Tokyo Fish Market

I haven't felt so much like I was trespassing in Japan quite like I did at the Tokyo Fish Market. That place meant business, and the folks working there were right on the edge of tolerance and outright annoyance at having tourists weave their way through the narrow isles. (followed closely by rampaging motorized pallet movers seemingly hoping to run absent minded visitors down) It's a bit like touring a construction site - you'll probably see some really cool things, but you'll also be in someones way and it might be a little dangerous. ('visit at your own risk' type signs are posted on the bridge to the market, but if you keep your eyes open you'll be fine.)

The volume of seafood-based commerce taking place was astounding. The variety was equally impressive - not only was virtually any edible (and some I suspect not) sea dwelling life form available for sale, even the rarest seemed to be available in bulk - alive or on ice.

A constant stream of trucks and small motor bikes were leaving the market, bound for the kitchens of establishments across the entire city. The fish on ice arrive packaged in styrofoam cartons, which are slowly discarded as the morning's sales add up. While I'm sure they do a good job of recycling like everywhere else in the country, the styrofoam holding area they'd set up outside was the second 'oh my gosh I've never seen so much of that in one place' moment of the day. The day was unusually windy, and a good gust made the entire parking area look like it was in the middle of an unbelievably chunky blizzard.