The Unmissable Toyosu Fish Market

Arguably the biggest seafood hub worldwide, Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market sits in its designated commercial building spanning 408,000 square meters. It replaced the iconic Tsukiji Market in 2018, taking with it the legacy of being the city’s heart of seafood. Today, it houses around 600 licensed seafood wholesalers.

The seafood haven

Occupying a third of the Tokyo Bay area, the Toyosu Fish Market, trades around 2000 tons of seafood daily. A dazzling array of seafood, from the mundane to exotic, is on display. From tuna, octopus, and squid to more unusual offerings like sea pineapple or kinki, a fish found only in the harsh winter months, the market is replete with surprises.

Unwavering commitment to quality

What sets Toyosu apart is strict quality control. Seafood is meticulously examined for mercury levels, sanitary elements, and freshness. Even the temperature of the shipment containers is monitored to ensure utmost quality. This attention to detail extends to seafood handling, where vendors don white gloves to ensure hygiene standards.

• Variety and expertise: The expansive market features two buildings dedicated to fish wholesalers and one for fruits and vegetables, offering a dizzying array of options. Each vendor is highly knowledgeable, ready to share their expertise on sourcing, preparing, and cooking the seafood.
• The Auction: Toyosu Market continues the tradition of early morning tuna auctions, a captivating spectacle for visitors. While previously the public could view this from close quarters, restrictions now limit viewing to a dedicated platform.
• Exploration: Visitors can navigate the sprawling complex via designated lanes, with detailed signs and maps ensuring they don’t miss out on any aspects of this thriving marketplace.

Not just a fish market

Toyosu isn’t limited to seafood. In addition to the fish and seafood halls, the market also hosts its very own fruit, vegetable, and flower market – with approximately 100 wholesalers operating in each area. Whether it’s native citrus like yuzu and sudachi or exquisite varieties of mushrooms or strawberries, Toyosu caters to every palate and preference.

A community beyond seafood

Around the main market, a bustling city thrives, offering everything from shopping and dining to accommodation. For those who don’t fancy getting their hands on raw fish, the market features numerous restaurants – sushi, ramen, tempura, and even Italian and French. Many of these eateries source their ingredients direct from the market, ensuring diners experience the freshness Toyosu is famed for.

Moreover, Toyosu’s modern facilities offer a range of amenities to visitors and workers alike. Meeting rooms, communication facilities, prayer rooms, refrigeration facilities, and a seawater supply system for keeping fish in tanks are just a few features that ensure Toyosu’s efficient functioning.

Learning experiences at Toyosu

Education is an integral part of the Toyosu experience. The market features its very own Information Center, offering insight into the seafood industry – from catch to cuisine. More than just a self-guided tour, the center offers exhibits explaining the history of Toyosu and Tokyo’s other seafood markets, fishing methods, and species info, making it a great opportunity for school trips, tourists, and locals alike.

Summary

In essence, Toyosu Fish Market is so much more than a fish market – it’s a testament to Tokyo’s commitment to quality, a community hub, a place for businesses and vendors to thrive, a tourist destination, and an education center. Indeed, Toyosu carries the legacy of Tsukiji, but it’s also shaping its own identity – one rooted in quality, community, and continuous learning.