Once, Tsukiji River flowed through a district born of reclamation. Imagine Tokyo Bay’s edge transformed in the 18th century. This is the story of the Tsukiji River, a waterway intertwined with Tokyo’s evolution.
Tsukiji means reclaimed land. The Tokugawa shogunate filled lowland marshes along the Sumida River delta. This created new land for commerce and housing. Hence the name Tsukiji.
The Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 devastated Edo. It destroyed Hongan-ji temple. The temple was relocated to Tsukiji. Residents of Tsukudajima helped rebuild it. Other temples were built in what is now the outer marketplace. Samurai and feudal lords built residences along Tsukiji’s southern edge.
In 1869, Tsukiji became a residential area for foreigners. Yokohama had already become a center for trade. So Tsukiji grew as a center for education and healthcare. Keio University and St. Luke’s International Hospital were in this district. The Hoterukan was Tokyo’s first foreign-style hotel. It burned down after four years.
The United States legation was in Tsukiji from 1875 to 1890. Ten other legations were established there as well.
From 1869, Tsukiji was the site of Imperial Japanese Navy training facilities. In 1888, the Naval Academy moved to Etajima. The Tsukiji naval buildings became home to the Naval War College.
After being a treaty port, it became an industrial area. The Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 caused severe damage. Much of Tsukiji burned. The Nihonbashi fish market was destroyed. The fish market was relocated to Tsukiji. A modern market facility reopened in 1935.
The Tsukiji fish market became world-famous. Theodore Bestor called it the market at the center of the world.
The Tsukiji fish market was synonymous with seafood. In October 2018, the inner market moved to Toyosu Market. The outer market remains a culinary tourist destination. Tsukiji was the largest fish market in the world. It handled over 2000 tons of seafood daily.
Tsukiji Hongan-ji is a key temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect. The Sumida River’s Tsukiji riverbank has pedestrian access. Quieter backstreets feature copper-tiled buildings. St. Luke’s Garden is one of Tokyo’s taller buildings.
Tsukiji’s history shaped Tokyo. From reclaimed land to a global fish hub, it embodies resilience. The Tsukiji River reflects this transformation.