Japan Photo Guide » seafood

Okinawa

babibubebo — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:00:17 +0000

If you are in Japan, unless you wanna go skiing or snowboarding, the best place to take vacation in the winter is Okinawa. Okinawa is Japan’s southern most prefecture and is made up of hundreds of islands. When I went, I pretty much stay around Naha, the capital, which is on Okinawa Island. I lived in Miami for four years, so I am no stranger to beautiful beaches and the ocean, but as far as I am concerned, Okinawa is on a totally different ~~sea~~ level (sorry, bad pun). Part of what makes Okinawa so spectacular is that pretty much wherever you are (on the main island at least) as soon as you go up on one of the many hills, you can see the ocean. Pretty much any time you are driving, you will get great views of the sea.

Of course Okinawa also has great snorkeling, scuba diving and seafood. Not to mention it has been heavily influenced by a few different cultures to make for an interesting and diverse atmosphere. Oh and they have this dish called taco rice, which after eating everything imaginable from the ocean during my stay in Japan, was more delicious than it probably really should have been. Even though I probably saw a few too many castles and didn’t go to the beach as much as I would have wanted to, I was really glad that Okinawa was the last place I visited before leaving Japan.

Here is some more general information about Okinawa, from Japan Guide.com:

Okinawa’s climate is subtropical, with temperatures barely falling below 15 degrees in winter. The seas surrounding Okinawa’s islands are considered among the world’s most beautiful with coral reefs and abundant marine wildlife. Consequently, snorkeling and scuba diving are among Okinawa’s top attractions.

The islands making up Okinawa Prefecture, are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, named after the native culture, which is distinctly different from that of the rest of Japan in terms of language, cuisine, arts, etc.

An independent kingdom and tributary state to China for several centuries, the Ryukyu Islands came under control of the Satsuma feudal fief (today’s Kagoshima Prefecture) in the 17th century, and were made a Japanese prefecture in 1879, accompanied by efforts to assimilate the native population. But despite these past efforts, the Ryukyuan culture survived and is now Okinawa’s other main attraction.

More of Okinawa coming soon!

Tsukiji Fish Market

babibubebo — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:12:39 +0000

I already wrote about Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, but when I went last time, the wholesale part was closed and I only took photos in the consumer market. Unfortunately, from April 2008 the market has apparently restricted tourist access during the peak hours and for the Tuna auctions and only allow tourist in certain areas, so I went in March to get some photos…By the way, I have heard that they have not been too strict so far, anyone recently go? If you have been since April 1st, please leave a comment about your experience…

After going, I understand why they want to stop tourist from coming as no matter how hard I tried, I always felt I was in the way. I went with a friend of mine and he probably saved my life a couple times because the workers drive this mini reverse forklift things around and don’t seem like they would stop if you were in the way… Especially since they might not always be paying attention!

Like this guy above who looks like he is sending a text or browsing the internet on his cell phone while driving! Anyway, I really understand why they want to close it to tourists. First of all, I know it would be annoying if tourists were coming into my workplace all the time whether they were actually getting in my way or not. I mean, these people are trying to do their job, which does not include tour guide. Second, it is not like it is one or two tourists come, but A LOT of are/were coming daily. Third, I saw a few of the tourists do things that are against the rules, such as try and touch the huge tunas or use flash photography. It is too bad, because even though I felt really guilty for getting in everyone’s way, it was really interesting to see once. In any case, check out all the tourist and other photos below.

Click the thumbnails to see the full image.

Tsukiji

babibubebo — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 07:15:53 +0000

This post has information and photos mainly about the consumer fish market at Tsukiji. If you are interested, there is also a post more specifically on the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market at Tsukiji.

Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場) is a large wholesale and consumer market in Tokyo. In fact, it is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. In recent years it has become a popular tourist attraction for foreigners. Tsukiji is in Tokyo close to Ginza. The best time to go is early in the morning when most of the action is going on in the wholesale market, from around 5-9am. This works out nicely for those that have just arrived and are still jet lagged or for the more adventurous souls that stay out all night and then catch the first train.

These photos were taken at the consumer market next to the wholesale one. The wholesale market is where they have the huge tuna and auctions. Be aware, while it has become a popular place for tourists, people are working here, so if you go try not to get in their way (especially the ones with sharp tools or driving mini forklift looking machines).

While the wholesale market might be more interesting, the consumer market is still worth checking out. Especially if you wanna try the goods. Chances are that if you eat sushi or seafood in Tokyo you will be eating fish or seafood bought from Tsukiji, so you might as well get it fresher at the consumer market.

For more information about the wholesale market and to see photos check out the wikipedia.