Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
Today, when the fresh greenery has become a dazzling season and the time to walk naturally has increased....
After all, they said, "I go to see limited-time exhibitions" and "I go to eat reputed sweets."
If you have any purpose, you will be motivated to take a walk.

This time, it is based on Yukio Mishima's short novel "Hashizukushi" set in the Tsukiji and Shintomi areas.
Here are some exciting and exciting walking routes.
First, I would like to briefly explain the content of the novel on the full moon night on August 15th of the lunar calendar.
Four women cross seven bridges and try to make a wish.

But not just cross the bridge and do wish!
・Don't say wish to each other
・Don't speak until you leave the house until you cross seven bridges.
・Don't be spoken by someone you know
・Don't walk on the same road twice
In addition to these rules, before and after crossing the bridge.
You have to pray with your hands together (14 times in total).
It seems to be a big rule, but it's surprisingly difficult to follow.

In a mixture of excitement and anxiety, I hit those rules into my head.
We decided to carry out a request called the modern version "Hashizukushi" early in the morning.
First, head to Miyoshi Bridge, the first and second bridges (2 counts because there are two bridges) and go to
Check the monument referring to "Hashizukushi" at the side of the bridge.
In the past, you can see the place where the river was located at a glance!



And finally started with the book containing this novel in one hand.



Look at the Chuo-ku government office lit by the morning sun and read the relevant part of the novel.
"The balustrade of the bridge is low, and each of them stands at the three corners that shape the triangle in the center of the three-pronged, and there is an elegant Suzuran lantern. Each of the Suzuran lamps hung four lamps, but not all of them were lit. The round polished glass of a light that is not lit by the moon looks like white. " （p. 320）



It was not a hatred moon, but a time when the sun was out, but I discovered something that seemed to be Suzuran lantern.



Seeing the same thing as appearing in the novel seems to have entered the world of the story and somewhat strange feeling
I was about to raise a voice of joy, but I will hold it and aim for the next bridge.

The third bridge is Tsukijibashi!





When I read the novel after finishing my wish,
"I noticed when I came here, but there were willows planted in Tadami on the side of the bridge, even in the midst of the murder of the city center. The solitary willows, which are usually unnoticed by car, stood out from the ground of concrete, and shook the leaves under the river breeze of Tadami's river. At midnight, a noisy building was dead, and only willow lived." （p. 322）
Yes, it is.

The river has been reclaimed, but
I wonder how willows are still growing in a cramped manner.



"Oh,...I wonder if this is the willow that appears in the novel?"
Walk to Irifune Bridge, the fourth bridge, and complete your wishes.



And on the way to the fifth bridge, the novel says
"Soon to the left, you will see the magnificent architecture of St. Luke Hospital on the river. It looked depressed, illuminated by the translucent shade. The huge gold cross at the top was illuminated, and as soon as they were, the red light of the aviation sign was ruined with the sights of the rooftop and the sky. The hall behind the hospital was turned off, but the outline of the Gothic-style rose window looks high and clear. The windows of the hospital still lit dark lights everywhere." （p. 325）
There is a description of it.



Just like the novel, rush ahead while looking at the rose window sideways.

At this time, I saw a policeman who was patroling early in the morning.
"What should I do if I can call out like a novel?"
Still, I arrived at Akatsuki Bridge in Tsukiji River Park without silence.



Unlike conventional bridges, I don't feel like I'm crossing the bridge, but I don't feel like I'm crossing the bridge.
When viewed from the back side, you can feel the like a bridge.



Move around the park and discover the main pillar of Sakae Bridge.



When I reached this point, I felt strongly that I wanted to cross the seventh bridge safely.
Bizen Bridge headed by a short run



In the novel
"The concrete pillar in the shape of a shamisen box is marked as Bizen Bridge, and there is a light on the top of the pillar." (p. 329).
I remembered, compared it to the actual bridge, and did the last wish.

It is a road that I could usually walk around, but when I tried the modern version of "Bridge Tsukushi", it was
Rather, I was able to notice the scenery that was fresh and the same as the decades I had never been aware of before.
The four-character idiom called Won Shinshin is perfect!

