The Tsukiji fish market has been a mainstay of the Tokyo metropolis for the past 78 years. But after 2013, it will be practically unrecognisable as a new design for a wholesale seafood market to open in 2014 was unveiled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The largest wholesale fish market in the world has been a Tokyo landmark for the longest time, but due to the ever-increasing number of both customers and tourists and the rundown facilities, the current infrastructure has to close down at the end of 2013. The new facility will be located a few kilometers away from the current one in Tsukiji market, and will have 408,000 square meters of floor space, making it 40% larger than the current one. The construction will start when the Tokyo government has already neutralized the toxic substances from the former gas factory in the area.
A lot of people are saddened that the current market will be torn down, as it is considered to be part of the “heart and soul” of Tokyo. Tourists make it a part of their itinerary, to stand in line before dawn to partake of the breakfast sushi, amidst the hustle and bustle of the carts and trolleys running around. It’s become a sort of adventure for tourists to avoid being run over by them. The morning tuna auction was also part of the Tsukiji fish market experience, but tourists have been banned from watching until January 19, 2013 to avoid business interruptions.
[ via CNN ]