Smells like..... Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

I encourage every Sushi connoisseur, chef, foodie,...or really any able bodied person for that matter...to make the Tsukiji Fish Market a must see if you ever find yourself in Tokyo. It is an incredible sight to watch the thousands of species of fish and seafood being shuffled into this booming city built beneath cargo boxes, sea crates, and makeshift marts. To watch the proud salesmen quickly sell thousands of prized fish is like watching the rapid movements on Wall Street. Sushi chefs from all over Tokyo, rather the world, come to find their daily specials and ensure their restaurant has only the best of the best.

I thought could clean prawns fairly quickly, until I saw this man work. He was laughing at me for taking his picture...and perhaps for my poor Japanese.

Don't think you can just sit back and watch. Ben and I had to constantly maneuver in and out of moving carts, slippery walkways and flying fish...and I thought Pikes Market in Seattle was dangerous.

I realize that this shot is kind of gruesome, but I think it gives you a better feel of the market, because folks...it wasn't all pretty.

Ever wonder how to clean eels and beltfish the quick and easy way...all you need is a nail, hammer and you are set...bet Martha Stewart never covered that one.

Okay, I really like unagi, but this was just creepy.

Ariel's gotta see these photos.

I love how vibrant these Spot Prawns are...especially with the fresh roe. I am not a huge fan of shrimp roe, but it sure is beautiful.

This was Ben's favorite part, but watch out because the fish carried by these cars are likely more valuable than your life...at least to the men driving them.

This is the Sushi restaurants outside of the market...before open...

...after open....mmm sushi for breakfast anyone?

Asakusa Japan

Ben and I couldn’t go to Tokyo without spending the better half of an afternoon roaming through historic streets of Asakusa. Sure Asakusa can be a bustling tourist trap filled with excited travelers, but if you are willing to migrate past the food stalls and yukayta stands you are likely to find some delicious food, incredible gardens and a giant kitchen ware district.

This masculine “Treasure House Gate” stands like a brave guardian protecting the historic Asakusa temple complex….but what is it protecting? Tokyo’s oldest, and likely most visited, Buddhist temple, known as Sensō-ji . Past the vast gate small market like stalls line the perimeter of the streets where vendors sell everything from jewelry and handicrafts to samurai swords and Japanese confections. As we walk past the stalls, I wish that I had something I wanted to buy, but everything seems somewhat gimmicky. When I travel I seem to stumble upon treasures like intricately hand carved armoires and large ornate mirrors, basically things that I couldn’t possibly fit in my suitcase, or in my budget for that matterJ. I am not into trinkets as I always imagine them boxed up in an attic somewhere, someday. Any ideas for an international collection?

After clawing your way though hoards of people you can finally see the beautiful architecture of the Buddhist temples. I absolutely love the way the paper lanterns, painted perfectly with black and red calligraphy, dangle from the temple like a perfectly selected accessory.

Before entering the temple, several Buddhist saints seem to be cleansing themselves with the smoke billowing out of this large cauldron. After the smoke cleansing they make their way to the tortuously carved fountain to wash their hands and drink. I think this dragon was the inspiration for Mulan’s pet dragon Mushu.

After walking through the exquisite gardens we found a yummy Sukiyaki restaurant. Sukiyaki is a must, especially on a chilly autumn day. Very similar to Chinese Hot Pot and Vietnamese Pho, this simmering soup serves as the cooking vessel for fresh vegetables, savory mushrooms, and thinly sliced meat. Don’t get me wrong I love Pho and Hot Pot, but the Japanese version seems to be more complex and balanced in flavor. Ben was a little hesitant when he saw the waiters whipping around us with platters filled with thinly shaved raw meat, but once he realized that we cooked it at our table he was much more excited. He even suggested we make this when we go snowmobiling.

Tokyo, Japan

As I mentioned before, I lived in Japan as a foreign exchange student when I was 16 years old. I must admit that living thousands of miles away from family and friends was difficult, but after coming back to this incredible country I realize how wonderful it truly is....my positive perception may also be due to the fact that this time I had my best friend with me. Yep that's him below:)
Wow, he sure fits in with the locals. Look how they are hoisting him up for the parade.

Shortly after our arrival I asked Ben what he wanted to do. His response, “partake in the greatest Japanese contribution since Hello Kitty….Teppanyaki”. Ok maybe those weren’t his exact words, but he sure loves his Teppanyaki. When we first met and I told him I was a chef he said, “cool so that means you can cook like the guys at Benihanas?” When we were redoing our kitchen he even asked if putting a stainless steel griddle in would be practical. Needless to say, he was a happy camper.

I love this picture; we stood and watched these police men for 15 minutes measure and document which bikes were properly parked. And I thought Denver was bad.

While in Tokyo, we usually stay in the Ginza district. Ginza is known for its impressive shopping, entertainment and dining selections. My favorite part of Ginza is watching back alleyways and dead end roads transform into quaint streets filled with exciting restaurants.

Just a hop and a skip from the front of our hotel we found the best Tonkatsu I have ever had in a Katsu house....another thing I love about Japan....they have restaurants and chefs that specialize in one simple dish and spend their entire life making it perfect.

So, what is Tonkatsu you ask??? If you haven't tried it, it's a must. Tonkatsu is a scrumptious Japanese dish made from incredibly tender pork that is breaded in crispy panko breading and deep fried..... If you want the recipe, post a comment and I will upload one.

I loved all of these adorable saucers filled with different sauces. Sweet, sour, salty, and incredibly savory combinations that you can mix to create your own. My favorite was made by crushing sesame seeds with individual mortar and pestles (right) and adding spicy katsu-based sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Ben and I have been so blessed to visit many of the beautiful LDS temples throughout Asia. Our visits are often the highlights of our trips. Here is a picture of the Tokyo temple.