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After years of delays and many controversies, the Tokyo Tsukiji fish wholesale market, one of the city's most popular destinations for international visitors, has finally closed.
The closure of October 6 marks the end of an era for a structure that has been central to the city since the mid-1930s and was considered the largest market for fish and seafood in the world.
The market is moving to new facilities east of Tokyo – the Toyosu Fish Market – and is expected to begin operations on October 16th.
The opening is one of the most important developments in Tokyo in 2018, closing a chapter for the city and starting a new one.
Why does Tsukiji count so much for Tokyo?
The Tsukiji wholesale fish market opened in 1935, although similar sites have existed in the area since the early 1600s.
It has quickly established itself as the largest fish and seafood market in the world and one of the largest wholesale markets.
According to various reports, vendors sell about five million pounds of seafood from around the world to the Tsukiji daily, which represents about $ 28 million.
In addition to being a vital business center for all that is aquatic, Tsukiji has become over the years a must-see tourist destination in Tokyo.
Walking around the home market – the area where vendors sell seafood to restaurants and other businesses – was sensory overload.
Early morning tuna auctions were the most popular. Visitors eagerly came every day to watch people bidding on large chunks of fish.
The outside market was equally intriguing, an area around the main structure housing dozens of food stalls and restaurants. Visitors could enjoy some of the freshest seafood here, provided that they come early enough.
The movement itself
Fish market relocation projects in Toyosu have been underway for decades, but they did not become serious until the early 2010s.
Why move? The reasons were centered on the age of the structure itself – these buildings were built in 1935 – and on the fact that the Tsukiji fish market is based on valuable real estate that might prove useful for and after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
There were, however, hiccups on the way.
The Toyosu market was originally scheduled to open in November 2016, but was delayed for a variety of reasons, including concerns over contaminated soils.
The place where the market was built housed a gas plant and it seemed that the soil below had absorbed chemicals from this plant.
After a clean-up campaign, experts said the area could be used this summer. The configuration is now complete and the new market is expected to open on October 16th.
This remains a topic of division.
Many Tokyo citizens feared that a move from Tsukiji would deprive the city of a historic spectacle at a time when many long-standing destinations are starting to disappear.
The sellers and workers in Tsukiji, who protested against the move to the old market in the days leading up to its closure, were even more blatant.
Toyosu: what to expect
Like it or not, the Toyosu movement occurs.
For visitors who come to Tokyo in the hope of living it, here's what you need to know.
The nearest subway station to the new Toyosu Fish Market is Shijo-mae Station, located on the Yurikamome Line (the station connects directly to the market, so do not be afraid to get lost).
It is only two stops from Toyosu Station, also accessible via the Yurakucho Line. The market is the only real attraction near this station, although Toyosu has a variety of restaurants and shopping centers worth exploring, while the Yurikamonme line leads to Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. .
For those wishing to visit the Toyosu Market before sunrise, find a hotel in Toyosu or Odaiba.
The entrance to Toyosu market is free for all visitors. It is advised to those who wish to see the most animated space possible to arrive there before 8 o'clock.
The famous early morning tuna auctions will always take place at the new location, starting at 4:30 am daily.
While in Tsukiji you had to get a reservation ticket, all you have to do now is to introduce yourself and try to get a good spot on the platform. special observation.
All the restaurants are also in the structure, with about 40 food stalls, most of which are transferred from Tsukiji, and should work.
Beyond, visitors can also visit the roof covered with grass carpets to admire beautiful views of the city. The organizers also plan to move the famous Tsukiji Shrine to the site.
Remember – this is still a fish market and low temperatures are the norm. Bring something warm to wear.
With regard to future projects, projects are underway to open a hotel and a hot spring serving market tourists in the coming years.
But what about Tsukiji?
All tourism activities in Tsukiji ended at the end of September and the internal market was permanently closed on 6 October. This does not mean, however, that the area around the market is suddenly deserted.
The outdoor market – the one that includes all food stalls and restaurants – will still be active.
Just head to Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Line or Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line to get there and sample what is now part of Tokyo's history.
You can also take part in one of the many organized tours in and around the outdoor market, to learn more about the history of Tsukiji and see how it has shaped this part of the city.
While the future has arrived with the Toyosu Fish Market – a place that eliminates the chaos of Tsukiji in favor of a friendly atmosphere for visitors – it is always possible to taste the past, at least for a little longer .
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