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.