A Cup of Muthia Latte: TOKYO OFF BEATEN PATH II : Tsukiji Market, Kagurazaka, Shimokitazawa, Hie Shrine.

Assalamualaikum. Hello everyone!

This time, I'll write down my story for another Tokyo's Off Beaten Path. So excited because I visited more spots in a day and I got a camera--that I'd been longing for so long--so yeay, say hello to better pictures (at least compared to the previous one >.<)

If I need to choose what line I prefer to travel from one place to another within Tokyo , I will surely say JR Line! Tho it has less station numbers than Metro's mostly JR Stations is very convenient, located in central area in every district, also has some transfer line to other operators.But that day was another day, after wrote down my itinerary, I found out that most of stations I'll stop at are in Metro and Toei Subway line.

I chose Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway 1 day pass to explore Tokyo Area for ¥900

image source : https://www.tokyometro.jp/lang_en/ticket/value/index_img_02.gif

If you come to Japan with Tourist Visa you can have that kind of pass with cheaper price, for details please check out Metro's webpage here.

1. TSUKIJI OUTER FISH MARKET.

Began my journey from Shimbashi as it's nearest station that has Metro line from my area.

I took Ginza Line to Ginza Sta, transferred by Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station and take exit number 1, and just turn left as soon as I got out from the underground tunnels. Walks few meters, and after passing 1 intersection I arrived at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market Entrance.


TSUKIJI OUTER FISH MARKET

After the inner market for Tuna Auctioning was moved to Toyosu Market ( few stations away still in Hibiya Line) at the end of last year, you still can have a fresh sushi in Tsukiji. Since all the restaurants are still remained here.

First impression after i arrived there, well it's literally a traditional market, since that kind of market can be hardly found in Tokyo. I took a walk around the outer market first and then I had my late breakfast yet my early lunch.
I chose Maguro-don over Sushi that day at Kanno Tsukiji. Why ? becuase it offers reasonable price, and had availabe seats lol. #brokestudent

It cost me ¥700 for a bowl of Raw Tuna Slices over rice with a miso soup and tea.

The main store where the sushi-ya san ( sushi chef) stands at.


the outer eating space located right next to the main road.


Maguro don a.k.a Raw Tuna Slices over Rice.

If you can't eat sushi, Tsukiji still can have a chance to be in your itinerary. As I said it's a traditional market and famous so it's so touristy of course it offers more than only sushi.

You can have sweets, such as strawberry coated chocolate, taiyaki and so on.
If you came with a full stomach ( but you better don't :P) you can have yourself some souvenirs to bring back home from Matcha to Pottery.

ready to Mingle?


Japanese Pottery.

2. KACHIDOKI BRIDGE - SUMIDA RIVER.

My plan was to walk until Tsukushima Station to take train to Ueno Station, and having a lil sightseeing at Tsukushima Monjya Street. A famous area for having Monjyayaki (similar to Okonomiyaki).
It was a bright and clear day, and it's my first time to walk in double bascule bridge! Tho it has been unoperated since 1970.

the picture I took with shaken knee since it's so shaky at the center of the bridge and of course it was so scary!


View from Kachidoki Bridge.

3. UENO AMEYOKO MARKET

Of course Ameyoko4rf Market it's not on The Tokyo Off Beaten Path list, since it's very touristy. Yet I made stop by because why not?
I visited 3 stories thrifted clothing store, Mode Off to window shopping lol and captured Ueno's area.

AMEYAKOCHO

Early bloomed Sakura Tree in Ueno Park.

4. KAGURAZAKA - HIDDEN ALLEY!

They said, you can get lost at Kagarazuka's alley, and i literally get lost that day!
Soon As I took exit from Idabashi Station Exit B3, I bought Peko chan shaped Taiyaki that only sold in Kagurazaka.

Peko chan Taiyaki

How to start exploring the alley ? Just make a turn on every alley form the main road and let your intuition as well as your foot lead the journey.

What to do inside the Alley ? If you're into a photograph capture a lot! if you want to have a descent lunchy or dinner this is definetely your go to place!

Kagarazuka's Alley

Atami Yu Kaidan

After struggling to find the famous Atami Yu Kaidan' staircases. I followed a group of Chinese tourist who was lead by a native Japanese guide to see this tiny staircases!
Kagurazaka area is lil bit hilly area. Embrace your foot!

Kagurazaka Dori

Keywords of Kagurazaka's spot : HYOGO YOKOCHO, WAKANA, ATAMI YU KAIDAN.

5. HIE SHRINE!

from Iidabashi Station take Namboku Line to Tameike Sanno Station.
I took exit number 5.
PS: this is the area where Prime Minister Official Residence at.
From the exit across the street, take a stairs up right next to The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. across the street and voila! Hie Shrine!

the pedestrians across the station's exit

HIE SHRINE GATE View from the ground.

HIE SHRINE GATE VIEW FROM INSIDE THE SHRINE


THE RED TORII TUNNELS

6. TOKYO CAMII MOSQUE

Before going to Shimokitazawa, I make a stop in Yoyogi Uehara station as the station is the last stop for Metro's Chiyoda line. Meanwhile for going to Shimokitazawa Station, from Yoyogi Uehara Sta, I need to take Odakyu Line which isn't covered by Tokyo Metro Pass.
So I decided to make a stop and visit Tokyo Camii for a lil rest and pray time.

Tokyo Camii's Exterior

Tokyo Camii Interior

7. SHIMOKITAZAWA

If you love to hunt great thrift goods, it's a go to place.
My impression it's like Bigger version of Takeshita Dori in Harajuku.There's some local cafe and bar too, and ofcourse the current hypes bubble milk tea or locals here called that as "tapioca drink"