Tsukiji Fish Market in central Tokoyo is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and is a major tourist attraction for visitors to Japan, who come to witness the 2000 tons of fish which pass through the market each day. But the market’s daily auctions have become such an attraction, that fish-traders have called for a ban on sightseers, who have become so prolific that they are beginning to disturb everyday business functions in the working market.
It’s estimated that a quarter of visitors to Tokyo wish to visit the market (Japan-guide.com) but, as bidding can only be done by licensed participants such as wholesalers, agents for restaurants, food processing companies and large retailers, the visitors come purely as spectators.
In December 2008, all tourists were banned from the tuna auctions, because of the disturbance they created, and subsequent, short-term bans have followed. The most recent ended in May 2010, and was followed by a restriction which allowed a maximum of 140 visitors a day.
Wanderlust Magazine and The Sunday Times recently reported that a new ban has been put in place, which will last ‘several weeks’. It was suggested that the restrictions will not only allow business to operate smoothly, but will also safeguard visitors, in ensuring that the market remains ‘accident free’.
Image taken from Wanderlust Magazine
This article was also published by Responsible Travel News
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