| Chūō (Tokyo) | |
 | |
Location  | |
Coat of arms and flag   | |
| State | Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kantō |
| Website | Official site |
Chūō (中央 区 chūō-ku) is a district of the city of Tokyo.
To know
While the name literally means "Center", this district suffers less (if only slightly) prestige than its neighbor Chiyoda, which houses the Emperor's Palace. Ginza, located within it, is generally considered to be the area with the most expensive real estate properties on earth.
Geographical notes
| Orientation | ||
| Chiyoda | Taito | Sumida |
| Minato |  | Koto |
| Tokyo Bay | ||
The neighborhood is crossed by the river Sumida, which here reaches the sea.
Background
The Chūō neighborhood was the former home of the largest fish market in the world, Tsukiji, which processed an unrivaled volume and variety of fish, as well as vegetables and other products. While the internal market is permanently closed and operations have been moved to Toyosu, the hundreds of stalls in the external market remain open to the public.
How to orient yourself
Chūō (Tokyo): full screen map.Neighborhoods
- 1 Ginza (銀座) - The neighborhood is most famous for its high fashion shops, luxury restaurants and bars. The heart of Ginza beats at the intersection of "Chūō-dori" and "Harumi-dori" streets, dominated by the San-ai building, a cylindrical glass tower that has become one of the symbols of central Tokyo whose image has been constantly recurring for decades in postcard and in any tourist guide worthy of the name. Nearby are the offices of Wako and Mitsukoshi, two very well-known department stores in Japan and many European high fashion houses such as Armani, LV and Dior. On weekends, the streets of Ginza are transformed into pedestrian areas and from 15 November each year they are regularly decorated for the Christmas holidays.
- 2 Tsukiji (築 地) - It is the neighborhood immediately east of Ginza and closer to the port. It stands on an area reclaimed from the sea, once occupied by the marshes of the Sumida river delta. Tsukiji was famous for its huge fish market in one section of which something like 2,000 tons of fish were haggled every day, no more and no less like on any stock exchange. Today the covered market has been moved to the new headquarters in Toyosu. The retail sector continues to be full of restaurants where you can enjoy the best sushi in the world.
- 3 Nihonbashi (日本 橋) - The financial district of Chūō. Here is the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the Bank of Japan in Tokyo. It is located north of Ginza and takes its name from a 1911 stone bridge over the Ginza canal. Its development as a financial district dates back to when the Mitsui family, one of the richest and oldest in Japan, chose it as the headquarters of their business and also inaugurated department stores.
- 4 Kyōbashi (京 橋) - The neighborhood is located between Ginza and Nihonbashi. It was separated from Ginza by a canal filled with earth in 1959.
- 5 Tsukishima (月 島) - Tsukishima is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, created in 1892 with earth dredged from a channel of the Sumida River Delta to allow navigation. On Monja Street there are numerous restaurants, all specialized in the preparation of "Monjayaki", a local dish made of fried flour accompanied by various ingredients.
How to get
The closest station is Tokyo station, located near the Ginza district. From there it is possible to take the metro to reach the various parts of the neighborhood.
By bus
- 1 Tokyo City Air Terminal (東京 シ テ ィ エ ア タ ー ミ ナ ル, Tōkyō Shiti Ea Tāminaru). Buses at the Airport Limousine run from Narita to Tokyo Station every 10 to 20 minutes via the Tokyo City Air Terminal (1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on traffic, ¥ 3000), and less frequently to area hotels. From Haneda, buses run every 30 to 40 minutes (approximately 45 minutes duration, depending on traffic, ¥ 900).
How to get around
Metro stations
- 2 Tsukijishijo Station. On the line
- 3 Tsukiji Station. On the line
- 4 Higashi-ginza station. On the lines
- 5 Kayabachō Station. On the lines
- 6 Nihombashi Station. On the lines
- 7 Shiodome Station. On the lines
What see
1 Tsukiji open air fish market (築 地 場外 市場 Tsukiji jōgai shijō), 5-2-1 Tsukiji (One minute from Tsukijishijo station and Tsukiji , 3 minutes from Higashi-ginza ), ☎ 81 3-3542-1111. 
