Tsukiji Namiyoke shrine was founded between 1658 and 1661 on the south side of the former Tsukiji Tokyo Market. At that time, landfill was underway in the Tsukiji area, but the work was extremely difficult due to rough seas. It is said that when a sacred statue of Inari Myojin, which had been drifting in the ocean, was enshrined there, the waves became calm down and the landfill project was successfully completed.
Every June, the Tsukiji Lion Festival preserves the tradition of the festival by carrying the “Tenjo Lion” (male, pictured above) and the “Ohaguro Lion” (female, pictured left) out onto road.
On the south side of the former Tsukiji Market stood the storehouse compound of the Owari Domain. The two rainwater pots (the light blue sections in the photo above) located in front of the main hall were donated by laborers who unloaded cargo from Owari Domain ships, as an offering to pray for safety during voyage.
There are about 460 shops lining the streets outside old Tsukiji Market. While the area has become increasingly touristy in recent years and dining costs have risen, there are still shops that offer delicious sushi or other dishes at reasonable prices.
