us how. There are many different kinds of monja on the menus so choose one which sounds interesting, or just at random. The bulk of the street has covered sidewalks so even if it is raining you can easily enjoy going there. You won't have much need for an umbrella as exits 3 and 10 from the Tsukishima subway station put you directly on the street. Nishinaka Dōri Kōban (西仲通り四番街交番) This is the oldest Tokyo kōban in use, built in 1921, the only older one still existing is part of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and not in use. This is also a very small kōban, the design is simple but with a streamlined look with its curved corners and has a slight art deco feel. It also has a welcoming homey feel to it with the potted plants near the entrance. Nihonbashi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 241 Nihonbashi Benmatsu: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 246 Nihonbashi Fish Market Monument / Nihonbashi Uoichiba Hasshō no Chi-hi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 244 Nihonbashi Information Center: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 247 Nihonbashi Saruya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 246 Nihonbashi Tourist Pier / Nihonbashi Kankō Sanbashi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 261 Nihonbashi Yayoi Building (やよい軒 茅場町店)
The local branch of the restaurant chain Yayoi. I include it here as this is an excellent place to get a Japanese style breakfast at very reasonable prices. As you enter there is a machine where you can order and pay for your meal. This is a touch screen device and has an English menu option for easy selection. Pay for your meal, collect your ticket and change then seat yourself. You don't need to be able to speak Japanese as the ticket has your selection. Refills on rice and tea are free, just help yourself. Ninben Nihonbashi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 247 Ningyōchō Imahan: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 282 Ningyōchō Karakuri Yagura: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 273 Ningyōchō Shinodazushi: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 281 Ōkannonji: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 282 Okuno Building: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 136 Ōnoya: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 138 Ozu Washi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 254 Police Museum / Keisatsu Hakubutsukan: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 266
St Luke's Garden
Built in 1994 these buildings are part of the St. Luke's Life Science Centre, which also includes the nearby St. Luke's Hospital. There are two towers, avoid the shorter one as it is residences, the taller is mainly offices with some shops and restaurants. There is also a great view from the observation deck. To access the deck take the elevators to the 46th floor and after that take the stairs that are marked to access the 47th floor and enjoy a great view over the Sumidagawa. Saiwai Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 136 Sasaki Saketen: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 281 Shinbashi Enbujō: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 151 Shirakiya Denbei: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 266 Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center / Shizuoka Shinbun Shizuoka Hōsō Biru: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 148 Shōwadōri Ginza hodōkyō / Showa-dori Ginza Pedestrian Bridge [Tokimeki Bridge]: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 150 Soba Tōshimaya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 280 Span Art Gallery, In the Kimuraya Building A small gallery operating since 1995 that specializes in works by illustrators and manga artists. Some of the exhibits have featured such noted artists as Itō Junji, Eguchi Hisashi, Kago Shintarō, Terasawa Buichi, Yamamoto Takato, Maruo Suehiro, and Sorayama Hajime. Their website includes a gallery store and they ship internationally. WEB: https://span-art.com/index.html/ Suehiro Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 270 Suginomori Jinja (椙森神社)
One of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, held to be roughly 1,000 years old. In the Edo Period this was one of three lottery shrines in the city, lotteries were done here to raise funds for the shrine. This is a stop on the local Shichifukujin pilgrimage as Ebisu is enshrined here. Sui Jinja (水神社)
This small Shintō shrine is for Suijin a kami associated with water, the term Suijin is not really an individual name and can be applied to any of several water associated deities. The shrine is also known as Suijin-sama and Uogashisui Shrine This particular shrine is actually a branch of a larger one at Kanda Myōjin. Rather than being a neighborhood shrine it is the shrine for the fish market itself. On the 5th of every month priests from Kanda Myōjin come here to perform rituals. The shrine festival, Uogashi Suijin-sai, has a mikoshi parade that is very energetic. At one time the kami took control of the mikoshi and headed towards the Ginza only to be stopped by the police who confiscated the carrying poles for the rest of the day to prevent further traffic violations. Once every generation they hold a major festival, the last three were in 1920, 1955, and 1990. Nothing seems to stop this festival as the 1990 one had been held during a typhoon. Suitengū: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 284 Sumiyoshi Jinja (住吉神社) This Shintō shrine was built in 1646 by the local fishing families when the area was the island of Tsukudajima. Sumiyoshi Jinja is a branch of the famous Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka. The