News On Japan

Toyosu Market: How to Eat Like a Local

Toyosu Market: How to Eat Like a Local

TOKYO - The newly opened commercial facility "Toyosu Senkyakubanrai," located next to the Toyosu Market, has become a major attraction for numerous tourists from both within Japan and abroad. Despite some initial reactions suggesting that the prices might be a bit steep for locals, "A little expensive for the Japanese taste perhaps..." there are actually ways for Japanese customers to enjoy the offerings at a more reasonable cost.

One of the most talked-about features was the high-priced seafood bowls, mockingly referred to as "Inbound Donburi" on social media. Indeed, some bowls are priced close to 7,000 yen, which can seem expensive to Japanese consumers. However, upon closer inspection of the ingredient case, the seafood used appears to be of high quality, potentially justifying the pricing for foreign tourists who may perceive it as a bargain.

Even well-known gourmet and gay bar mama from Shinjuku Ni-chome, Kanade, known for her expertise in dining out, seemed a bit gloomy when looking at the menus of other establishments, "A little expensive for the Japanese taste perhaps..."

However, while touring the facility with Kanade, it became clear that there are indeed shops that offer more reasonable prices for Japanese customers. For example, "Tsukiji Kagura Sushi" offers sushi sets crafted by skilled chefs starting at 2,970 yen, attracting long lines of customers.

Beyond seafood, there are other popular spots such as "Chinese Soba Katsumoto," which consistently sees queues throughout its open hours and even runs out of soup before closing. It's advisable to visit early to avoid missing out.

Kanade shared a tip for enjoying a meal at Toyosu Senkyakubanrai without waiting in line: start by purchasing a bento from "Yamauchi Foods" on the second floor. This shop sells bento boxes featuring crab meat directly from Hakodate, with the most affordable option being the crab chirashi bento at 1,350 yen. Kanade didn't hesitate to buy the least expensive crab chirashi bento.

Next, she headed to "Menya Takeichi" in the food court on the third floor. Among the extensive noodle menu, Kanade chose the Osaka specialty "Nikukasu Udon Small" for 690 yen, a dish not commonly found in the Kanto region.

Combining the two meals for a total of 2,040 yen proved to be a very economical choice that left one fully satisfied, a testament to Kanade's professional dining expertise. The crab chirashi bento was packed with so much crab meat that the rice was barely visible, offering a hearty meal. Moreover, the udon with its elegant broth and crispy meat scraps was outstanding, with a well-balanced flavor that would leave few unsatisfied.

While Toyosu Senkyakubanrai certainly has establishments geared towards inbound tourists, there is also no shortage of options for Japanese customers. It's definitely worth a visit to find a shop that suits your taste.

Source: MDPR

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A tropical depression developing near the Chuuk Islands is expected to become a typhoon by the evening of August 19 before continuing to strengthen over unusually warm waters and reaching the vicinity of the Mariana Islands as a strong typhoon by August 23.

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.

About 10,000 fireworks illuminated the Kumano-nada Sea in brilliant colors on August 17 as the Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival was held in Kumano, Mie Prefecture, drawing about 80,000 spectators, according to organizers.

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Nagoya's municipal subway will introduce a contactless credit card payment service at all 87 stations from September 3, allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates simply by tapping a compatible card.

Kyoto's traditional Gozan Okuribi bonfire ceremony was held on the night of August 16, lighting the skies above the ancient capital as residents marked the end of the Obon season by sending off the spirits of their ancestors.

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are preparing to coordinate schedules on some domestic routes as the longtime rivals seek ways to maintain air services.