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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Tsukishima Monja Street is the nickname for a food street lined with monjayaki restaurants in Tsukishima, Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Tsukishima was originally a downtown area developed on reclaimed land, and monjayaki became popular as a taste for the common people during the post-war reconstruction period, gradually establishing itself as a "monjayaki town" with a concentration of specialty restaurants. The charm of this street lies in the atmosphere of the narrow alleys lined with red lanterns and noren curtains, and the unique dining experience of grilling your own food around a hot plate. It is also popular with tourists, and is known as a downtown gourmet spot that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era.
Highlights
- A wide variety of Monjayaki dishes are available, from seafood such as shrimp and squid to creative dishes with cheese, mentaiko, and mochi. Each store has its own original "recommended dish."
- Demonstration cooking on a hot plate: Enjoy the fun of grilling your own food, or have the staff quickly grill it for you, and watch the process is also a real pleasure.
- Downtown atmosphere: A retro townscape with narrow alleys, signs, lanterns, etc. At night, the lighting is warm, creating a photogenic scene.
- Food hopping and restaurant hopping culture: Enjoy "restaurant hopping" by trying small monjayaki at several restaurants.
- For families and groups: Everyone from children to adults can have fun. Socializing around the hot plate is part of the sightseeing.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Tsukishima Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line and Toei Oedo Line. The street is just a few minutes' walk from the station.
- Access from the city center: It is one or two subway stops from Yurakucho, Ginza, and Shimbashi, and it is also convenient to use the city bus or taxi.
- Car/Parking: The alleys are narrow and parking is limited, so we recommend using public transportation. There are coin parking lots in the area, but they tend to fill up, especially at night and on holidays.
- Water bus and sightseeing route: You can combine your trip with sightseeing in the surrounding area by taking a stroll along the Sumida River or using the water bus.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Dining at only one restaurant: 1 to 1.5 hours (including ordering, grilling, and eating).
- If visiting multiple stores: 2 to 4 hours (including travel and waiting time between stores).
- Just lunch/quick stop: 30 minutes to 1 hour (if the line is short).
Nearby spots
- Walking paths along the Sumida River, and the riverside towards Kiyosumibashi and Kachidoki (perfect for strolling and enjoying the night view).
- Tsukiji/Toyosu Market area (we recommend combining it with a food tour to enjoy fresh seafood).
- Ginza area (a few minutes by subway; can be combined with shopping or theater).
- Fukagawa Fudoson (a historic temple that can be accessed by subway or on foot).
- Tsukudajima (an area perfect for strolling around the old town, with its old streets, shrines, and bridge scenery).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Weekend nights, public holidays, and tourist seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's) can be extremely busy. Many stores have long queues, so please allow plenty of time to visit. Early hours (right after opening) and weekdays tend to be smoother.
- Waiting time: Popular restaurants may have a waiting system where you write down your name or use a numbered ticket system. Please follow the instructions of the staff.
- Dining etiquette: The hot plate is very hot. Be careful not to get burned when using the small spatula (kote) to serve food to your plate, or if you are with children. If the staff is cooking for you, follow their instructions to stay safe.
- Allergies: This dish contains seafood, dairy products, wheat, etc., so if you have any allergies, please let the staff know in advance.
- Smoking: Some stores allow smoking. If you prefer a non-smoking area, check in advance or see if there are any non-smoking seats.
- Payment: Some stores only accept cash, while others are cashless. Whether or not you can use credit cards or electronic money depends on the store, so it's best to check in advance or have cash ready.
- Garbage and leftover food: Please observe good manners in towns and stores, and take your garbage home or dispose of it in designated areas. Please try to limit leftover food as much as possible.
- Tourist etiquette: Please be considerate when taking photos and do not disturb others. When inside a restaurant, please do not disturb other customers eating or talking.
Tsukishima Monja Street is a spot where you can easily enjoy the atmosphere of downtown and local gourmet food. If it's your first time, we recommend trying a few different flavors while learning how to cook them from the staff.