shrine was constructed to face Edo Castle, now of course it faces the Imperial Palace. The approach to the shrine has two torii the first being at the river and is clad in copper plates, the second one closer to the shrine is stone. The stone torii has a ceramic sign, an unusual feature as they are usually wood, the lettering was made in 1882 by prince Ippin Shijin Shinno, a famous calligrapher and director of the Shintō Kyōdōshoku. The building sports a straight roof an early shrine style that pre-dates the introduction of Buddhism. The building is wood with a copper plated roof. On the grounds there is a beautifully carved shelter for the temizuya with motifs of fishermen and ships. The shelter carvings are said to have been done by none other than Sharaku, there is also a memorial stone to him on the grounds. One can also see some smaller sub-shrines, an unusual brick kura store house for shrine mikoshi, the Katsuozuka, and a wisteria trellis where I once found a fat dove perched inches from my face. Tachibana Inari: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 270 Taimeiken: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 244 Takarada Ebisu Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 254 Takashimaya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 259 Tamahide: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 272 Tansuya Ginzaten (たんす屋 銀座店)
Tansuya (たんす屋) is a famous chain selling new and used kimono and yukata. They describe themselves as a kimono recycle store. Frankly looking at the recycled kimono they are in great shape, not surprising as the Japanese tend to take good care of their stuff. There are many shops in Tokyo, I am adding them to these supplement pages and the bookmarks when I have a page for the area they are in. Tenmo: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 253 Tenoto (天音) Founded in 1930 and specializing in generous servings of sesame fried tempura, they serve a few other dishes such as sashimi and oyakodon. Their special sauce is from a batch that has been added to year after year since they were founded. This place has a relaxed environment with Western style seating. Tenyasu (天安)
A shop specializing in making and selling tsukudani since 1837. Their products are all seafood based made from shellfish, seaweed, and fish. They even have one made from eel. The store is in an old two story wooden building from the early Showa Period, such may change in the future if the owners ever decide to rebuild. Depending on the time of year and if it is a warm and sunny day they may have their long hoike awning which reaches the ground in front of the door. Tōfu no Futaba: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 280 Tokyo Stock Exchange / Tōkyō Shōken Torihikijo: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 264 Torihada: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 281 Toritoku: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 265 Toriyasu (鳥安
The restaurant has had a specialty in one dish aigamo sukiyaki since they opened in 1872. Aigamo sukiyaki is made with the meat of a duck that is the offspring resulting from crossbreeding a wild and a domestic duck. The restaurant was renovated in 2005 and has both traditional at horigotatsu and Western seating. It is sometimes referred to as Sukiyaki Toriyasu. Toyoiwa Inari Jinja: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 148 Tsukiji Honganji (築地本願寺)
Founded in 1617 near Asakusa as a branch of the Nishi Hoganji in Kyoto. When that temple was destroyed in the Meireki Fire in 1657 it was moved to present site. The relocation was carried out with a great deal of assistance from the fishermen of Tsukudajima who's families had and still maintain close ties with the temple. After the Great Kantō Earthquake in 1923 and fire a decision was made to build it out of stone. The present building was completed in 1934 and designed by Chūta Itō who was also influential on preserving old temples and shrines. The exterior of the design is heavily influenced by Indian temples and made of granite. The interior is more Japanese with the modern inclusion of Western style seating and a pipe organ. Visitors are welcome to wander about inside, if you do so be quiet and not use a flash, or even take pictures, as this is a place of worship. However don't be nervous as the temple is actually welcoming to outsiders. Tsukiji Outer Market / Tsukiji Jōgai Ichiba: Tokyo Stroll, Tsukiji Chapter, page 399 Tsukishima Kannon (月島開運観世音) Established in 1951 this small Buddhist shrine is located deep inside the first floor of the same building as the local onsen near the police koban. Look for the red lanterns inside the building's hallway. People pray here to recover lost items and for healing. Tsukuda Machikado Museum (佃まちかど展示館)
The building for the storage and display of a 3.75-ton Sengan Mikoshi, the early 19th century wooden masks Ryuko and Kurokama, photographs, a reproduction of an Edo Period map of the area, as well as other items. Legend has it the masks quenched a fire in the store house they had been in at that time, they are also credited by locals for having preserved the neighborhood from the fires of the Great Kantō Earthquake and WWII fire bombings. The items are always viewable through the glass doors in front of them, on certain occasions the doors are open so you can get a better view. Next to museum is a monument to the ferry across the Sumidagawa that used to service the island. The street in front of this museum is also where the local unique form of the Bon odori takes place. Tsukuda Namiyoke Inari Daimyōjin & Osaki Inari Jinja (波除於咲稲荷大明神 & 於咲稲荷神社) Two shrines which are next to each other in the same compound and share one