Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is one of the world’s greatest fish markets in a nation whose fisheries industry is irreplaceable for the Japanese and in a world which has grown to love sushi and sashimi. But it’s not just fish…there are also many restaurants which take care of fruits and vegetables. The peak of this activity and business is also called Tokyo’s kitchen. You can get a close glimpse of things such as the wheeling and dealing between suppliers at the auctions at this commercial facility which has been so since the very beginning.
The tuna auction
Among all the activity at Tsukiji, watching the tuna auction is recommended. The statistics show that the Japanese population consumes a considerable amount of tuna; it is estimated that the percentage is more than 80% of the world’s tuna stock. Amongst other kinds of fish retailing at the market, tuna is the primary variety of fish that is traded at the market. The preparation of the entire fish for retail purposes is a popular happening amongst visitors to the market. The opportunity to observe the auction is an experience distinctive to Japan’s Tsukiji Market. Moreover, the liveliness of the fish market is representative of the energy characteristic to food markets in Japan. Although the market is primarily a commercial hub, there are days when the market is not open. Furthermore, there are often times when the operating hours are restricted to just after noontime, so before deciding to visit, it is necessary that you confirm that the market is open on the day you plan to visit on the market’s official homepage.
The Tsukiji Outer Market
Since the inner market operates primarily as a commercial center for merchants and wholesalers, the average visitor cannot enter the auction proceedings. However, there is plenty to see and discover time at the Outer Market. At the Outer Market, you will find a wealth of restaurants and you can even purchase fresh produce and ingredients directly from the market. Naturally, a visit to Tsukiji Market would not be complete without sampling the fresh fish at one of the restaurants through the prepared sushi and sashimi. For those who do not take a liking to raw fish, the Tsukiji market is also famed for its other culinary offerings. Amongst them, the most widely known is Tsukiji’s gyu-don (beef on a bed of rice), a dish that mostly all Japanese are familiar with.
Tourist Information Centre at Tsukiji Market
Due to the recent surge in foreign tourists who venture to Tsukiji, the Puratto Tsukiji information center was established with the aim of providing English assistance to foreign sightseers in need of help. Tsukiji Market is relatively close to Ginza, Odaiba and other major tourist spots throughout Metropolitan Tokyo. Once you satisfy your senses and stomach at Tsukiji Market after going there in the morning, it is recommended that you continue on to other neighboring areas for a full day of sightseeing.