Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
What do you think of when you say "Night View of Chuo-ku"?
There may be typical things such as the eight night views of Chuo-ku and the scenery from Harumi Wharf.

However, even if it is not very famous as a night view, Chuo-ku makes you want to take pictures.
There are a lot of spots that are fascinated by the radiance of the night.
Among them, this time, I would like to introduce 4 spots that I recently photographed.

[Building]
■PLUSTOKYO
"Adult social space" opened brilliantly on the 12th floor/RF of Kirarito Ginza in November last year.
Globally popular DJs such as STEVE AOKI and R3HAB also perform performances.
It is a hot spot that will also create a nighttime economy for Tokyo 2020.



DJs may have a strong image of a club, but they may have a strong image of a club.
PLUSTOKYO also has restaurants, bars, and galleries.
It can be enjoyed for various purposes day and night, such as providing a slightly luxurious branch.

I've never been there yet, but this floor, which is eye-catching on Chuo-dori, is on the street.
As you can see in the photo, it definitely shows the radiance unique to the night.

■Park City Chuo Minato The Tower (completed in November 2017, 36 stories above ground)
In recent years, the redevelopment of Minato has progressed, and the number of tower apartments is increasing.
Among them, one of the most eye-catching rooftops is the unique shape of this roof.
When I looked into it, I found that there was a sky garden here.
Because there are no tall buildings around, it seems that the space is very open.



From here, I would like to see the night view of Chuo-ku once.

[Bridge]
■Takahashi
Among the bridges over the Kamejima River, there are bridges that are beautifully lit up at night.



The bridge lit up in blue is also a highlight, but please pay attention to the river surface.
Despite the fact that there are many buildings that are not illuminated.
The scenery reflected in the river is a fantastic blue and white scenery reminiscent of an "underground empire"....
I can just imagine it.



■Minami Takahashi
Among the bridges in Chuo-ku, design is one of my favorite bridges.
If a part of the bridge is used as a subject, it will be finished as if it were taken at night overseas.



There are many places in Chuo-ku where you can see beautiful night views, and such places are already well known, but they are still well known.
Just a little change in your eyes and perspectives, apart from them, you will find a wonderful place that shines at night.
Why don't you look for a "My Night View Spot" that is not listed in the guidebook when you leave work or go sightseeing at night?

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
In no time, the first month of 2019, and Setsubun passed, and it was spring.
In the Hokuriku region, the first spring has blown quite early, and the footsteps of spring may have begun to be heard in Chuo-ku.

Over the years, senior correspondent Gimini the other day ☆I think that the number of people who are aware of twenty-four season old calendar that Mr. Cricket introduced is decreasing.
Did you know that about 18 days before the beginning of spring are also called "Doyo"?
I tend to think, "Eel's ox day is summer, so isn't it summer?"
In fact, it refers to the period that can be said to be the turning point of the season that goes around four times a year before spring, summer, fall, and winter.
During those periods, as you all know, there is a day of the ox, like eel, udon, and dried plums.
There is a custom of eating something with "U" to get nutrition, and to be careful about your physical condition.



Nevertheless, it is a food with a strong summer image on earth, the day of the Ox, and the food with "U".
The flu is just prevalent now
It also includes the meaning that if you are sick, you can get a little better.
This time, I would like to make the theme of eel from a different perspective than modern Japanese people.

Time is 1885...Three years after Japan's first electric light turned on in Ginza....
Later, Eliza R. Sidmore, an American woman known as a person who realized the row of cherry blossom trees in Washington, stepped on the Japanese soil.
(Click your name to go to the National Geographic site.)
There is a description of eel cuisine (pp. 129-130) in "Sidmore Japan Journey", which includes the experiences of visiting Chuo-ku, and it is written as follows.