On the other hand, there are some scenes that have become invisible due to the increase in the number of tall buildings.
A few decades later, Mansako, who appeared in the novel, and a girl of about the same age as me today.
Thinking about the original era and the Tsukiji and Shintomi areas before the Olympics in 2020.
It may be challenging the "bridge" of a new era.
What kind of transformation has this area been undergoing by that time?...

When taking a walk in the Tsukiji / Shintomi area, remember the flow of such times.
Why don't you try an exciting and thrilling experience?

[References] (The pages in this article are based on this document.)
Yukio Mishima (1973) "Yukio Mishima Complete Works Vol. 10", Shinchosha.

[Related Articles]
Senior correspondents are also walking along the route of "Hashizukushi".
Mr. Sushi: "Walking Yukio Mishima" Bridge Tsukushi "-from Miyoshi Bridge to Bizen Bridge-"
Mr. CAM: "Bridge Tsukushi Tour" (1), "Bridge Tsukushi Tour" (2)

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
Suddenly, have you ever seen underground in Tokyo?
For those who commute by subway every day or go to the grocery section of the department store, this is the case.
The underground may be a familiar place.
However, you can see underground in Chuo-ku that such people will not know yet!

The identity of the underground is called a communal ditch.
Let's briefly explain for those who say "What is a common ditch?"

A communal ditch is a facility that houses lifelines such as telephone, electricity, gas, water and sewerage, etc. underground.
①Securing smooth road traffic (reduction of street construction)
②Securing safe lifeline accommodation space
③Improvement of Urban Landscapes
④Improvement of Urban Disaster Prevention Functions
This is the main objective.

Such an infrastructure that is difficult to see.
In Chuo-ku, you can see it from the observation windows installed at the following two locations.

◼️ Nihonbashi Service Pipe Near the B1 Exit of Nihombashi Station on the Ginza Line



It's a bit difficult to understand, but there's a window at the end of the stairs on the left that can't get out of the ground.
This communal ditch was set up in June 1972 under the sidewalk on both sides of the national highway from Nihonbashi Muromachi 3-chome to Kyobashi 3-chome.
It seems to be 2.7 km on both sides.



If you look into it, the infrastructure that supports the city was neatly housed!



◼️ Near the A13 exit of Ginza Station on the Ginza Kyodo Mizo Ginza Line (directly connected to Matsuya)

In the wake of the outbreak of cholera in 1832, the communal ditch was born in Paris the following year as a measure against sewage treatment.
In Japan, as part of the Imperial Capital Reconstruction Project following the Great Kanto Earthquake (mid-1920s).
It is said that it was the first time that it was introduced on a trial basis at three locations including Yaesu Street.

This joint ditch in Ginza was held in October 1968 as a commemorative project for 1967.
It is set up under the sidewalks on both sides of 1-chome to 8-chome on Ginza Street, and extends 2km on both sides.
As a result, there were no telephone poles from Ginza, street trees and street lights were reborn.
A row of willow trees has come to be impressed as a landscape of Ginza.
The transition is evident in the photos before the communal ditch was developed.

■State of Ginza Street in 1900



■The Ginza Kaido in 1911



Even though something like a willow is shown, telephone poles and electric wires stand out.
I guess it's far from the clean Ginza landscape today.

It was the first time that a willow was planted in Ginza in 1877.
However, considering the history of the communal groove in mind.
It can be seen that it took about a century for willow to be established as a Ginza-like landscape.
It is the scenery of Ginza that has become commonplace now.
It was a surprising discovery that the infrastructure was realized by being housed underground.

Now that we have become a convenient world, we tend to forget about infrastructure that we don't usually see.
In Chuo-ku, you can feel it close.
When you stop by for commuting, going to school, walking, or traveling, why don't you take a peek through the window?

[References and Website]
Yuriko Koike / Ryuichiro Matsubara (2015) "Poleless Revolution: Renewing the cityscape and increasing safety" PHP Institute.
Tokyo National Highway Office, Kanto Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism http://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/toukoku/chika/index.htm

[Photo]
National Diet Library “Meiji and Taisho in Photos: From the Photo Book of the Diet Library” http://ndl.go.jp/scenery_top/
All digital images from the Diet Library have expired, and the copyright protection period has expired.

