Winter 2009 - Japan - Tsukiji Market

Ahh, Tsukiji, the Mecca of seafood and the poster child of Japanese excessive plundering of the oceans. Admittedly, the morning aroma of fish, blood and diesel takes getting used to. But if you are a foodie, it will be a sin of the greatest order if you give Tsukiji market a miss when you are in Tokyo. My trip to Tsukiji will probably be rather different from other travellers. Failing to do proper research, I didn’t realise there is both a wholesale area and a market outside of the complex. I only toured the wholesalers, and this adventure is not suitable for everyone.

The famous tuna auction was closed to the public during my trip owing to the New Year's rush. Still, attending that would entail waking up at an ungodly hour and spending a fortune on a cab ride. I hear some real hardcore foodies just hang around in Izakayas near the market all night until the next morning to catch the auction. That seems like a great idea for my next foray.

Here are the pictures.

All about the tuna.


Steel on Tuna action.









Tuna Filleting with a massive Maguro Bocho.

Fish!





Anglerfish and its liver. A winter delicacy.



Scallops.


Tiger Prawns.


Langoustine. Probably imported.


Squid.


Penshell.


Shirako - One of the most bizzare things I tried in Japan. This is the sperm sac of a cod fish.


Tools of the trade.



Tasty tasty murder.