torii. The dates of these shrines in unclear. Given the name of one there is a likely connection with Tsukiji's Namiyoke Inari Jinja. Both shrines are here to protect fishermen at sea and the island from waves, a very real hazard in such a low lying place. Namiyoke means "protection from waves" Tsukuda Park (佃公園) When the River 21 condo development took place a high embankment, a super levee, was constructed as part of the project. The South West area of the embankment was designated for this Tsukuda Park. On the river side you can go down the stairs to be fairly close to the water, in the park are the replica of the Ishikawajima Lighthouse, open plazas with benches so you can take a load off your feet before continuing your stroll, a large pond, and trails either along the river or higher up through the greenery. Tsukuda Tendai Jizōson (佃天台地藏尊) A very attractive small shrine housing a statue of Jizō placed here in 1738. The shrine is easy to miss as your access to it is via a very narrow passageway between homes. Be very quiet so as to not disturb the residents. The passageway is so narrow I had to turn sideways to exit opposite from where I had entered. The site is believed to have been chosen as it was one of the highest locations on the island. Originally exposed to the elements the Jizo is now covered with a roof literally built around a centuries old ginkgo tree extending through and well beyond the roof. The passageway can be located by looking for banners at each end and the tree that towers over the nearby homes. Tsukudagen Tanakaya (佃源田中屋) Established in 1843 and specializing in making and selling tsukudani this shop has a pleasant old-fashioned feel with its old-style entrance on a newer style building. The interior is wood paneled with glass cases displaying their products, an antique clock adds a certain flavor to the room. Tsukudakobashi (佃小橋) A small elegant single arched bridge with a red railing and copper topped posts over the Tsukudajima tidal canal, the current bridge dates from 1984 The area near the bridge is a mooring spot for several boats owned by locals and a small park with a children's playground at one end. In the Spring the cherry trees here provide a place for flower viewing. Tsukudaōhashi (佃大橋) This bridge opened in 1964 connecting Tsukuda and Tsukishima on the East side of the Sumidagawa to Akashichō on the West side. Before that time locals had to walk a great distance or take a ferry across the river. The ferry service had existed from the Edo Period. Tsukushi: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 283 Ubukeya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 270 Urushigei Nakajima (漆芸中島)
The shop of a craftsman specializing in wood and lacquerware ranging from small items to furniture. The business was founded in the early 18th century. The shop is famous for their hand crafted eight-sided hashi which are easy to use. The hashi are made from the previous generation's stock of rare aged hardwoods. For a long time it was housed in a small older building with the sales right on the sidewalk using an awning and folding tables set out to display the goods. During the COVID pandemic the building was rebuilt and now has an indoor shop. This business was moved by the family to Tsukudajima after being burned out of their old location during WWII. William Adams’ House Memorial / Miura Anjin Kyū Kyo Ato: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 245 Wakō Department Store: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 134 Yabuizu: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 264 Yabukyu: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 260 Yaesu Book Center: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 256 Yagenbori Fudōin (薬研堀不動院)
One of the major Fudō Myōō temples of Tokyo and a branch of Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji, a major Shingon temple in Kawasaki. The main object of veneration here is a Fudō statue from the 12th century which was brought to Edo in 1585 after the temple it was in was burned down in a battle. As the statue was carried in a wicker box the statue came to be called the Tsuzura Fudō Myōō, that is "Fudō Myōō in a wicker box" The temple itself is on a small plot of land and shaped like a pagoda with a long stairway leading to it. Yagichō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 245 Yamaha Ginza: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 147 Yamamoto Nori Ten: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 245 Yanagiya: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 280 Yasuda Shōkeidō: Tokyo Stroll, Ginza and Nearby Areas Chapter, page 152 Yayoiken Ginza Inz (やよい軒 銀座インズ店)
The local branch of the restaurant chain Yayoi, on the second floor. I include it here as this is an excellent place to get a Japanese style breakfast at very reasonable prices. As you enter there is a machine where you can order and pay for your meal. This is a touch screen device and has an English menu option for easy selection. Pay for your meal, collect your ticket and change then seat yourself. You don't need to be able to speak Japanese as the ticket has your selection. Refills on rice and tea are free, just help yourself. Yokohama Kimijimaya: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 265 Yoshino Sushi: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi South, Kyōbashi, and Yaesu Chapter, page 259 Yoshiume: Tokyo Stroll, Ningyōchō Chapter, page 282 Yūbendō: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 245 Zōhiko: Tokyo Stroll, Nihonbashi North Chapter, page 250 Back to the Tokyo Stroll Supplement home page - Privacy Notice - Back to Gilles' home page Created September, 27, 2024 | Content last updated September, 28, 2024 |