A Historic Day for The Memorable Tsukiji Market Tokyo
The day has finally come. After being postponed for more than a year, it is finally official.
Yesterday marked the first day when tourists will no longer able to witness and experience the large Tuna auction actions in Tsukiji market. One of the world’s largest fish wholesale market, Tsukiji wholesale market has ceased all operations and officially closed down permanently on 6th October.
Visiting Tsukiji Market used to be the top thing to do in every traveler’s bucket list. Unfortunately, you have to strike it off your list from now on!
Due to its strategic location in the heart of Tokyo and next to Ginza district, it has now given way to a new transport hub facilities for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
I missed my visit to Tsukiji Market
I’ve been to Tsukiji outer market during my visit to Tokyo a few years ago. We woke up too late for a chance to witness the Tuna auction in the wholesale market. 🙂 After we had a wonderful sushi breakfast in Daiwa Sushi at Tsukiji outer market, I swore under my breath I would come again for the auction one day.
We supposed to make it last year when we were in Tokyo but the late activities the night before ruined my plan again! Gosh!
For the past 83 years since its opening, Tsukiji market has been the main fresh fish and seafood wholesale market for buyers from Michelin rated sushi chefs to corner store owners. Fresh Tuna has been auctioned for high price here every day except public holidays and Sunday. In 2013, a 222 kilogram bluefin tuna was sold for $1.7 million!
Because of its famed Tuna auction activities, tourists around the world have been flocking in for a visit despite its limiting public visiting hours in recent years. A maximum of 120 visitors only (in first come first serve basis) was allowed to go into the wholesale area in between 5:00 AM and 6:20 AM each morning.
Other visitors who missed the cut could only wander around the outer market. That said, tens of thousands of tourists were still going there for some photos and had fresh seafood at one of the sushi parlours in the Tsukiji outer market.
The new Toyosu Wholesale Market
That said, its standard of hygiene has been dropping after 83 years of operating. The site is apparently ageing. There were concerns about earthquake resistance, sanitation and fire safety, as well as asbestos in its crumbling walls.
After the long decision making process, the local government has decided to move the Tsukiji wholesale market to a new site in Toyosu.
It’s called Toyosu Market, the new wholesale fish market to replace Tsukiji market. Off course, it is now located further away from central Tokyo on an man-made island in Tokyo Bay next to Odaiba, the high-tech entertainment hub.
Nevertheless, the existing Tsukiji outer market will remain permanently open for business as before. But whether it will retain its culinary popularity remains to be seen.
You may want to check out more stories of my Japan travels. – Travel Feeder
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
