Without question, one of the highlights of my trip was the visit to Tsukiji Fish Market. According to Wikipedia, Tsukiji is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. After two hours there, I believe it too. The place is vast. And chaotic. To experience it properly, you need to arrive before 5:30am to see the famous Tuna auctions. For me, that meant staying overnight in Tokyo in a capsule hotel.
It was worth it. Tsukiji is now on my top 3 recommendations for things to do in Tokyo. Also, while I knew Tuna were impressive animals, nothing prepared me for actually seeing them in the flesh. I eat fish (although not much meat and even that is rapidly dwindling), and after seeing them, I doubt I will ever eat Tuna again. Even frozen, laid on the floor, they are magnificent creatures. Not the reaction that many might expect from my trip there (many fish / food lovers salivate when seeing 20k USD tuna laid out in front of them) and not the subject of this post but it was definitely something that had an emotional as well as visual impact on me...
Anyway, Tsukiji is a photographic treasure trove. I hope it lasts for a hundred years as its an incredible experience. A selection of my pictures follow.
WHOA, number 4 down is my favorite! Who thought one could shoot and make a dead fish photo look intensely full of emotion! These are all excellent. I'm glad you slept in that capsule thingie to do these ;)
Posted by: jude | May 17, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Wow, Isn't this funny, I have the exact same pictures you do :) But i got some video footage too.
Posted by: Malcolm | December 02, 2008 at 05:07 AM