Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market relocation postponed; new site to open in early 2017

▲ Tokyo Tsukiji Market. (Photo / Duncan Chiu / AP)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market was originally scheduled to relocate on November 7 and be renamed Toyosu Market, but the move has been delayed due to the detection of soil contamination at the new Toyosu site. According to the latest reports, the relocation of Tsukiji Market will be postponed until after February 2017.

The new Toyosu Market covers an area of approximately 408,000 square meters, which is 1.7 times larger than Tsukiji Market. However, recent inspections revealed soil issues at Toyosu, along with the detection of harmful substances in the groundwater, leading to another delay in the relocation. Authorities hope to open the new market only when all environmental factors are confirmed to be safe, hence the postponement to after February 2017.

As for whether the Tsukiji Market relocation plan might be canceled, Tokyo authorities have also stated that the current Tsukiji Market faces problems such as aging infrastructure and safety and hygiene concerns. Additionally, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approaching, the redevelopment of the Tsukiji site is listed as one of the key plans, making it highly unlikely that the relocation plan will be halted.