Free. For over 80 years, Tsukiji has been the largest wholesale fish market in the world. Although wholesale operations (including the famous tuna auctions) have been closed and moved to Toyosu, the outdoor market remains in place and continues to welcome the public with stalls selling fresh fish, sushi, kitchen products and supplies. Plans for the site are in limbo and are likely to await the end of the 2020 Olympics. It is thought it could be transformed into a food theme park, or a new market could be built.
Free. For over 80 years, Tsukiji has been the largest wholesale fish market in the world. Although wholesale operations (including the famous tuna auctions) have been closed and moved to 
- 2 Tsukiji Hongan-ji (築 地 本 願 寺), 3-15-1 Tsukiji (accessible from Tsukiji or Tsukiji-shijō ), ☎ 81 3-3541-1131.
6:00-17:00. A Jōdo Shinshū temple a few blocks away from the fish market, worth seeing for its unique South Asian-inspired architecture. Buddhist prayers are held in English on Saturday evenings.
6:00-17:00. A Jōdo Shinshū temple a few blocks away from the fish market, worth seeing for its unique South Asian-inspired architecture. Buddhist prayers are held in English on Saturday evenings.
- 3 Nihonbashi Bridge (日本 橋). The name of the bridge means "bridge of Japan". It is in fact the most famous bridge in Japan and one of the very few historical bridges left in Tokyo. The current stone and steel structure was built in 1911. It is the point from which all distances are measured in the capital. Since 1964 it has unfortunately been overshadowed by a highway viaduct, blocking much of the view.
- 4 [link not working]Tokyo Stock Exchange (東京 証券 取 引 所 Tōkyō Shōken Torihikijo), 2-1 Nihombashi Kabutocho (Kayabacho Station and Nihombashi ), ☎ 81 3-3665-1881. The Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the largest in the world by capitalization. Today it is fully automated and the tiny building in which it resides has a small museum, exhibition hall and transmission facilities.
What to do
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- 1 Garden of Hama rikyū (浜 離宮 恩賜 庭園), 1-1 Hama-rikyū Teien (7 minutes walk from Shinodome subway stations , Tsukijishijo , 10 min. walk from JR Shimbashi Station
), ☎ 81 3-3541-0200. 300 yen, over 65 yen 150, primary school children free. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 30. Originally built by the shogun in the 17th century for private enjoyment, Hama-rikyu is now a public garden with a range of flowers and flowering trees for all seasons. 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 for ¥ 500. The garden is located near the Tsukiji fish market. A boat that crosses the Sumida River to Asakusa leaves from inside the park. - 2 Tokyo Water Cruise, 1 Hamarikyūteien, ☎ 81 120-977-311. We sail the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay between Hamamatsucho, Odaiba, Asakusa and other points. Fares vary according to the route.
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Walking around the Tsukiji area you will find several houses from the 1920s which are among the few to have survived the Second World War. The World Monuments Fund warns against their continued destruction.
- 3 Masaru Emoto's office, Near 2-chōme-6-11 Higashinihonbashi. Masaru Emoto is a controversial figure famous in the new age world for his studies on the memory of water through the observation of water crystals. The scientist has been dead for a few years, however his office is still active via publications.
Shopping
Both the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and the Inner Market shopping area (‘’ Uogashi yokochō ’, the same set of alleys that are home to Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi) contain a staggering array of shops. One shop carries nothing but dried seaweed, other knives, another is just bowls of all shapes and sizes! After having a sushi breakfast, you can wander around these shops and pick up something interesting.
For those who have the opportunity to spend high amounts Ginza is the luxury shopping district.
How to have fun
Ginza has a wide range of drinking venues, many of which are also extremely expensive. This is where the $ 100 Japanese stories for a beer come from. Choose carefully, or head elsewhere.
