中目のやっこさん
When it comes to seafood bowls in Tsukiji, the popular choice is usually the outer market. However, a hidden gem called "Hajime Sengyo-ten" offers a must-try seafood bowl in a different area. Located about an 8-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line, this cozy spot is tucked away in a traditional residential neighborhood behind Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple towards Kachidoki. Despite being a small establishment, it attracts a line of about 6 people even before opening. Luckily, I managed to get in on the first round. The interior features a standing-style counter with 3 seats and 3 drum-shaped tables. The owner, who runs the place single-handedly, plays Showa-era songs in the background. Self-service small dishes and barley tea are available at the entrance. Customers place their orders in the order they arrived. The menu offers only one item: a customizable seafood bowl. You can choose 3 types of seafood from a selection of 10, including fresh tuna, yellowtail, bonito, seared barracuda, sea urchin, scallop, whitebait, salmon, marinated herring, and local octopus. I opted for the following:
- Special Seafood Bowl (Choice of 3) - ¥1,000
- Yellowtail, sea urchin, salmon
- Side dish, clam soup, pickles
Each piece of seafood was carefully arranged, and it took about 20 minutes for the dish to be served. The bowl presented a colorful array of seafood, raising expectations for the flavors. When I lifted the bowl, it felt substantial and satisfying. Despite the affordable price of ¥1,000, the seafood was generously cut and beautifully presented, with no skimping on the sea urchin. I decided to enjoy the dish as is, without any additional seasoning. The yellowtail was large and flavorful, with a delightful chewiness and sweetness enhanced by the soy sauce. The salmon, which I rarely order outside of Hokkaido, had a vibrant orange color and a fresh, smooth texture bursting with umami. Lastly, the Hokkaido sea urchin melted in my mouth, leaving a clean, mineral-rich taste. Along with the flavorful rice, which was not vinegared but absorbed the sauce well, the dish was a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
After the first round, there was already a line forming with about 6 people, indicating its popularity among locals for lunch. I can only imagine that their standing-style drinks in the evening are equally delightful. While Tsukiji's outer market is bustling with activity, "Hajime Sengyo-ten" is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a delicious seafood bowl in a quiet alley of Tsukiji.