Asakusa

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This morning we got up bright and early to brave the peak hour traffic on the way to the Tsukiji fish market - the largest wholesale fish market in the world. The Japanese are serious about their seafood, something I thoroughly approve of. Peak hour traffic at any of the major hubs in Tokyo is insane, fighting your way through the press of bodies to get off at your stop is a feat in itself. Extra staff are hired at these times to cordon off areas so extreme-overcrowding doesn't occur, and to lend a helping hand (in the form of a good hard shove) for those crazy people intent on getting onto the train despite imminent risk of asphyxiation.

Despite our efforts, we were late and had missed most of the action (apparently you have to get there at like 5am)...so after poking about the fish market for a while we ended up getting breakfast, and wandering over to Asakusa. Despite being touristy, Asakusa has that timeless feel of old Japan, even as traffic whizzes by. It was under renovation when we went, but there were still lots of people visiting the Temple there and waving items in the incense for good luck (eg. LV bags - weird O_o). Down a side street, where it was less touristy I found a yukata I liked, plus all the bits and pieces. We sampled fresh sembe (rice crackers) and other random things.

After that we had just enough time to pick up our luggage from Ikebukuro and catch the Narita express to the airport. Japan was loads of fun, I hope to be visiting it again in the near future.

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Photos

The Asahi building in Asakusa
Not sure what is perched on top of the building - a daikon perhaps?