"The luncheon with an elaborate shoulders that is not suitable for the lookout is an eel dish party. Japanese hosts will entertain foreign friends as well as fellow luncheons. Sir Edwin Arnold, a British poet, also praised the deliciousness of eel at the restaurant "Golden Koi". Such delicious eel dishes are also entertained at other teahouses. When you enter the restaurant, all guests are guided to the aquarium, check that eels are slapping in the clean water, and seriously instruct your favorite prey. It looks as uncertain as if it was a lottery, but the board-mae, who watches with a long kitchen knife in his hand, quickly understands the selection of the customer, grasps the sacrifices of the sacrifices, and heads up the kitchen [chopping board] I'm sorry. "

From here, the eel was feasted about 100 years ago, but you can see that it was more casual than it is now.
In the first place, "Unagi Meshi", the predecessor of Unadon, was born around the cultural period (1804-1818) by the ingenuity of Nakamuraza's Kinshu Okubo Imasuke.
It is said that when Onoya in Fukiya-cho sold it, it became a popular dish of Edo in an instant.

"The luncheon for eel dishes begins with eel soup [Kir-sucking], and black eel and white eel are alternately served, and you can order as much as you want. The eel is split flat, cut into short fragments, and baked over charcoal fire. The substitute called black eel is originally dark brown, but since it is soaked in soy sauce before it is baked, it becomes such a color, and white eels are baked without soy sauce. Snow-like rice and eat eel bowls are the best delicious foods offered to people. A large number of foreigners, especially English poets who recognize their true value, are willing to compliment this outstanding taste. At the teahouse on the banks of the river [Oguro-ya in Reigishijima, Kyobashi (center)-ku], while waiting for the eel cooking course, the delightful performances by magicians and Maiko will excite the hospitality of Japan as much as possible."



From here, you can see that liver sink has been served since then, and that eel was a popular dish for overseas people.
It is also mentioned in Oguroya on Reigishima Island, which senior correspondent CAM introduced earlier.
(It is said that Reigishi Island is commonly called "Konjac Island". It sounds delicious, but if you are worried about the origin, please see CAM's article.)
Unfortunately, this eel shop doesn't remain now, but at that time, hospitality to overseas people seemed to be wonderful.

It is said that in the early 19th century, the habit of eating eels became widespread on the day of the ox.
It seems that eel was delicious not only for Japanese but also for overseas people.
And now over time, eel is loved as a slightly luxurious food for us living in the 21st century.
So, as the title suggests, it can be said that eel crosses the times and borders.

In Chuo-ku, there is a long-established eel shop that has been around since the Edo period, like Nodaiwa, the fifth generation.
It's still early for summer soil use, but I guess it's a good idea to look for a specialty eel shop from now on.

[References]
Eliza R. Sidmore (author) / Katsuhisa Tonosaki (translation) "Sidmore Japan Journey" (Kodansha, 2002).

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"Chuo-ku x Spain" (2)-Nihonbashi seen by Rodrigo-

Hello. I'm a new correspondent (Hanes)
As you can see when you look into the department stores in Ginza and Nihonbashi, Valentine's Day is approaching!
Cute sweets are lined up in stores, including overseas chocolates that you can't usually buy.
In recent years, there has been a growing tendency for women to buy slightly luxurious chocolates for themselves.
I feel that chocolate variations are becoming more and more abundant.


(Purchased at Matsuya Ginza 8F. It is a women's favorite royal road and Instagrammable ◎)

There are many delicious chocolate shops in Chuo-ku, so I can't introduce them.
This time, I would like to introduce some heart spots in Chuo-ku that you can enjoy regardless of men and women of all ages.
In addition to Instagram, you may be happy if you visit!

■Ginza area
・GINZA SIX Rooftop Garden (Ginza 6-10-1)
I introduced it in the first article after my correspondent debut.
Hearts can also be enjoyed from the rooftop garden (where is it?)
It is a heart spot that seems known and actually is not well known yet.



[Related Articles]
Hanes "Prayer for love in Ginza in spring!"

・Tenshodo Ginza Main Store (Ginza 4-3-9)
As you all know, there is a cute angel at the corner of this jewelry shop.
This is the work of sculptor Asahiko Yamada, which was set up during the renewal of the Tenshodo in 1997.
As the correspondent seniors have often introduced, wearing a Santa cap depending on the season.
It is a great photo spot for both Japanese and overseas.