Where to eat
Moderate prices
In the past Tsukiji on Harumi-dori was the district of the island of Tsukishima (月 島, "Island of the Moon"), best known for its many restaurants serving the monja-yaki (も ん じ ゃ 妬 き). This dish is popular in eastern Japan (Kantō) and is available throughout Tokyo, but it is a particular specialty of Tsukishima. The Monja-yaki is like theokonomiyaki of western Japan (Kansai), but the pasta is much more liquid and the ingredients are finely chopped, leading to what looks like a puddle of vomit. Just remember the essential: you form the chopped cabbage in a ring on the plate and pour the liquid left in the middle, and use the small spatulas to press the mixed batter onto the plate until it sizzles, then eat it directly from the spatula.
The northern part of Tsukishima is called Tsukudajima (佃 島), and is the origin of the tsukudani (佃 煮), a way of preserving food by simmering it in a sticky soy and sugar sauce. Tsukudani is still available throughout Japan, but is less common than before, having fallen out of fashion across much of the country; but it's still available here. Seafood, seaweed (konbu) and various vegetables are the most common ingredients, but if you are looking for something more interesting, you must try inago (い な ご) tsukudani, made of grasshoppers!
- 1 Tsukishima, 3 Chome-16-10 Tsukishima, ☎ 81 3-3532-2240.
- 2 Oshio Honten (お し お 本店), Tsukishima 3-17-10, ☎ 81 3-3531-7423. Monja: from ¥ 1000. One of the most popular chains in the area, with half a dozen restaurants. Try the monja mentaiko-shiso with cod and perilla roe, which taste much better than it sounds.
- 3 Yoshinoya Tsukiji East, 6 Chome-10-６ Tsukiji, ☎ 81 3-6226-4515. Gyudon restaurant.
Average prices
Try one sushi breakfast to Tsukiji, mainly from experience. The fish is as fresh as possible and the prices, although not cheap, are reasonable and given the high quality are around ¥ 2000- ¥ 4000 for a set of omakase. The prices are comparable to a mid-range sushi lunch, while the quality is a bit higher and are significantly cheaper than a sushi dinner in Ginza, which can easily cost more than ¥ 10,000.
Omelette rolls (dashimaki tamago) available throughout the market. This is another specialty of Tsukiji and egg sushi (tamago nigiri-zushi) is traditionally served alongside fish sushi.
The most famous are two small sushi restaurants in the inner market, Sushi Come on is Daiwa Sushi. Both restaurants have become very popular with tourists in recent years - even if the locals leave - so be prepared to queue, especially on weekends, even if you arrive at 6am; and be aware that smaller groups can be served sooner than larger ones. An hour of waiting is typical, even if the line for Sushi Come on often exceeds three hours (and is largely exposed to the elements and morning sun), while the line for the Daiwa sushi it generally moves faster, and sometimes it is possible to sit down with little or no wait. Due to the expectation, it is preferable to go with milder weather, i.e. not in the middle of winter. Sushi Come on it is generally considered the better of the two and is a bit more expensive, but the most significant difference is the wait. Clubbing fans avoid queues by staying out all night, especially a Roppongi, and going to Tsukiji early in the morning after the clubs close.
- 4 Sushi Come on (寿司 大), Kōtō-ku, Toyosu, 6 Chome − 5−１ 六街 区 水産 仲 卸 売 場 棟, ☎ 81 3-6633-0042. ¥ 3900 for a set of 10 pieces and 1 roll, of which you can choose the last piece. They also have a cheaper version of ¥ 2500.. Mon-Sat 05: 30-14: 00. The restaurant is divided into two sections separated by a space and which runs around the corner.
- 5 Daiwa Sushi (寿司 大 和), 6 Chome-3-２ Toyosu, Koto, ☎ 81 3-6633-0220. L'omakase is ¥ 3500 (7 pieces and 1 roll), and a cheaper version of ¥ 2100 is also available.. Mon-Sat 05: 30-13: 30. This restaurant is bigger and therefore the queue moves faster.
