Posted on May 18th, 2025

Day 3 in Tokyo – Tsukiji Outer Market, Vintage Finds & Senso-ji at Night

📍 Friday, May 18

We kicked off Day 3 a bit later than usual, leaving the hotel around 10:30 AM. Our journey took us from the bustling flavors of Tsukiji Outer Market, through the vintage-filled streets of Shimokitazawa, and ended in the glowing serenity of Senso-ji Temple at night.

🍣 Morning at Tsukiji Outer Market: Flavors & Curiosities

Our first destination was the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, near Ginza—a lively maze of food stalls, seafood vendors, and specialty shops.

Getting There:

🚶 Walk to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
🚇 Ride the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza, then walk to Tsukiji
⏱️ About 35–40 minutes total travel time
💴 Approx. ¥200 (via Suica app)

🌊 Market Impressions

The market was bustling with energy and crowds by the time we arrived around 11:15 AM
Food options were more expensive than expected
One unique sight: a food stall selling beef sushi—a first for me

🍛 Lunch at Udon The Birth

I ordered a rice bowl with pork feet, while something on the menu called udon with pounded yam stood out—not for accuracy, but for the cultural connection that might interest Nigerian readers. (Spoiler: it didn’t look like pounded yam, but the name caught my eye.)

🍠 Dessert with a Story

At Sushi Cafe, we shared a sweet potato parfait and chatted with the owner, who showed us old photos and revealed his African American heritage—his grandfather was from Chicago. A personal and unexpected connection in the heart of Tokyo.

🧥 Afternoon in Shimokitazawa: Vintage Treasure Hunt

By 2:00 PM, we headed to Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s hotspot for vintage and second-hand fashion.

🛍️ Shops We Explored

Stick Out – ¥800 flat pricing, though with limited selection
Kinji – Large, well-stocked, popular with fashion hunters
TreFac Style – Where my daughter found standout designer pieces
2nd STREET & RAGTAG – Great for both branded and budget-friendly fashion

📷 A quirky moment: I spotted a post box shaped like a vertical gas cylinder—a small but memorable Tokyo detail.

🌃 Evening at Senso-ji Temple: Tradition Illuminated

As night fell, we visited the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, arriving just in time to see it beautifully illuminated.

🏮 Highlights of the Visit

The Kaminarimon Gate and towering five-story pagoda lit up under the night sky
The peaceful experience of watching worshippers pray beneath glowing red lanterns
The vibrant marketplace surrounding the temple, filled with dazzling souvenirs and local snacks

🎊 A Cultural Surprise

We witnessed an energetic festival procession, with groups in traditional happi coats carrying mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets. The lively drumbeats, chanting, and excitement gave us a real sense of Tokyo’s spiritual and community culture.

🍜 Return to Shinjuku: Comfort Food to End the Day

Back in Shinjuku, we wrapped up the day with a comforting dinner at a local Chinese restaurant near our hotel. It was:

Affordable
Filling
Exactly what we needed after a long day of walking and exploring

Final Thoughts

Day 3 offered a full spectrum of Tokyo: from foodie adventures and cross-cultural connections in Tsukiji, to retro fashion in Shimokitazawa, and the spiritual warmth of Senso-ji Temple under the stars. The festival atmosphere and small surprises along the way made this day uniquely rich.

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