(Even if you become a familiar angel, you will take a picture every time you pass nearby.)

Well, you are such an angel, but did you know what you have?
I think you can imagine someone with good intuition, but yes. It's a heart arrow!
I've heard the story that "stroking your head will make love."
Please check this heart when you stroking your head.


(The angel's head tells us that many people have been stroking.)

[Related Articles]
Dimini ☆Mr. Cricket "DESTINY Kamakura Monogatari and Tenshodo"
"Isn't it cold even though spring?"

・Chuo-dori (Ginza-dori)
In fact, heart can now be seen on the main street of Ginza!
Its identity is the leaves of the street tree "Katsura"
Unfortunately, I can't see this season, but I'd like to go see it when it gets warmer.

[Related Articles]
Usako Tsukuda "The street tree on Ginza Street becomes" wig ""
Dimini ☆Mr. Cricket "Replanting street trees on Ginza Chuo-dori"

・Place name sign (This time, we will use a photo of Ginza 3-chome on behalf of.)
This is a "hidden heart" that is a little nice if you find it.
It may be a little overdoing, but did you find it?



The answer is here!



In addition, the heart may be hidden in such places and places that pass sideways many times.

■Tsukiji area
・Tsukiji Honganji (3-15-1 Tsukiji)
It may be surprising, but there is also something like a heart here.
You can see it all over the premises, including main hall.



Well, the reason why I dared to write "like a heart".
In fact, this is not a heart, it is called "Inome".
Since ancient times, it has been used in shrines and temples in the sense of amulet and invitation.



And the name "Inome" is literally derived from "Inoshino eyes".
This year is the year of the boar, so why not look for Inome when visiting shrines and temples?



■Harumi area
・Harumi Wharf
I haven't been able to see it yet, but there seems to be a spot where you can see a series of hearts here.
That's the self-proclaimed “power spot that calls happiness” introduced by senior correspondent George Mayame!
I want to put this on Instagram.
For more information, please refer to the following article.

By the way, I have introduced six heart spots, how was it?
I hope there is also one place where you can think, "I want to go here!"
Because of the Valentine's season, I came to a department store to shop.
Do you not go around heart spot in Chuo-ku?

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
The other day, I revisited TSUKIJI DELI Tsukiji alley back store, which was introduced in the middle of this month.
2 weeks from the grand opening on the 11th...I was wondering if there was any change.
Surprisingly, "In this short period of time !?" It turned into a fulfilling shop.

From rare items to check for Chuo-ku lovers, news that you want to talk to everyone, etc.
The tricks to make Tsukiji even more vibrant and the creation of topics are also perfect.
This time, I will tell you about the "now" of TSUKIJI DELI Tsukiji alley back store, which is evolving every day!



■New menus and products
From the time we introduced last time, we have increased the number of roast beef rice balls by two.
As you can see in the photo, "Yoshiokaya Tanakatsuki" and "Akiyama Shoten Magurobushi" joined the group.
How does the match between the fish and the roast beef?
Expectations increase because the taste of the last time is remembered.


(I'm sorry for the slightly tilted photo.)

And in addition to the signboard "Sake Kasu Milk Mashiro" and "Roast Beef Onigiri (RBO)"
Curry, miso stew, etc. of beef sushi that can be purchased as souvenirs for those coming from afar.
It seems that new menus and souvenir gifts for take-out are increasing one after another.

Personally, I'm worried about the store manager's recommendation set (30 sets daily only) scheduled to start sales from Monday, February 4!
Isn't 3 kinds of today's rice balls on a boat dish too luxurious?
I am worried about what the new menu of sake lees milk soup is like.
I think it will be a warm menu of Tsukiji that I want to check this winter.



■To make you want to take a picture
It's not just the menu that powered up in two weeks!
The pure white wall now has a cute design.
A logo that is just right for taking pictures to commemorate the visit.



The background of roast beef rice balls is such a thing that you want to aim for Instagram!



