Touring Ota Shijo, Japan's Largest Market for Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers!
In Tokyo there are 11 central wholesale markets, each selling one or more kinds of produce including fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and flowers. Ota Market, located in the Tokyo Bay area, is the largest of its kind in Japan. Logistically, it is situated in an extremely convenient place. To its north is Tokyo Kamotsu Terminal Station, a departure and arrival station for containers; to its south is Haneda Airport; and running through it is the Bayshore Route.
Ota Market is the only central wholesale market in Tokyo that deals with the three product ranges of fruits and vegetables, seafood, and flowers. It handles the greatest volume of fruits, vegetables, and flowers of all markets in Japan. It also hosts a course for visitors.
Bidding is underway at an auction room in the flower market (pictured). Flowers that have been collected from across the nation are being checked by intermediate wholesalers and bidders using computers. Arm's length negotiations that do not involve any bidding are often carried out, too.
The spacious building that houses the fruit and vegetable department is the highlight of the visitor course. Drivers on forklifts thread their way past stacks of cardboard boxes that are taller than people. The sight of countless boxes of onions and lettuce stocked up in an orderly fashion is quite impressive.
Tsukiji Market is famous as a fish market, but there is a fish section in Ota Market, too. Although its auction is not part of the visitor course, you can hear vigorous shouts from it throughout early morning. The Municipal Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health's sanitary inspection room can also be found in the market. Responsible for the safety and security of what goes on our dining table, the bureau thoroughly manages the disposal of harmful and defective items.
Inside the market, there are many related businesses such as shops that sell packaging materials, dried foods, and tea. Here, too, are canteens and cafes for market workers, as well as top, lesser-known restaurants. Since these eateries are open to the public, visitors may want to enjoy a meal or refreshments after the tour.
Bus is a convenient way to get to the market, and it is only a 20-minute walk from Ryutsu Center Station on the Tokyo Monorail. Many people choose to stroll through Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, which is adjacent to the market. Tours around factories are popular these days, so why not visit a tour of "Tokyo's kitchen"?
Ota Market
Address: 3-2-1 Tokai, Ota-ku
Phone: 03-3790-6539 (Operating hours: 9:00-16:00)
Access:
Take the Toei bus from JR Shinagawa Station, or get on a Keikyu bus from JR Omori Station or Heiwajima Station on the Keikyu Line. *All bound for Ota Shijo
20-minute walk from Ryutsu Center Station on the Tokyo Monorail.
From JR Omori Station or Heiwajima Station on the Keiyu Line, take the Keikyu bus bound for Keihinjima or Jonanjima. 1-minute walk from Keihin Ohashi Bus Stop.
Procedures for a free tour: Visit the security guards' office to inform them of your purpose of visit and follow instructions. *Parking lot is unavailable for visitors.
Auction times: Fruits and vegetables: 6:50, Flowers: 7:00, Potted plants: 7:30
http://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.jp/english/
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on August 14, 2017.