The Tokyo metropolitan government has announced that the city’s famous wholesale Tsukiji fish market in Chuo Ward will close on Nov 2, 2016, and its replacement will open on Nov 7, 2016 in Toyosu, Koto Ward.
The Tsukiji fish market opened in 1935 and has become one of Tokyo's most popular spots for tourists to observe the tuna auctions early each morning. In all, about ¥1.8 billion worth of fish, seafood and vegetables change hands each day at the market.
The new market will occupy 40 hectares. Relocating the Tsukiji market and buildings to a modern facility about 40 percent larger with state-of-the-art refrigeration will cost around ¥200 billion.
The relocation plan has been marred by revelations of heavy soil contamination at the site, once formerly a gas plant about 2.3 kilometers away. That has saddled the Tokyo metropolitan government with more than ¥50 billion in cleanup costs.
It is unclear what will happen to the current site beyond building a new road linking downtown with some 2020 Olympic Games venues.
© Japan Today
11 Comments
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upintheair
Great news it will be less accessible to tourists so finally hard working Japanese will be able to focus on earning a living rather than dodging tourists taking pictures.
Novenachama
It's unbelievable but true that the new Tsukiji fish market is being built on top of a contaminated site in a area that contains high levels of lead, benzene, chromium, lead etc. upsetting of course many people. Hopefully the J-government cleans it up thoroughly and completely and everything goes well for the new upcoming Tsukiji fish market.
toshiko
. Orijinally for walking fish merchants with teoshiguruma or shoulder carrying fish baskets. Later, bike Then Honda created trike trucks. then trucks. So moving where side streets can accomodate truck using fish merchants
nath
The character of the new place will be cold, too modern and not so much fun to explore. Another wonderful place will be gone. Cement = Japan
TrevorPeace
As a frequent visitor, it won't make much difference to me. It's still a fun thing to do, early in the morning. And, KariHaruka, don't worry about the sushi places - they'll be there. Undoubtedly, so will you and I.
DiscoJ
It won't be that hard to reach and would a good lead in to a day on Odaiba.
Wakarimasen
It is indeed primarily a fish market but it is also frequently touted as one of the top things to do in Tokyo. So fair comment in my view.
nath
It's primary function is not a tourist attraction.
Kaerimashita
Up in Koto it will be less accessible to tourists....
DiscoJ
This move will ruin the serenity that can currently be experienced at Shijomae Station on the Yurikamome Line. I will be shedding a tear for its loss.
KariHaruka
How many of the sushi places will be moving to the new site? The market moving itself doesn't concern me. But my no.1 Tsukuji experience is having sushi for breakfast.