This spring, I saw tourists from overseas for cherry blossoms.
One of the charms of Japan is Hanes, a new correspondent who reaffirmed that the season is the season.

"Is it possible to eat cherry blossoms?" When asked, "What kind of taste do you like?"
I couldn't express it in words, and I have sent a parcel of cherry blossoms, including salted cherry blossoms and cherry candy.
If you think about it again, cherry blossoms and food may not be so connected to Japanese people.
When I was thinking about such a thing, I heard that there was a shop where you could enjoy "Sakura Lunch Buffet", and I went there immediately.

The location is BAGUS PLACE, located on the first basement floor of the Ginza Velvia Building.
This store is a chain store that operates nationwide.
The concept is to provide entertainment for adults.
It is a chic space that is unparalleled in Ginza, an adult town.
The best recommendation here is a buffet-style lunch offered at a surprising price that makes you think "Is it really Ginza?"

1,000 yen (weekdays) 1 person excluding tax
1,250 yen (Saturday Sunday holiday) 1 person excluding tax
※300 yen discount for elementary school students / 600 yen discount for infants / free under 4 years old
　It is a price that is easy for children, and it can be used by families!



And what do you do?...There is no time limit.
You can enjoy your meal without worrying about time and bloom in the story.

In addition to the full-year menu, I used canola flower, spring bamboo shoots, cherry shrimp, cherry blossoms and strawberries.
We have a wide selection of menus that allow you to feel spring with your eyes and tongue.
I just wanted to eat that and this too.



In addition, food during the holiday season, such as Inari Sushi, and so on.
There were also coffee and tea that were perfect after the meal.
In addition, two kinds of apple vinegar (normal, rose hip & cassis) that are good for women who care about beauty are also offered in fashionable jers.



Recent research has revealed that it has high nutritional value and antioxidant effects.
Apple polyphenol
It may be easy to drink, and it is also recommended for men who care about their health!

Unfortunately, "Sakura Lunch Buffet" ended on the 15th, but it ended on the 15th.
It is said that a new buffet will begin in May.
Details will be announced on the website as soon as they are decided!

The best time to see the cherry blossoms has passed, but on the other hand, the new tea season is coming soon.
You can enjoy tea time ahead of the season.
This season's recommended spot Häagen-Dazs tea room will be available for a limited time until May 6th.
Opened in "Sukiyabashi Chabo" on the 6th floor of Tokyu Plaza Ginza.



Here, not only creative Japanese sweets using Hergendats ice cream, but also Japanese sweets.
It was developed by a French sommelier to match this menu.
It seems that you can also enjoy Japanese tea with original flavors.



Potato, wormwood, and kinkan are rare for Japanese people.
I wonder if it's a tea with a taste.
Be sure to check it out when you go to Ginza on weekends.

■BAGUS PLACE
From 11:30 to 5:00 the following day / Sundays and holidays 11:30 to 23:00 (however, the day before the holiday is open until 5:00 the following day)
Lunch 11:30-16:00
2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, B1F, Ginza Velvia Building
https://www.bagus-99.com/Bplace/

■Häagen-Dazs teahouse
From April 18, 2018 (Wednesday) to May 6, 2018 (Sunday)
11:00-23:00 (Mon-Sat) Last order 22:00
From 11:00 to 21:00 (Sun/holiday) Last order 20:00
5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 6th floor "Sukiyabashi Chabo"
https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/company/newsrelease/2018/_0410.html

Hello! This is a new correspondent, Hanes.

The other day, I mentioned the morning activities that can be done in Chuo-ku.
Many people working in Chuo-ku say, "I'm fluttering in the morning, but I can get time at night!"
And for those who come to Tokyo for sightseeing, even after the cultural facilities are closed.
"I want to have a special experience unique to Chuo-ku!" Isn't there a lot of people who say, "I want to enjoy it at night!"

This time, we call it the first series of [Chuo-ku Night Activity Series].
We will introduce limited-time night activity information that can be done at Tsukiji for about one month from now on.

What is that night activity?...This is a tour of the standing practice of Nihonbashi Opera "Iris".
When it comes to opera, there is an image of a high threshold, but please be assured!
This practice is open to the public for free.



