This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: Tsukiji, le plus grand marché au poissons du monde
Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy.
Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world
It was my third day in Tokyo, and as usual I had a hard time sleeping. In Japan the sun rises very early, and even in October at 6 o'clock it is broad daylight. Being very sensitive to light, I wake up immediately. At 7 am, here I am in the streets of Tokyo looking for a coffee shop to start the day. It's getting hot, I decide to go to the Tsukiji fish market.
In the heart of Chūō District, Tsukiji is easily accessible via several subway lines. It is then a real dive in the heart of an extraordinary place, a little out of time, which sees passing more than 2,000 tons of fish per day.
As I get closer, the fish smells leave no doubt. Tsukiji is first a large food market that took possession of the streets. There are fish and more generally products related to the sea, but also vegetables, a little meat, cooking utensils, knives, etc...
Some products seem to me completely unknown, and I like to taste here and there. I engage the conversation with a young Japanese couple, asking them if what they ate was good. Astonished to see a stranger speak their language, they ask me where I come from. "Ah, France, it's great!" I realized that the Japanese had a real fascination for France. We chat a little, they come from Hokkaido (the big island in the north of Japan) and are traveling for a few days in Tokyo.
I walk in the streets, there are vendors but also some food to take away: octopus, skewers, donuts ... Flagrances of fish fill the air, sometimes it is necessary to have the stomach well hooked to support that at 9 o'clock in the morning. But no worry, if there is a place to eat fresh fish, it is in Tsukiji. I order some sushi with fat tuna. They prepare it for me on the spot, I taste, and ... why the rice is almost lukewarm? In fact, why in France are we served sushi with cold rice when it cuts all the taste? Rice at room temperature highlights the subtle taste of the fish.
I approach the main building that actually hosts the market. Reserved for professionals, it is now open to the public at 10AM. It may seem frustrating, but Tsukiji is a real anthill. Hundreds of people are bustling around, moving on small machines, loading and unloading pounds of fish or other crustaceans. It would be difficult for these professionals to do their job properly amidst hordes of tourists.
I inquire at the reception of the market, the entrance for the visitors is just next to the sanctuary... Finally there are so many sanctuaries in Japan that it did not surprise me that there is one at the entrance to the fish market. I stop at the purifying pool, use the Hishaku to purify my hands and mouth, then ring the bell, tap my hands to invoke the deity.
Let's go, we can finally go inside the market. But this is done under high surveillance. Security guards guide us to certain places. A little apart, the last transactions between professionals end. The market is coming to an end, the stalls are almost empty. The place is emptied of its substance but remains nonetheless interesting.
Tsukiji is a gigantic shed; inside there is a maze of alleys and hundreds of traders. Fish of different sizes, shapes and colors. Crustaceans that are completely unknown to me. I turn around and see a man pulling a big bluefin tuna on a wagon. All this may seem completely disorganized, a little old-fashioned but it's also what makes the charm of the place. We could easily get lost in the middle of the small alleys.
Hundreds of tourists roam the place quickly, and many leave quickly, happy to have made some pictures of the place to show on social networks. Gradually the market is changing. Fewer tourists, more Japanese coming to buy fish for the meal of the day.
The market of Tsukiji is a must-see place in Tokyo, as it shows us different aspects of Japanese life. On the horizon of the 2020 Olympics, the market should be moved a few kilometers. A more modern place, with stricter hygienic conditions, but it is the whole soul of Tsukiji that will finally disappear. What makes all the charm of the place are these old wooden stalls, these little tiny desks where you pay what you just bought, the pale light and especially those moments of life that we attend.
-- @japon
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the market must lots of fish and has to be busy for it to be the biggest in the world. japanese are know to love sea food so wont be surprise, would love to visit this place
Seafoods are my favorite.
Small fish, but salmon are so tasty.
Gust when you went to that place the smell of fish can overpower your taste if you are not prepare for it.
Wow, this is incredible, Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world. It a place to visit anytime one finds himself in Tokyo.
Japan is the strong economic development country ..Japan maximus people honesty .They do legal business .I am interesting visit the tokyo
Great post. photo proves it daily as masyarakar in town
The market definitely seems like something you should visit if you are in Tokyo. The only problem with it is the smell. I don't really like the smell of fish and I bet that in this market it will be too much for me to handle. :D
@zemiatin, they is no way you can deal with fishes without perceiving the smell, besides one man's meal is another man's poison,
Wow..amazing photography..i like this traveling..all the best..
upvote and resteemit
Awesome, upvoted, follow and resteem
@vcelier first of all i would like to congratulate for the tour...seems that you have enjoyed alot...the photographs are just perfect...these photos gives the overall scene of the market and looks great...thankyou fr sharing
I love environment like this where fresh stuffs are being traded, when ever I see them, am always attracted to them.
THANKS FOR SHARING DEAR
@vcelier. in japan many fish populations are delicious and quality. so the fish market alone has become a company. how not with a lot of turnover for exporting fish overseas with the best quality from japan market. @vcelier
Aewesome this traveling..... i appreciate this photography. and fishmarket looking so nice....
Great post from japan @vcelier. Good travel
looks like you really enjoy your travel sir, it is a great a decision to explore..
have a safe trip!
Bonjour!
This great traveling.... i appreciate this fishmarket. keep it up dear
Many site of picture and good photography @vcelier
It is really the biggest market in the world, wow, as a marghi person I intend to visit it sometime in the future. Thanks for such an interesting post.
in japan many fish populations are delicious and quality. so the fish market alone has become a company. how not with a lot of turnover for exporting fish overseas with the best quality. @vcelier
I love to eat fish and I always advice my patient to eat it. I didn't know that 2000 tons of fish goes through the market a day that is amazing. Luckily, they will move it to more modern place, because hygiene is everything when it comes to food
This is a great photography... i appreciate your post.. thnaks for sharing
Wow what a great experience, nice shot, I like fish how I wish.......!! I believe you had a nice time over there.
I can´t even imagine all the yummy things you must have tried! I´m like that, always excited to try new and interesting things everywhere I go. The market looks so interesting! The country that I wish to visit the most is definitely Japan, hopefully I´ll get to achieve that one day soon.
Everything you need to accomplish your goals is already in you, thank you for being so honest
Wish to visit here someday @vcelier am hungry already lol
Awesome shots! Thanks for sharing this!
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You are indeed extraordinary. it was a very interesting experience
Great post, its so chaotic there its incredible, loved eating all that sashimi.
Hi, your post has been very nice. I am ready to vote and comment on all of them and hope you vote and comment.My steem id link https://steemit.com/@zarzish