Tsukiji Fish Market The Biggest In The World
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, also known more simply as the Tsukiji fish market, is the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market. Located in the center of Tokyo, the market is a real attraction for tourists. The market employs more than 60,000 people, among them wholesalers, accountants, auctioneers, company officials, and distributors.
The real work starts at about 3 a.m. in the early hours of the morning when boats carrying seafood arrive from around Japan, Africa, America. Other seafood that makes up abou 450 different kinds arrives by truck and plane from all over the world.
As the Japan Travel Center reports, the marketplace also offers a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch in local restaurants. However if you want to visit Tsukiji market you can only do so starting from 5:20 a.m.
The auctions start around 5:20 a.m. Bidding can only be done by licensed participants. These bidders include intermediate wholesalers [nakaoroshi gyousha] who operate stalls within the marketplace, and other licensed buyers who are agents for restaurants, food processing companies, and large retailers. A visit to Tsukiji Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the onsite or local restaurants. Restaurants typically open around five in the morning and close between 12:00 and 15:00.
The Frommer’s posts some tips for those who plan to visit the market.
The market is held in a cavernous, hangarlike building, which means you can visit it even on a dismal rainy morning. There’s a lot going on — men in black rubber boots rushing wheelbarrows and carts through the aisles, hawkers shouting, knives chopping and slicing. Wander the aisles and you’ll see things you never dreamed were edible. This is a good place to bring your camera: The people working here burst with pride if you single them out for a photograph. The floors are wet, so leave your fancy shoes at the hotel.
Photo:© kdt
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