Tokyo is a city that dazzles as a melting pot of old and new. Modernity and tradition sit side by side in this energetic city and while it is a place that is famous for its embrace of the futuristic, visitors will also find that traditions still run deep here. One of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese history can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Back then, the small fishing village of Edo was transformed under the reign of the shogōn ruler Tokugawa Ieyasu, hailing a period of economic growth and flourishing of the arts and culture, transforming Edo into the city we now know as Tokyo. Visitors to Tokyo can find remnants of its Edo history in many corners of the city, from royal gardens to traditional teahouses, to old-town neighbourhoods.
The newly opened Senkyaku Banrai is a new culinary destination that’s honouring this Edo history, bringing together traditional architecture with Japanese cuisine. Situated on the Tokyo waterfront, just a stone’s throw from the city’s largest fish market, Senkyaku Banrai market transports visitors back to the streets of Japan’s Edo period, designed to feel like a bustling market town. Defined by its natural wooden structures, elongated roofs and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor, traditional Edo architecture serves as the inspiration for the modern food village, giving visitors an immersive taste of traditional Edo life.
Stretching across four stories, visitors can weave their way around the neighbourhood- style alleyways, discovering tantalising tastes and smells as they go. With its prime location next to the busy Toyosu fish market, Senkyaku Banrai is uniquely positioned to showcase Japan’s fantastic array of seafood, with many of the fishmongers working directly with chefs onsite.
Japanese Eat Street
Visitors can stroll down Toyosu Menuki Ōdori, the main street, to sample the array of fresh seafood delicacies such as charcoal-grilled eel or Hokkaido-style seafood bowls. Traditional and modern bites such as tamagoyaki (rolled egg omelette) and seafood burgers can be found down Mekiki Yokochō, the winding indoor food alley.
The market also has a delectable array of sweet treats, including Japan’s famous cream and fruit sandwiches, along with a number of izakaya and cocktail bars. A large food court stretches across the third floor, home to ramen joints, sushi restaurants and a large seafood buffet. An eatery that specialises in uni (sea urchin roe) rice bowls can also be found here, where visitors can watch this Japanese delicacy being prepared. Those wishing to take a taste of Japan home with them can also make the most of a shop that sells local goods, with a corner dedicated to sake tasting.
Rooftop Relaxation
After filling up on food and drink, another time-honoured Japanese experience awaits next door to the market at the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club. A wellness tradition that comes from Japan’s mountain villages, where people would bathe in the naturally occurring hot springs, onsen spas have become a central part of Japanese culture. The Toyosu Manyo Club has 10 floors dedicated to onsen and wellness, including an open-air onsen with spectacular views of Tokyo Bay.
The hotel transports hot spring water from the famous Hakone and Yugawara springs every day, and offers guests the opportunity to soak up the rejuvenating waters in the garden onsen and soothe tired feet in the complimentary rooftop footbath. For those looking to unwind a little longer, the Toyosu Manyo Club also features private baths, hot-stone massages and a sauna, making it a relaxing bookend to a day exploring the tastes and sensations of Tokyo.
