Pretty much all Tokyo guide-books say that visiting Tsukiji fish market is a must. The Cho family agrees. Probably one of the few times that dad would get up at 5:30am, we were advised to get there by 6am to watch the incredible tuna auction that takes place. And as we arrived and maneuvered our way to the auction area, through the maze of active stalls and vendors of all sorts of food items readying themselves for the day, we were awed by the frenetic energy of people hard at work doing what they do. The auction was amazing. You've probably seen this on TV, but as with most cases, being there was something else.
After the auction experience, we found the sushi spot that everyone recommends. Inside the market and in the middle of a row of restaurant stalls, Daiwa Sushi was indeed the one of 2 stalls with the most people waiting (the other was Sushi Dai); and it was only 7am. This was an atypical day for us - waking up before sunrise and waiting in line for food. Can't say it wasn't difficult, squashed like sardines amongst starving foodies (locals, as well as tourists from China, Korea, Germany), but when it was our turn to enter the sushi den, we were all smiles. And in the midst of the chaos, the sushi chefs were calm, friendly, and welcoming.
We ordered 2 of the suggested sets/platters and some individual pieces of our favorites. The chefs were masters. They placed the pieces on our plates as they were made, and even thoughtfully cut Ella's pieces in half for easy eating. The freshness was without equal, and the rice was perfect. The accompanying miso soup was also just right, tiny clams added for flavor; and the ice-cold Asahi beer washed it all down. This was indeed the best sushi we ever had. Ella was in agreement.
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