It's located on some of the most expensive land in the world beside Ginza — a luxury shopping area.
Tsukiji is considerably less glamorous than its neighbor (Ginza). Tsukiji literally means "landfill" in Japanese. The entire area sits on artificial land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay in the Edo-era.
Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market is the largest wholesale food market in the world. It's best known for its fish market that sells 2800 tons of fish per day.
Tsukiji Market's tuna auction often generates international headlines when a tuna sells for a record price. Record prices are more and more common in recent years (Bluefin tuna are an endangered species).
Bluefin tuna caught in Japanese waters fetch the highest prices. Japanese tuna fishermen might only catch one or two tuna a year. In 2010, a 269 kilogram (539 pound) Bluefin was caught in Japanese waters. It sold for $736,000 USD.
Tsukiji Hongan Temple
Hongan Temple (Hongan-ji) was first constructed in 1617 but was destroyed in 1657 and again in 1923. The current structure was built in 1934. It was designed by Ito Chuta (one of Japan's most acclaimed architects).Hongan-ji is an unusual church-like structure that has Western and East-Asian features.
Hongan-ji has an unusual shrine to Hide from x Japan (a visual kei band). Hide died under mysterious circumstances in 1998.
St. Luke's International Hospital
St. Luke's Hospital in Tsukiji is one of the largest and best hospitals in Japan.
(Right: St. Luke's Tower is one of Tokyo's 50 tallest buildings)
Tsukiji Map
Tsukiji is beside Ginza on the banks of the Sumida River at Tokyo Bay. It's in central Tokyo.
| Tweet |
|
|
| Follow @japantalkjohn |