Open the door of the training room on the second floor of the Tsukiji Social Education Center, Chuo-ku, which is a rehearsal hall while pounding....



The members of Nihonbashi Opera were checking the swing.



According to the commentary I received during the tour, the opera was performed.
①Music practice
②Standing training (directors give detailed explanations and guidance on how to move to each cast)
③Through training
It seems that there are three stages.
Even those who usually go to operas, plays, and concerts don't have much opportunity to see such a practice scene?

In the standing practice released this time, you can see the process of creating the work.
The thoughts and intentions contained in the movement, as well as the attention to the colors and materials of clothes and accessories.
You can learn through instruction from the director to the actor.



It seems that there are some improvements that can be seen only by standing training.
You can realize that opera is not a script-like one, but a "creature" whose expression differs depending on the person and place of the performer.
Also, by looking at such a place, you should be able to enjoy more happily in the actual performance, saying, "That gesture at the time of standing training was finished like this."

And not only in the actual performance, but also in practice, the sound of the piano is wonderful.



You can listen to the singing voice.



There was also a conductor, singing the relevant part instead of the actor who was absent from the practice.



This year's performance of Nihonbashi Opera, which is being created through such practice, is a performance of this year.
The opera "Iris" composed by Pietro Mascarni (Iris) = Ayame)

It is not as well known as Puccini's "Mrs. Chocho" set in Nagasaki.
Similarly, it was influenced by japonism, which became popular in Western Europe at the end of the 19th century.
The big difference from "Mrs. Chocho" is that it uses Japanese melody, while it uses Japanese melody.
"Iris" is all Italian melodies.
However, Japanese characters such as Osaka, Kyoto, Fujiyama, Seki Shimono, Musume, and Gaisha appear in the characters and lyrics.
Isn't that also the point you want to keep in mind during the theater?

The stage of this work is Edo, where Iris, a girl living with a blind father, is deceived and sold to Yoshiwara.
It's just 120 years since it premiered in Rome.
Former Yoshihara may be located in Nihonbashi Ningyocho today, and the performance will be decided at Nihonbashi, a land related to it.
This is an opera that I would like to appreciate in Chuo-ku in this memorable year.

Advance reservations are not required for standing lessons!
You can feel free to drop in.
Please refer to the Nihonbashi Opera website below for the date and time of public release.
http://www.music-tel.com/wargner/

Most recently, it is scheduled to be released at Tsukiji Social Education Center from 18:00 to 20:00 on April 23 (Mon), 25 (Wed), and May 1 (Tuesday).
It's a practice, but I forget the tiredness of work and look at it unintentionally.
It will be a night activity with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Whether you are a fan of opera or a beginner of opera, why not take this opportunity to experience the charm of opera set in Japan?

[Details of actual production]
Nihonbashi Opera 2018 Opera "Iris" (composed by Pietro Mascarni)
Location: Nihonbashi Theater (4th floor of Nihonbashi Public Hall, Chuo-ku, 1-31-1 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho)
Date and time: May 27, 2018 (Sun) 14:00 (Open 13:30)
Ticket information: e+ (eplus) http://eplus.jp/
　　　　　　　All seats are free for general 4,800 yen
　　　　　　　Central inhabitant discount 2,400 yen, children (6 years old and over)-student 1,000 yen
　　　　　　　There is a ticket on the day. Central residents and students must present their ID card.

Hello. It's Hanes, a new correspondent!
[Morning Activity Series in Chuo-ku] In the second part of the first installment, we will tell you more about the morning activities at Tsukiji.

When you arrive at the tuna auction venue, you will first see the items being decided before the auction.

Based on what the people involved in the auction explained during the waiting time, the rough procedure is as follows.

①Lift the tail with a hook to check the glue of the fat.
The point at this time is whether it is a moderate fat.



②Check the color by illuminating it with a light.





③Make a note.



④The bell rings, and the auction starts at 10,000 yen per kilogram.





Only veteran men participated in the auction.
I was overwhelmed by the speed and vitality that I expected, and the auction ended in no time.

At the same time, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the auction, and at the same time, look around to burn the history of the market.
Very old ceilings, pipes, stickers, etc. here and there!

