The world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market was previously scheduled to cease operations on 02 November 2016 and shift to a new home in Toyosu on 07 November 2016. However, Tsukiji Fish Market’s proposed relocating plan has come to a halt due to concerns over environmental issues and construction costs.

Japan’s newly elected Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike’s decision to postpone the move was beyond necessary. The 400,000-square-meter wide new venue used to be a gas plant, and reported traces of soil contamination have raised alarm bells.The uncertainty of Tsukiji Fish Market’s future location has led to plenty of repercussions, especially for the fish merchants.

While no official statement has been released on whether the government will consider pulling the plug on the entire move, it is evident that tension is escalating amongst vendors as their seafood businesses are being direly affected.

Furthermore, many business owners have already reportedly spent more than ¥20 billion in combination to prepare for the venue transfer.

According to Japanese media, the postpone of Tsukiji Fish Market costs a whopping ¥7 million yen per day. The construction of a highway intended for the 2020 Olympic Games could, as a result, be delayed.

The expressway will cut through the Tsukiji Fish Market’s current site and officials are left in a limbo on whether they should break ground for a new route.

Despite previous claims that Tsukiji Fish Market’s move was for the better, it seems like conditions at the new site could actually be potentially worse.

For instance, toxins are still detected at the new site despite having spent ¥86 billion on cleanup works. Construction costs have too tripled from its original calculations. Is this a result of corrupt or miscommunication?

The decision to relocate Tsukiji Fish Market was after all finalised by former Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, who resigned from his role after being involved in money scandals. For now, the situation remains tricky at large with many parties’ livelihoods at stake. It is also incredibly difficult to pinpoint at who is essentially responsible for this huge project gone wrong.

Ms Koike did not acknowledge on whether the move will be cancelled altogether but said that they are currently awaiting final groundwater testing results. The assessment results will be revealed in January 2017.

While relocation plans are shifty, this means that Tsukiji Fish Market will still be in operations at its current site at Chuo Ward for at least a few more months.

Tsukiji Fish Market – one of the world’s largest and oldest wholesale seafood market – needs no elaborate introduction. The iconic destination is where Japan’s fish traders gather to barter for the best fishes and where avid global foodies congregate to savour the freshest sashimi.

However, Tsukiji Fish Market’s current venue at Chuo Ward, Tokyo, will have to shift to a new location on 07 Nov 2016 to make way for the 2020 Olympic Games.

If you want to visit the market at its original venue, we suggest you start making your travel plans now before it ceases operations on 02 Nov 2016.

WHERE

Tsukiji Fish Market’s official move is estimated at ¥200 billion and the new 40-hectare space will be located at Toyosu, Koto Ward.

This new location is more than 1.5 miles away from the current address. While many are saddened by the fact that the traditional tuna auctions will not feel the same as before, the shift is ultimately for the better.

WHY

Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Wholesale Association Director Eisuke Urawa explained that the move is absolutely necessary, especially when the present-day sanitation levels are not up to standards.

The current space is also too small and unsafe for the large scale of operations.

WHAT

The new Tsukiji Fish Market will be inherently different, where hundreds of wholesale vendors will then be contained in a larger multi-storey complex.

The closed off building’s temperature and climate would be controlled to keep the produce fresh and hygienic. This also means that visitors no longer have the luxury of wandering around freely like before.

THE PRESENT

If you would like to experience the age-old Tsukiji Fish Market like how it has been operating for the past eight decades, then there is certainly no other better time to visit than now.

Important note: Bear in mind that the public is currently prohibited to watch the tuna auctions till 17 Jan 2016. This is to facilitate smooth business transactions during peak periods. Fret not if your main agenda is to eat, as other parts of the market will remain open to public.

For more information, read our guide on the 5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Tsukiji Market’s Tuna Auction.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Tsukiji Market is a must-visit destination for every discerning foodie. Home to the world’s freshest sashimi, their high quality seafood will be the best you ever had. The fish market is equally famous for their legendary tuna auctions and you can watch them for free.

What most travellers did not know is that watching this tuna auction actually requires a lot of preparation and planning – even so, admission is still not guaranteed. The legendary Tsukiji Market is set to move in late 2016 to make way for the Olympics and there is definitely no better time than now to visit it.

Here are 5 things you should know before slotting Tsukiji Market’s Tuna Auction into your Tokyo itinerary.

#1 IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

First and foremost, Tsukiji Market’s Tuna Auction is honestly not for everyone. While it was one of the highlights of our vacation, we actually went through great lengths to make it happen. The auction lasts for only approximately 30 minutes but you would have to queue hours in advance just to watch this local Japanese activity.

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Furthermore, a place is not guaranteed as it is based on a first come first served basis. You cannot pay to secure a seat nor can you book a slot in advance. Each auction admits a total of 60 guests and there are only two auctions on an operating day.

#2 VISITORS HAVE TO SACRIFICE SLEEP

There is actually no ‘ideal’ timing to arrive at the market despite the various recommended timings you will come across from various travel publications. We arrived at an unearthly 3.30am and were already slotted into the second batch of auction. The available slots filled up quickly after within the next half an hour – the tuna auction is clearly extremely popular.

The timing largely depends on your luck too, as there may be significantly less or more visitors on a particular day. Giving up on your sleep is almost mandatory if you want to watch the auction.

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#3 STAYING NEARBY IS A MUST

As mention above, waking up in the wee hours is necessary to catch the auction. Anyone that attempts to register after the 120th visitor would be rejected and asked to leave. You have to stay within walking distance to Tsukiji Market in such an unfortunate event, as public transportations are not available during those hours.

#4 IT IS NOT OPEN EVERY DAY

The tuna auction does not open to the public daily and are usually closed on Wednesdays, Sundays and on public holidays. Do check their calendar way in advance before arranging for accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Important note: Do bear in mind that the public is currently prohibited to watch the tuna auctions till 17 Jan 2016. This is to facilitate smooth business transactions during peak periods.

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#5 THERE ARE RULES TO ABIDE

Flash photography is strictly prohibited throughout the auction, as it will affect the buyers’ judgment of the premium tunas. Visitors also have to wear appropriate shoes; sandals and slippers are not allowed. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times and do not disrupt the auctioning procedures. Inability to adhere to their requirements will result in you being kicked out.

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 reasons to love Tokyo.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.