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Special ward in Tokyo, Japan
Photo: Aimaimyi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chuo (中央) is a central ward in Tokyo. It has been the historical commercial heart of Tokyo since the Edo period, and to this day, is filled with offices, banks, and other institutions that drive the Japanese economy.
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築地場外市場 Tsukiji jōgai shijō
For more than 80 years, Tsukiji was the world's largest wholesale fish market. Although the wholesale operations (including the famous tuna auctions) closed in 2018 and moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains in place and continues to welcome the public with stalls selling fresh fish, sushi, produce and kitchen supplies. Suggested plans for the former inner market site include a sport stadium or an anime/manga themed entertainment facility.
築地本願寺
A Jōdo Shinshū temple just a few blocks away from the fish market, worth seeing because of its unique, South Asian-inspired architecture. Buddhist services are held in English on Saturday evenings.
日本橋
Nihonbashi means Japan bridge. It is the most famous bridge in Japan and one of the very few historic bridges remaining in Tokyo. The current stone and steel bridge was built in 1911. It is the point from which all distances are measured to the capital. Since 1964 it is unfortunately overshadowed by a massive expressway, blocking much of the view.
東京証券取引所 Tokyo shoken torihikijo
Tokyo's stock exchange, while one of the largest in the world by capitalization, is now entirely automated, and the tiny building it resides in is mostly for show, featuring a small museum, exhibition hall, and broadcasting facilities. English tours can be booked in advance.
浜離宮恩賜庭園
It was built by 17th-century shoguns for their private enjoyment. Hama-rikyu is now a public walking garden with an all-season range of flowers and flowering trees. The highlight is the tea house, picturesquely set on a small island in the middle of a pond, where green tea and sweets are available starting at ¥500, and ¥1000 for a set. The garden is next to Tsukiji fish market. A boat which runs up the Sumida River to Asakusa used to depart from inside the garden, but has been suspended indefinitely.
三井記念美術館, Mitsui Kinen Bijutsukan
Art museum, the collection includes items used in the Japanese tea ceremony as well as Eastern antiques. Housed in an historic building dating back to 1926.
The Outer Market of the Tsukiji Fish Market contain a bewildering array of shops. One shop carries nothing but dried seaweed, another knives, another is just bowls of all shapes and sizes! After you've had your sushi breakfast, wander around these shops and pick up something interesting.
English-only small-group cooking class (maximum 8 participants) where visitors prepare ramen and sushi in a 3-hour session, with a sake pairing of three varieties. Located in Tsukishima, a short walk from the monja-yaki district.
おしお本店
The original shop of one of the better-known chains here, with half a dozen restaurants. Try the mentaiko-shiso monja with cod roe and perilla, which tastes oh so much better than it looks.
寿司清本店
Over 120 years old, this is now a large chain, but the head shop is in Tsukiji and it is well-reputed.
すしざんまい
The self-proclaimed "King Of Tuna", this is now a large chain but they originate from here in Tsukiji, where they have at least 7 locations and this three-story Honten. Prices are per roll and range from ¥100-500, or order a set meal for ¥3000. They have an excellent English menu.
玉ひで
In business since 1760, perhaps the oldest in Tokyo. This restaurant specialises in Oyakodon, literally "parent-child bowl", made from spiced chicken with scrambled eggs (hence the name) and sweet sauce on rice. A popular comfort food with surprising complexity. Expect long queues.
日本橋海鮮丼 つじ半 日本橋本店
It is a Kaisen-dong store located near Tokyo Station. It is characterized by pouring stock with a little rice left.
住庄ほてる
A ryokan-style hotel, Japanese style rooms and big traditional bath available.
かずさや
東急ステイ日本橋
Slight discounts are offered for extended stays. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain, these hotels are popular with business travelers. The small kitchenettes, washer/dryers, and free LAN access in all rooms makes these a good value.
東急ステイ築地
Part of the Tokyu Stay chain. Free internet access, microwave, washer-dryer, and kitchenette in each room. Good staff, views of nearby temple. Located very close to Tsukiji fish market, avoiding an early morning taxi ride.
This property contains 124 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Offers weekly housekeeping services.
ロイヤルパークホテル
Five-star luxury hotel
This humbly named shop stocks over 3,000 varieties of the Japanese tipples shochu and awamori.
The western edge of Chuo starts on the Yaesu (east) side of Tokyo Station, and if your legs are feeling up to it, you can get pretty much anywhere worth seeing within a 45-minute walk. Otherwise, take the subway.
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