　

As soon as I went out of the building, people who were cutting or carrying the lost tuna jumped into their eyes and jumped into their eyes.
I learned that Tsukiji, when everyone is sleeping, has a more vibrant world than during the day.
At the same time, I felt like I understood why people from overseas wanted to come to Tsukiji until I got up early.

After the tour, a veteran guide will speak to you.
I went to eat fresh tuna with my sisters from Austria and my couple from San Francisco.
I ordered the tuna from different parts of the body.



As recommended by guides and shops, first of all, enjoy the difference in texture and fat of tuna without adding anything.
Next, I enjoyed the change in taste by adding salt.
Even as a Japanese person, I was shocked to see if the taste changed so much by adding a little salt.
Eating sashimi without soy sauce was almost never before.
With Tsukiji, which offers fresh fish, you can eat this way without worrying about the smell of fish!
I think this will be an experience that changes the concept of sashimi even for Japanese people.

After that, we shared our impressions of auctions and fresh tuna with customers who were at the shop (all from overseas except me).
For the tightening, we had egg-yaki using seafood soup.



After a luxurious breakfast, I happened to commute to work with my sister from Austria, where my workplace was close to me.
We talked about the greatness of crowded trains in Tokyo on the train.

I can't deny that the morning of Tsukiji is early, but just get up early, just one day, and get up early.
You can spend a refreshing and fulfilling morning where you can see valuable auctions, eat fresh tuna, and have international exchange!
Indeed, "fishing sea bream with shrimp."

If you want to do an unusual morning activity, how about such a morning activity in Tsukiji?

Hello. In order to make the life of society more fulfilling
I'm a new correspondent Hanes who are active in the morning irregularly!

Morning activity to use the time before starting work for activities such as study and hobbies...
I often hear English conversation cafes, but did you know that morning activities in Chuo-ku are a bit different?
This time, I would like to focus on Tsukiji as the first installment of [Chuo-ku Morning Activity Series].



Some of you may have heard "Tsukiji, morning" and heard it.
After all, if you say Tsukiji morning...It's a tuna auction.

The relocation of Toyosu is approaching six months later, and even if you get up early, you want to visit at least once....
For those who say, "But how can I see it?"
I would like to introduce how to do it with actual experience.

First of all, here is the website that you want to see if you are considering visiting.
http://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.jp/kengaku/tsukijikengaku/

As you can see on the website, reception will start on the first floor of the "fish spread center" from 5:00 am, but reception hours may be advanced!
In other words, the reception will be closed when the capacity of 120 people gather.
I participated in the off-season (winter), so I reached the capacity at 4:30.
I've heard that summer will close at 2 o'clock, so getting up early is inevitable!

However, even those who are not good at getting up early are not good at getting up.
①Experience the valuable experience of getting a glimpse of the world of people working in Tsukiji
②You can eat fresh fish from the morning
③International exchange is possible
What if there is "the virtue of Sanbun"?

I was caught in those virtues and said, "I thought, lucky day."
I got up early and went to Tsukiji.
When you enter the center, multilingual campus maps and bibs will be distributed.



If you look at the reference number at the end of the handout, you can see that I was the 51st out of the 60 first half.
The first half can be visited from 5:50 am to 6:05 am, and the second half can be viewed from 6:05 am to 6:20 am
Those who came from Western Europe, who was at the forefront, arrived at 2 o'clock!
Even if you look around the world, there is no such place where you can go sightseeing early in the morning.



I can't leave the center until the tour time.
You can talk to other participants, sleep, or learn the history of Tsukiji on the panel inside the center!
As the tour time approaches, the person involved in the auction will explain the auction procedure and precautions.
I spoke English as I got used to it, and the consideration and hospitality for overseas people were also perfect.

According to what I hear, he cooks on behalf of his own wives.
When I asked his wife, "Where do you want to go?"
"I'd like a place I've never been there."...
On the other hand, he said, "How about a kitchen?"
The episodes that make you laugh unexpectedly are humorous,
The laughter of everyone who came from abroad was greatly invited.

By the way, while such a story was exciting, it was finally time to start the tour!
Pass through the premises where the turret truck runs around busy, and go to the auction place.



Many stakeholders have already gathered there, and we are in the middle of defining the product.
What kind of auction will be held?
I will tell you the next article.