This time, we had sesame (ice) of "Sake Kasu Milk Mashiro", which the shop also said that they liked it, and we had it.
As a result of trial and error on my own to see if I could somehow take a cute picture.
I was able to take a little unique picture of letting cow drink sake lees milk.



The sesame we received this time has a fragrance like amazake, but it looks and tastes.
The point is that it has a sesame flavor, but it is not too persistent and easy to drink.
It feels like an elegant black sesame pudding has become a drink, and it's just "drinking sweets"!
Matcha, sesame, and kinako sweets are recommended to have them iced to enjoy their respective flavors.

■Official LINE
As I introduced last time, seasonal information is also available on the official LINE.
Now I'm giving this can badge to those who have registered as friends.



Those who thought, "Ah, can badge!" Actually, there is a fact that it is a can badge or a can badge.
This can badge is a souvenir that I handed out at an event to attract the general public about 20 years ago when Tsukiji Market was still a professional purchase place.
Would you like to have a little rare feeling?

Also, I'm surprised that Ryoko Yonekura was coming as a Kirin campaign girl at the event!
This can badge will end as soon as it runs out, so if you are worried, please contact us as soon as possible.
(The Tsukiji mark in the design of the can badge is also listed on the entire Tsukiji Outer Market Map.)

■Finally appeared on TV programs
Mr. TSUKIJI DELI, who has been featured in newspapers, radio, and online news.
It seems that it will finally appear on TV programs, and details are as follows.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 20: 15-20: 43 Exploring Bakumon (NHK)



If you have time, please check it out!

TSUKIJI DELI, where interesting ideas and initiatives shine, has a feeling of excitement that makes me want to come again.
I'm looking forward to future progress and keep an eye on it.
Please refer to this article for access and business hours.
For inquiries, please contact us at 03-6264-0063.

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
Do you have anything to look at when you walk around the town?
I think there are various shops where you can line up, show windows, roadside flowers, passersby, etc.
In addition to the water outlets (Part 1 and Part 2), which I talked about before, I would like to talk about.
You will also see the reference points (especially triangular points and benchmarks) used for map creation and surveying.
Some climbers may have seen a triangular point at the summit.



Among the many triangular points and benchmarks in the whole country, I particularly like it.
It's called a punctuality standard!
The number of these benchmarks is limited even when viewed throughout Japan, and remains biased toward large cities.
The feature is a mark similar to the kanji character "No".
Unlike ordinary benchmarks, there is no easy-to-understand indication that this is a benchmark.
It's a mysterious mark known to those who know quietly exist in unexpected places.

In the exhibition on the sluice gates by supporters of the local Tenmonkan at Time Dome Akashi, the event was held.
This meticulous level is also introduced.
In this blog, senior correspondents Jute and Akira Makibuchi / Sai Sharaku were also featured.
In Chuo-ku, there is one meticulous level point and one place related to it.
This time, I would like to introduce some examples that can be seen outside the ward.

■Encounter with meticulous standards and mysterious relationships
The kindness of a resident of U.K. to take me to an old church....
I found a mysterious "non" mark engraved on the outer wall.
At first, I thought it was a mischief or something like a stone wall stamp in Japan, so I didn't care about it, but the more I visited historic sites, the more I saw it, the more I saw it.
I began to wonder if this had any meaning.

About a year later, when I started volunteering at a cathedral in a city registered in World Heritage, I started a volunteer guide.
Coincidentally, I found the same mark that is quietly engraved under the door of the church!
Suddenly, when I checked with the volunteer leader, the identity of the mysterious mark was confirmed.
I understand that this is a meticulous level in Japan.


(Upper: punctuality of encounters, lower: punctuality of volunteer destinations)

■Tour of meticulous and triangular points in U.K.
Since then, I have started walking by taking pictures of meticulous level and triangular points, like collecting stamps and commemorative coins.
Historic buildings is only marked with a mark.
I realized that a numbered plate (called Flush Bracket locally) has been installed on the top of new buildings and mountains and hills.
I came to know that OSBM on the plate is an abbreviation for Ordnance Survey Bench Mark (British Land Surveying Department benchmark).



