Tsukishima

About

Tsukishima (Japanese pronunciation: [tsɯ̥.kʲi.ɕi.ma]) is a place located in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, in the Sumida River estuary. It is a reclaimed land next to Tsukuda District. The land reclamation completed in 1892, using earth from the dredging work performed to create a shipping channel in Tokyo Bay. At this time, it was designated as industrial area in accordance with the Fukoku Kyōhei National Policy. Originally, Tsukuda Island was a tiny island at the river mouth. It was inhabited by a fishing community who migrated from Osaka in early 1600s. The original Tsukuda island now is home to the exclusive tower mansion and park complex Rivercity 21. It has been said that the name (literally "moon island") was originally written using the characters which can also be read "Tsukishima" but mean "constructed island". It is currently known for its large number of restaurants serving the local specialty, monjayaki. Tsukishima Station is served by the Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line and the Toei Subway Ōedo Line.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.