Tuna Auction, Tsukiji Fish Market
Author: Anothertravelguide.com0 COMMENTS
Unique atmosphere of spectacular tuna auctions has made Tsukiji Market in Tokyo a major tourist attraction and a place most definitely worth visiting. It is renowned as the world's largest fish and seafood wholesale market. The famous auctions start at 5.00 am, with up to 3000 tuna fish sold like hot cakes in just about 30 minutes.
Fervently yelling, sellers show no signs of a typical Japanese timidity and enthusiastic bidders do not bow either but hurry to offer their bids, as both sides try to reach the best possible deal. Passions at the huge marketplace run high every morning. In a way, the ancient samurai spirit perhaps finds its manifestation there. Tuna experts, armed with flashlights and special hooks inspect the meat quality. They take samples and check the texture, smell and taste, roll around a bit of tuna meat in their mouth, and spit it out.
A tuna specialist, the same way as a sommelier in the wine world, is a much respected profession and sets quality standards of any fine Japanese restaurant.
The best cuts of fish with the right fat percentage turn into the top-quality sushi. It's not a western type sushi made of fresh fishy and a lump of rice, but something way more sophisticated!
Tuna fish arrive from around the world, depending on season, even the coasts of South Africa. Deep-frozen at -600C, fish are placed in the huge auction pavilion, equipped with large cooling devices. Heads and tails are cut off with long samurai swards. SOLD! Ten more minutes, and tuna are loaded into refrigerated trucks, and the hall is empty!
Tuna auctions are open for spectators who can watch from a designed area of an auction hall. Only 140 people are allowed at any particular time, therefore you have to book your spot well in advance at a travel agency or a hotel.
A better insight into this world market phenomenon is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viTmXuo882g
Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market, Tokyo
http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm
SHARE:
ABOUT US • CONTACTS • RSS • FOLLOW US: 
ENG LAT
© anothertravelguide.com 2015
Anothertravelguide.com is an internet resource for independent travellers. All addresses listed on anothertravelguide.com - hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. have been tested and evaluated by our authors. All opinions are subjective and anothertravelguide.com takes no responsibility if any of these locations don't live up to your personal expectations, taste or mood, or has undergone serious changes since visited by authors and experts of anothertravelguide.com.