■Critical Levels in Japan
After returning to Japan, I heard that Japan has a low level of this type.
Taking advantage of the opportunity of a business trip, the first place I headed was Osaka Castle.
I was sorry that I was half hidden, but I was able to find it safely.



Next, I would like to see an example in Tokyo, a flat stone near the Shinji Pond in Hibiya Park.
I went to see what is engraved on Eboshiishi and what remains in the Imperial Palace.



■Meticulous level in Chuo-ku
Although the introductory has become longer, there is one point left in Chuo-ku, so the destination we headed....
Ichiishibashi lost stone marker built in 1857 (1857) *!
(* How to remember the Hanes style: dislike (18), this (5) Nana (7) lost child. I'm relieved (Ansei) (4). It can be found here.



It is engraved quietly at the bottom, so check it out when you go nearby.

According to the exhibition commentary by Time Dome Akashi, English-style inch was adopted as the benchmark in the early Meiji era.
It is said that the horizontal bar attached a "non"-shaped meticulous level point indicating the altitude to stone pillars, signposts, lanterns, torii, etc.
Later, the surveying business shifted to a German style, and in 1891, "Rei Kishi Shimashin Point / Crossing" (meaning intersection No. 0 on the standard route) was established.



The one near Chuo-ohashi Bridge is said to have been relocated in 2006.



In this way, in Chuo-ku, we can follow a part of the history of development of benchmarks.

■For those who are interested in punctuality.
At an event hosted by the Geographical Survey Institute, which is held before and after the survey day (June 3).
The Japanese standard on the site of the Kensei Memorial Hall (the site of the Land Survey Department) will be open to the public.
It is a valuable opportunity to see what is the standard of height in Japan up close.



There are some interesting stories that can only be heard at this event.
If you are interested in the standard, please come and visit us.
You may deepen your understanding of the implications in the city.

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
Suddenly, is anyone watching NHK Taiga drama series?
In the first installment of "Idaten-Tokyo Olimpic Story-", which has just begun.
Places related to Chuo-ku, such as Nihonbashi, have also appeared?


Photographed when washing the bridge.

I'm a major in world history, but there's Taiga drama series that I've done it twice in the past.
These are "Koname is Tsuji" and "Onna castle owner Naotora".
In particular, I got into the latter without knowing it.
I went to Shizuoka and Gunma prefectures to see places related to the Ii family.

The Ii family is also depicted in the famous Sekigahara Battle Screen.
Isn't it a girder with a replacement pattern indicating the "well" of the well?
In addition, the tachibana found in the regular crest is also famous.
I noticed that a emblem combining such a girder and a similar tachibana could be found everywhere in Minobubetsuin, and I was worried, "Is there a connection with the Ii family?" .

The first thing I found was that the emblem of Tachibana on the Igirder is the temple crest of Nichiren sect.



Looking back at the photos at the time of the visit, you can see that the temple crests are arranged in various places, from offertory box to tiles.



And it is the origin of the temple crest that is worrisome, but there are various theories.
A relatively well-known theory is that the fifth ancestor of Nichiren Shonin came from the Ii family.
The other theory is the combination of the girder and the tachibana, which is said to have been loved by the saints, after the spring that rose upon the birth of Nichiren Shonin.
I can't say which origin is correct here, but I find unexpected connections with the Ii family in unexpected places.
I reconfirmed that "the emblem is still interesting."

Well, I've introduced you to Minobubetsuin's oiling Daikokuten and temple crest twice, how was it?
If you are visiting the Seven Lucky Gods or like history, I would be grateful if you could think "I want to go once."

[References and Website]
Reference cooperative database "The temple crest of Nichiren sect is like a tachibana on a girder, but the Nichiren sect Nakayama Lotus Sutra temple and Kiyokazu temple in branch temple (Myonori 3, Ichikawa) use the temple crest of bellflowers. I want to know why."