Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market

A few days ago, we had a chance to visit Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. Tsukiji is one of the largest fish markets in the world, if not the largest. One of its most famous features is the bluefin tuna auction that takes place nearly every day. Although I am opposed to eating bluefin tuna given the current state of its stocks, it would have been a fascinating sight to see; unfortunately, it’s currently closed to tourists. The rest of the market is open to the public, though, and provided plenty of interesting sights.

It’s hard to convey, in words or in pictures, the frenetic energy of the place, with people running around and small trucks weaving between pedestrians as they deliver their loads of styrofoam boxes. If you have a chance to visit, I recommend you do so. But keep in mind that it is a place of business, and you are there as a guest. Below are a few of the pictures I took on our visit. Some of them may not be suitable for the faint of heart, but I believe it’s important to remember and document where our food actually comes from.