Tsukiji fish market is quickly turning into the photo destination in Tokyo. It’s colourful, chaoatic and real. It’s open 24 hours a day and about 10,000 people work there. What could be better?
(Just ignore the fact that officially the public, including tourists, aren’t allowed in the market).
I took my first photos at Tsukiji about two years ago. I wouldn’t quite call it a project, but I’ve been back plenty since for various food and drink related stories.
Unquestionably, its the market workers who make Tsukiji so photogenic. I found the best time to shoot there is 9am or 10am when people are winding down for the day.
Tsukiji worker
If you are interested in reading more about the market there is an excellent book by anthropologist Theodore Bestor.
Tsukiji fish market, Nov 2009 – Images by Tony McNicol
That first shot is so beautiful. Most people go for the motion blur or silhouette on the cart guys, really nice image, so obvious but so rarely seen that way.
Damon
Nice photos. I’m planning a trip to Tokyo next month and was disappointed to read about the restrictions on visitors and photography in Tsukiji. Is it really ok to wander round taking photos? Stuart
It is OK. Just try not to get in anyone’s way. Which is easier said than done!