Tsukiji Fish Market to tourists: You're no longer welcome here

[JFC]

Too many foreigners forces ban on tourists to Tsukiji fish market
(Mainichi Japan) December 3, 2008

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced a month-long ban on visitors to the famous fish auctions in Tsukiji from mid-December, blaming large numbers of foreign tourists for obstructing business.

The metropolitan government has sent out a notice of the ban to embassies, hotels, travel companies and other businesses across the capital.

The Tuna Markets, as they are known, are one of the three most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, alongside Akihabara and Asakusa. During early morning hours there were nearly 500 visitors on some days; but many working at the markets have complained of visitors' showing a lack of courtesy to staff.

Full Article - http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2008/12/03/20081203p2a00m0na015000c.html


Fortunately it's only a temp ban. Let's hope it doesn't become a permanent one.  The really sucky thing is, you know that it's just a few bad apples that are messing things up for the whole bunch...especially those of us who haven't had a chance to go yet but really, really, REALLY want to. 

[JTRIX]

^ first of all I need someone to clarify to me that they are only banning the section where the auction takes place right, and not the whole fish market itself.

And I agreed with JFC, that is the few bad people who ruins this breath-taking event and now everyone is affect to it.

[chera]

Damn!  I'm heading to Japan in a week.  Although I've been the the market a few times before, I never woke up early enough to see the auctions.

[shadowstar]

at least it's a temporary ban.

ugh, I hate how some people, especially the idiotic tourists, ruin things for everyone.

[Fenrir]

Wow. I never knew that many foreigners go see Tsukiji. Never did go see an auction, but did walk through the market place. Stupid people, can't keep their hands to themselves. Tsk. 

[tetsu]

i only watch that place on tv and always curious how hustle(hasuru!) the place can be,one of the place i must visit before i die~

[Shumatsu Samurai]

I only went there once but I was surprised they tolerate so much... Having a ban now isn't really unexpected. There are/were clearly marked areas for the visitors but I've seen many people cross them and run around inside the auction area, touching the fish and talking to the workers. Not to mention that it can be dangerous. The forklifts are quite fast and unless you run around directly in front of them, won't slow down.

[StreakInTheSky]

Those people shouldn't even be allowed there in the first place. It's not some public event.

It kinda amazes me that people are going there to watch them sell fish. I guess it's cool seeing huge tuna, but they're just selling fish... is it really that exciting?

[Shumatsu Samurai]

People are going there because it's been promoted as a tourist attraction (partially by exactly the same guys who have now imposed the ban...).
Personally, I thought it (the auction itself) wasn't that spectacular. But it's still interesting because it's something you don't get to see everyday. Fortunately Tsukiji is more than just tuna auctions.