So What's in Tsukishima?

 Finally back to my blog. And wandering around Tokyo. This time the place at the end of the Aioibashi bridge. Tsukishima, which as the name implies, is an island of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. The island was completed in 1894 so it's a little newer than the rest of Tokyo.

 A mix of older buildings and newer. Well worn residences next to ones of glass and concrete.

 I did find a little bit of color there.

 This part of Tsukishima seemed to be mostly residences. And interesting food places. Like this one which sells pre-made meals.

 Pick and choose what you want in it, a step up from konbini dining. Perfect for the busy working person.

 Meanwhile the MOS Burger there had a special pizza burger. I wonder if anyone tried it? Or if it actually looked like the photo.

 I didn't try it. Instead I just had a small salad and tea. And some onion rings not in the photo. Because their onion rings are good. Something else, a fast food restaurant that uses actual metal utensils instead of throwaway plastic. That's nice to see.

 But really, if you come at the right time, there is something else in Tsukishima.

 Something that many of the restaurants here serve. A word you will see on many signs in Tsukishima. 

 もんじゃ

 In fact there is a whole section of Tsukishima dedicated to もんじゃ.

 Complete with special awnings and signage.

 The romaji for もんじゃ is "monja" and it's also known as monjayaki. Which is similar to okonomiyaki but with more liquid.

 And there are plenty of places in Tsukishima well known for their monjayaki. For me, my timing was a little off. Plus I had plans.

And if the monjayaki is too much, there is also Sanctuary in Tsukishima.

Walking Through Tsukishima: Aioibashi

Partway through my Tokyo trip I switched hotels. Not because there was anything wrong with where I was staying, but because I wanted to check out another part of Tokyo and the room rates were a lot less. So on the day I changed places, I had time in between. I left my bags at the first hotel and headed out to an area not far from Tsukiji and Ginza. One of the first things I saw there was this bridge. The Aioibashi. 

Tokyo has so many bridges, some with histories and others that became famous for their appearance. The Aioi isn't famous for it's appearance and doesn't have much a history except for it's name. Which translates to "good couple". Why this name? Read on for the answer. 

While the bridge isn't much to see the views are not bad. Like this ship with amazing rigging. The green cross flag may be a Japanese flag of safety and health.  This is the Meiji-maru, built in Scotland in 1873 for the Japanese government. The ship tended lighthouses and at one time Emperor Meiji sailed on it. It is now a museum. The flag may be there because they are doing work on it.

Aioibashi is one of several bridges that span across the Sumida River. That's Eitai Bridge in the distance, which is known for it's appearance. Across the way is Etchujima, or Etchu Island.

A look at one of the greenways that line the Sumida River. This one is called Ishikawajima Park and it wraps around the end of this island. Again the Eitai Bridge and just beyond is the tip of Sky Tree Tower. 

Like a lot of Tokyo, this part is home to many nondescript buildings. Office buildings, apartments, there isn't much that gives them character. Although the views of the river may be nice.

 On the left is Tsukuda Island. I will have photos of it in another post.

That green wooded area may look like it is the other side but actually it's a little island in the middle of the river. Nakanoshima Park. I'm not sure if there is a way to get there from the bridge. And this may be why the name of the bridge is "Good Couple". Because there use to be two bridges here. One long, one short. My guess is they met at Nakano Island. When the Great Kanto Earthquake happened in 1923 both bridges burned. The current truss bridge is made of steel and was completed in 1998-2000. It's 489.17 feet long or 149.1 meters. 

My walk across the the Aioibashi wasn't that boring. There was a bird sighting. Of a massive Jungle Crow or Large Billed Crow. I wish there was something that could show the size of this bird. They are impressive.