Tuesday, Satoshi took the day off to do some errands and also so we could explore the Ota Shijo, a huge wholesale market which is rather close to Haneda airport.
There are separate buildings for wholesale flowers, seafood, fruits and veggies.
When we arrived (at about 8:00) all the auctions were done for the day.
While walking around, you'll see boxes and boxes of fruits and veggies all organized by types.
All the workers zipping around on their turret trucks...just like Tsukiji.
We were walking on the floor of the market (and felt like we were in everyone's way) and afterwards found out we weren't supposed to be walking on the floor of the market...oops!
Near the back of the market are several eateries.
Satoshi had their ebi fry (fried shrimp) set...1100 yen (tax included)
Both meals come with freshly sliced maguro (tuna).
Everything was delicious!
Since Ota Shijo is a wholesale market, there weren't any retail shops for us to buy fruits or veggies and even though there was no real signage as to where to go to view the market we were glad we were able to get a "feel" of the market.
They only open until 15:00, so be sure check their schedule (for days of closure) and go early.
From where we were standing, I wasn't too sure where the sandy beach was though...
Nearby is the Oomori Nori Museum. For over 300 years, nori (laver) used to be a huge business including "nori farming" in Tokyo Bay until it came to an end in 1962.
If I read the display correctly, nori farming would run from Summer to Autumn and the harvesting would take place during the coldest months (December to February).
Even though I am not totally fluent in reading all the Japanese characters, it was interesting to see all these displays.
Still so much more to explore in Tokyo and I'm glad we got to visit these places within our ward.
Ota Wholesale Market
3-2-1 Tokai
Ota, Tokyo
Hours: 5:00-15:00, closed on weekends, holidays and some Wednesdays
Sanyo Shokudo
3-2-7 Tokai
Ota, Tokyo
Hours: 6:00-14:00, open when the market is
Oomori Furusato-no-Hamabe Park
1-1 Furusato-no-hamabe koen
Ota, Tokyo
Hours: 5:30-21:00, closed December 29-31
Oomori Nori Museum
2-2 Heiwa-no-mori koen
Ota, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Admission: free
Closed every 3rd Monday and during New Year Holidays
5 comments:
I liked the part about the nori museum (those shoes!), and that it was for free!
So interesting! Too bad there wasn't a retail market to buy some produce and fruits.
My hairstylist lived in Ota just before the war. She said she was in the 3rd grade and her whole school had to move to the country to be safe. Fortunate because when she and her family returned home after the war, there was nothing. Everywhere had been destroyed in the firebombings. They had to relocate to Nagano. Also fortunate they had relatives who let them build a home on the land.
v
I liked that it was free too Rowena, and thought the shoes were so cool too!
Small world V!
Take care you two!
Kat
Man, check out those geta! The nori museum looks like an interesting place to visit.
Kirk, the geta were krazy high! despite everything being in Japanese, it was a great place to visit.
Take care!
Kat
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