Tsukiji has moved

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the oldest fish markets in the world.  The market consists of an inner market and an outer market.  The inner market is for wholesale.  It is where the tuna are auctioned - which is always intriguing for tourists.  The outer market is for tourists and locals.  It is full of interesting shopping, featuring fish, kitchen wares, other foods, and so much more.

The inner market officially closed on October 6, after 2 years of delays, to move locations.  The new location, named Toyosu Fish Market, is only a mile and a half away.  There will be a viewing deck on the second floor of the market, which will be a vast improvement from the former market (which was always closing due to tourists misbehaving around the valuable merchandise). 

My family thought it would be fun to spend the day at the outer market today.  And we were right.

We wandered around like tourists, taking it all in.  It is so much fun to check out tourist areas (when the mood is right).  I like hearing all the various languages and curiosity is full bore.  I often wonder how many of these people are actually tourists versus residents of Japan.  Regardless, it is fun to be around. 

Real wasabi!

We delighted in the dried squid seller, who would stick more squid into the box when you said you wanted to purchase one.

I was excited to purchase beans from a woman who measured them in a box before tossing them into a paper bag.  No weight.  Just a beautiful wooden box full of beans.

My son delighted in buying and devouring some tamagoyaki (rolled omelet).  There were several stands that were making the slightly sweet egg dish.  We picked one and dug right in. 

The most interesting stand was the octopus cracker maker.  We purchased a ticket from the vending machine.  After handing it to the vendor, he tossed some octopus in some starch and put them on the hot press.  He then closed the lid and cranked it tighter.  There was a hissing noise as the octopus released its moisture.  My husband and son delighted in this noise.  After a couple turns, our cracker was ready.  It was the tastiest and most beautiful cracker I think I have ever had. 

Sometimes playing tourist is so much fun.  I will miss taking friends and family to the inner market of Tsukiji.  But I will still be happy to take them to the outer markets.  And we'll need to check out the new Toyosu Fish Market.