There are many more sushi places in the external market, without the long waits and with the same quality, albeit without the atmosphere of the internal market. These generally open at 8 or 9 in the morning. Some of these are long-standing businesses, dating back to the 19th century and now comprised of large chains, although the main stores are still in Tsukiji.
- 6 Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten (築 地 寿司 清 築 地 本店), 4-13-9 Tsukiji, ☎ 81 3-3541-7720. Thu-Mar 08: 30-14: 00 17: 00-20: 00 only on Sat 08: 00-20: 00. A business of more than 120 years, it has now become a large chain, but the head shop is in Tsukiji and is very famous.
- 7 Sushizanmai (す し ざ ん ま い), 4-11-9 Tsukiji (near the Shin-Ohashi-dori / Harumi-dori intersection), ☎ 81 3-3541-1117. Prices are per roll and range from ¥ 100-500, or a set meal for ¥ 3000.. Mon-Sun 00: 00-24: 00. The self-proclaimed "King of the Tuna" is now a large chain that started from here, where they have no less than 7 three-story stations. They have an excellent English menu.
- 8 Ryū sushi (龍 寿司), Kōtō-ku, Toyosu, 6 Chome − 6−１ 管理 施 設 棟 3 階, ☎ 81 3-3541-9517. Mon-Sat 06: 30-14: 00. It is known for its variety of seasonal seafood.
There are also non-sushi options, most notably omelette rolls (dashimaki tamago) available throughout the market. In the internal market there are numerous restaurants, mostly with standard Japanese dishes serving the market traders, located in buildings 1, 6 and 8, and a handful of others.
- 9 Tamahide (玉 ひ で), 1-17-10 Nihonbashiningyocho (A few blocks south of Ningyocho Station), ☎ 81 3-3668-7651. Tue-Sun 11: 30-13: 30 17: 30-21: 00. In business since 1760, perhaps the oldest in Tokyo. This restaurant specializes in Oyakoden, a bowl with spiced chicken, scrambled eggs and sweet sauce. A popular comfort food with surprising complexity. Expect long lines.
High prices
For more expensive restaurants just go to Ginza.
Where stay
Average prices
- 1 Sumisho Hotel (住 庄 ほ て る), 9-14 Nihonbashi Kobunacho, ☎ 81 3-3661-4603, fax: 81 3-3661-4639. Single from ¥ 7,000, double from ¥ 11,000.. A ryokan-style hotel within walking distance of Tokyo station, Japanese-style rooms and large traditional bathroom available.
- 2 Tokyu Stay Nihombashi (東 急 ス テ イ 日本 橋), 4-7-9 Nihombashi-Honcho, ☎ 81 3-3231-0109, fax: 81 3-3231-0112. Singles from ¥ 9,450, doubles from ¥ 17,850. Slight discounts are available for extended stays. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain, these hotels are popular with business travelers. Small kitchenettes, washers / dryers, and free LAN access in all rooms make it a good value.
- 3 Tokyu Stay Tsukiji (東 急 ス テ イ 築 地), Tsukiji 4-11-5,, ☎ 81 3-5551-0109. Singles from ¥ 9400, doubles from ¥ 14,700 per night, including breakfast. Discounts for extended stays.. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain. Free internet access, microwave, washer-dryer and kitchenette in each room. Good staff, view of the nearby temple. Located very close to the Tsukiji fish market.
High prices
- 4 Mandarin Oriental (マ ン ダ リ ン オ リ エ ン タ ル 東京), 2-1-1, 2 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, ☎ 81 3-3270-8800. This exclusive hotel offers fabulous rooms, a first-class spa and a 1-star Michelin signature restaurant. The hotel also has fitness facilities that rival anything in Tokyo.
- 5 Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Kakigara-cho, ☎ 81 3-3667-1111. Five star accommodation located in central Tokyo, ideal for business and leisure travelers. Easily accessible from Tokyo Airport, the Royal Park Hotel Tokyo is located next to the TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) from where they depart and arrive several times an hour for Narita International Airport.
How to keep in touch
Other projects
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