White Tiger

Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
October 7, 2014

On our way back to the Tsukiji subway station, we were drawn to the Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. I looked at the edifice and I felt like I've seen it in a dream before. We just had to check it out.

The building's noteworthy architecture showed hints of Hindu Buddhist design. In contrast to the nearby bustling Tsukiji Market, this place was very solemn.

Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

At the entrance, a friendly monk gave wide grins as he welcomed guests. He also handed out keepsakes:  a lemon-shaped piece of paper featuring the white tiger or byakko, a mythological creature. Legend has it that the white tiger will only appear when there is peace throughout the world. I wish I understood the meaning of the Japanese inscription on the back of the paper.

The White Tiger or Byakko

A keepsake from Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

The main worship hall or Hondo was astonishing with the elaborate detail from floor to ceiling. It was like opening a treasure chest that was brimming with gold.

The main hall or Hondo inside the Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

The captivating detail of the middle altar enshrining the Amida Buddha. 

A worshipper burns incense and bows in front of the Buddha.

A closer look at the left auxiliary altar.

The right auxiliary altar is just as elegant.

This platform or stage is probably used during certain ceremonies.

It was definitely worth the quick visit. Before leaving the temple, we took a few more pictures of the unique architectural details.

The top of the main door is adorned with stained glass depicting lotus flowers. Can you see it behind me?

Alan at the foot of the steps leading to the temple.

If you'd like to learn more, here are additional resources with great photos about Tsukiji Hongwanji:

http://www.tsukijihongwanji.jp/eng/?fr=navi

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/shritemp/tsukijihonganji.html

http://mcha-jp.com/5432

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_Hongan-ji



This story was continued from To Market, To Market.

To Market, To Market

Tsukiji Market
October 7, 2014


The popular Tsukiji Market was on our agenda for the day but I didn't want to wake up before 5:00 a.m. to watch the tuna auction. Even though we missed the early morning attraction, the market was still buzzing and had so much in store for first-time visitors like us.

Tsukiji Market is one of the biggest markets in the world.

Fresh and interesting catch

Lots of fresh seafood

This wholesale market sells many fresh (and interesting) fish and seafood. I didn't even recognize some of them. They also feature fresh fruit and vegetable produce. I found asparagus and peanuts that were so thick around, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Giant peanuts and other produce in Tsukiji Market

More goodies (some peculiar) on display

It's fun to browse at the different products for sale.

We weaved through the crowds and browsed at the market's various products including souvenir items. I even found mini hand fans. Not the folding kind but the round ones. They were so cute, I couldn't resist buying a few for keepsake. I also bought some paper coasters featuring typical Japanese landscape designs. They were lovely!

It's hard to miss the several walk-up food stalls serving fresh sushi and ramen. Visiting folks were lining up to eat. Some were even relishing their meals with beer. And it was only around 9:00 a.m!

Tsukiji Market is famous for its fresh sushi and ramen.

Just one of the stalls serving fresh sushi  in Tsukiji Market

They have picture menus so you can point at what you'd like to order.

Even though we went there right after breakfast (had some yummy pastries we bought from a bakery in Akihabara the night before), I was craving breakfast with eggs. We found a store that served specialty omelette rolls. I was so happy! I ordered the one with salmon and veggies. It was really good and rather sweet-tasting but served cold.

I asked the cold omelette store owners to pose for me.

A variety of cold omelette rolls

Alan, on the other hand, bought some of the delicious walnut clusters.

A store owner offering samples of his freshly cooked fish.

If you happen to roam these parts, you'll find a shop that sells a collection of sake cups. Some could potentially be used as shot glasses. In the back of the store, they have expensive lacquered boxes and containers that could be used to serve rice.

A collection of sake glasses.

On our way out, we saw a group of elementary school students in line for a tour. Nice to know that even they get a treat by visiting Tsukiji Market and learning about their own culture.

Elementary school boys on a field trip.

Across the way is Tsukiji Bon Marche

I read that Tsukiji Market will soon be relocated. I'm glad we had the chance to see this original location. JTB Tours, the largest and most reputable tour company in Japan, offers a guided tour of the bustling shops of Tsukiji Market that ends with a sushi-making workshop. You can learn more here.

Read more about Tsukiji Market's history here.



This story is part of a series on Japan adventures and is continued from Menu Surprise.