Today we are exploring Ueno, a suburb in Tokyo, popular for it’s Zoo, Shinto and Zen landmarks, a number of different Markets and the Ueno Park. This was a solo travel day for me as Lani and Blake separate plans this day and I wanted to explore the city. I caught the train to Ueno station and walked a short way when I stumbled across this peaceful little Shinto Shrine popped right in the middle of the city. Once you walked up the stairs you were transported away from the hustle and bustle and were at the entrance of the Ishibashiinari Shrine.
Ishibashiinari Shrine
〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 4 Chome−6−1 ６
These are called Ema, which translates to ‘picture horse’. They are small wooden plaques that worshippers can write wishes and prayers on. These will then be tied in areas around the shrine where it is believed the Kami (spirits, gods) can receive them. Shinto Temples and shrines in particular main purpose is to house (enshrine) one or more Kami.
Omikuji (translates to sacred lot) are random fortunes written on strips of paper. You can make an offering to the shrine to pick one from a box, think of it as a fortune cookie. Sometimes these can be found in coin operated boxes. Once you make the donation and have read your fortune, you then tie the paper in these areas around the Shrine to ask the Kami for your fortunes to come true. You don’t have to do this if you don’t like the fortune you received but this is something I made a point of doing at every shrine I visited on my trip.
You may spot a few fox statues on your trip and wonder what they mean. The fox or kitsune are known to represent the Shinto spirit Inari. Inari represents rice, tea and sake, very important aspects of Japanese culture. The kitsune statues you see spotted around Shinto shrines serve as the shrine guardians while also looking very cute.
When I spot a shrine I always make a point to stop and observe the stillness and reverence. I often would find a quiet spot, in this case it was one of the outdoor benches under the trees you can see here and I would meditate for a few minutes. It was always such a welcome break when you are solo traveling, rushing from one spot to the other trying to see everything you can see. Taking a moment to slow down and reflect on where I am and what I am doing and being mindful of my experience in the world.
I wandered out of the shrine and made my way to the Ameya Yokocho market area. I had researched a heap of Markets around Tokyo and popped them into my Google Maps. I don’t have Wi-Fi while traveling so I will download the maps so I can then use these while offline. The maps have limited capabilities when you aren’t connected but they serve as a very helpful guide to get from one spot to the other as you can usually see where you are based off GPS.
The Ameya Yokocho is located next to Ueno station where I originally came from, I sort of just circled back in a different direction and explored some shops along the way. There are a lot of outdoor stalls as well as established shop fronts throughout the area where you can get anything from snacks to electronic to clothes, seafood and everything in between.
Can you imagine if we had these prices in Sydney. I will never get over Japanese sushi and how affordable and fresh everything is.
My favorite, iykyk
I REALLY regret not going to this restaurant. Those are huge bowls full of fresh seafood including my favorite tobiko and caviar. For insanely low prices as well. The seafood in Japan is so worth the hype. It’s ridiculous how fresh and delicious everything tastes in comparison to Sydney.
I did read that this market area was popular for Turkish and Lebanese food but it was still kind of wild to see this Aras Kebab shop to be the busiest food store around. I didn’t take a photo of the line but it was going out onto the street.
This is centre of the shopping area. The two streets connect into the one and the amount of people that were flowing back and forth honestly reminded me of salmon in a stream. I found my way into the smoking area you can see in the above photo. It is right in the middle one floor up under the tv screen. Below is the view from that area.
This is the definition of a ‘bottleneck’.
This shop was set out vertically instead of horizontally using cardboard boxes. It actually was really hard to reach the items in the middle so I’m not sure it was the greatest design.
My obsession with Japanese food is so strong.
These big displays above restaurants is very common in Osaka but you don’t see it as often in Tokyo, I wonder why?
After I had sufficiently explored Ameya Yokocho I made my way back to the train to catch the Ginza Line from Ueno to Omote-Sando station. I then walked about 10 min to get the the United Nations University to visit the Farmer’s Market. This occurs every Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm. This is an open air market that has an extensive range of fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, condiments and of course various food trucks.
Farmers Market at UNU
5 Chome-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
The baked goods were such a stand out at this market. Below is a display of breads and buns you could purchase from an area inside that had the largest line of any stall at that market. The display was an art piece in itself. I love how the advertised each bread with a hand holding it and a description beside it. Such a unique way to market ho bread! I did not get a chance to try any of these breads as the line was honestly so insanely long and I wanted to explore more.
I can’t say I have ever seen Haggis in a toastie, have you?
Almost every condiment stall outside had tasters and I am always a big fan of trying as much new things as I can. It’s by far my favorite way to experience a new culture, through my tastebuds and also my camera. I love taking photos at the markets. The products sell themselves but it really is special how different sellers display their goods in such a unique way.
I especially enjoyed seeing these photos of these very happy looking chooks.
Hands down the best part of the farmers market was the adoption area. A local shelter had brought a number of dogs and had set up an area where you could meet and greet them all. I was in heaven. Being away from my little sausage dog Sassie breaks my heart every time I travel. Getting to pat and cuddle with gorgeous pups like this makes it slightly easier. And knowing that a lot of these dogs hopefully found their forever home that day just warms my heart.
You will see as many dogs in prams as babies in Japan, it’s incredible.
The shelter owner, a true hero.
After the Markets I went back to our accommodation, showered and got changed for a bit of an afternoon wander around Harajuku before meeting Lani and Blake for dinner.
Stopped into another cat themed store, this seemed to be a common occurrence in Japan on this trip. This was a cosmetics brand that I had never heard of, Paul & Joe. Check out the Visual Merchandising in this place.
The lighting does not do justice for how cute these tiles were.
Flamingo Mabataki Nagoya
〒460-0011 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Osu, 3 Chome−22−32ｰ33 トヒチビル 1階
Kinney Used & Vintage American Clothing Store
〒154-0024 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Sangenjaya, 1 Chome−35−3 ＭＴビル １０１
This is my warning and recommendation to NOT go to Luke’s Lobster Harajuku. I was so excited to try this place after seeing so many Positive reviews and I ended up with severe food poisoning. I mean that’s my fault for eating something other than Japanese food in Japan I guess.
Delicious salmonella.
I lost a whole day to being in bed/ on the toilet and binged the whole season of ‘The Society’. When I finally felt well enough to go out again the sun was already down. I genuinely think I prefer Tokyo at night though so I’m not even that mad about it. I wish all signs in Sydney were LED. I genuinely feel so much safer at night in Tokyo than in Sydney. That’s also down to a difference in culture, but having the streets lit up so well doesn’t hurt. I mean it’s probably not great in terms of light pollution or the environment but it sure do be pretty.
Always stopping by my favorite little food truck for sneks.
My first food after food poisoning was more seafood but I will always eat sashimi and raw fish has actually never made me ill. This was a little restaurant we stumbled across on our night city wanders. I would love to tell you where it was but for the life of me I cannot remember. We ordered a sashimi platter that came out covered in dry ice which was an absolute vibe and an array of various meat skewers that were cooked to perfection.
This type of traditional Japanese restaurant where you sit on tatami mats on the floor with low tables in the middle, its called Zashiki. We also ordered zucchini flowers that were made with tempura batter that was delicious. Luckily I was much better and able to digest food because we had big plans for the next day..
WE’RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!! Stay tuned!
erica
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