Suddenly the air is filled with the shouts of vendors. Welcome to Toyosu Market. This isn’t just a market. It’s a stage where culinary history is made daily.
Toyosu Market replaced the old Tsukiji Market in 2018. The move was long-anticipated. It cost $5 billion to build this new location. There were concerns about pollution at first. The government spent millions cleaning up the site. Now, Toyosu stands as the world’s largest wholesale fish market.
Imagine the scene at the tuna auction. It’s early morning. Buyers gather to bid on the freshest catches. In 2019, Kiyoshi Kimura paid a record $3.08 million for a tuna. A year later, he spent $1.79 million. These are not just fish. They are treasures of the sea.
Unlike its predecessor, Toyosu offers a unique viewing experience. Tourists can observe the action from a second-floor deck. No longer can they mingle with buyers on the floor. For an even closer look, a separate room offers a window onto the auction.
The Toyosu Market is more than just auctions. It’s a place for everyone. About 40 food stalls offer fresh seafood. Most are above the market. Visitors can easily access them. A rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Tokyo. It is a great spot to relax.
There are three main markets here. One is a wholesale market for consumers. One is an auction market. The last one is a fruit and vegetable market. Each has its own building. The market’s design was done by Nikken Sekkei. At 408,000 square meters, it is almost twice the size of Tsukiji.
Notice the shrine at the corner of the buildings. It is the Uogashi Suijinja. This shrine honors the fish market on the shore. It is a place of respect and tradition.
Even the location tells a story. Toyosu Market sits on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. This reflects Tokyo’s constant evolution. It embraces both progress and tradition.
Before leaving the Toyosu Market, consider its impact. It supplies marine products to Tokyo. Also, it is an international export hub. In 2023, it handled about 290,000 metric tons of products. These products were valued at $3.19 billion.
From record-breaking tuna bids to modern facilities, Toyosu Market is a testament to Japan’s dedication to seafood. It is an experience that engages all your senses. So, take a deep breath. Remember the energy. The Toyosu Market remains a vibrant symbol of Tokyo’s culinary spirit.