TOKYO - A surge of tourists from China and beyond are exploring Japan during the Lunar New Year, with Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market experiencing a particularly lively atmosphere, with long lines for beef skewers priced over 5,000 yen.
No Budget Too High for Gourmet Delights
Tourists from across the globe are flocking to Tsukiji in search of unique Japanese flavors not found anywhere else.
A tourist from Shanghai shared, "Tsukiji is very famous. I learned about it from Japanese variety shows and social media. I bought octopus and Wagyu beef for my father. It's delicious and authentic."
Even on weekdays, the streets are packed with people, with queues stretching around the stores. The prime attraction is the sushi made on the spot, featuring fresh tuna.
A visitor from Hong Kong remarked, "It's delicious and very fresh. I don't have a budget limit for my trip to Japan."
"Why visit Japan now?" a tourist from Taiwan responded, "It's the Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival. I found out about Tsukiji from YouTube and Instagram."
A family from Taiwan mentioned they had visited Mount Fuji and Asakusa in Tokyo before coming to Tsukiji, experiencing the Spring Festival's impact firsthand.
Yuri Inoue of Maguroya Kurogin Tsukiji Honpo noted, "Due to the Lunar New Year, we have many customers from Asia. On weekdays, about 80% of our patrons are from overseas."
Queues for 6,000 Yen Toro Skewers
The most popular item is a set allowing a comparison of three types of toro.
Inoue added, "Many want to try the kamatoro."
Everywhere you look, there are lines. The crowd's favorite is the A5 grade Wagyu beef, cooked right before their eyes. Another top seller is the sea urchin sirloin skewer, priced at 6,000 yen. Despite its hefty price tag, it sells over 100 pieces a day.
A tourist from Taiwan said, "It's very tender. In Taiwan, Wagyu beef is hard to find. You can only eat it at high-end restaurants, so it's great to have it here."
"Oideya," where over 80% of the customers are foreigners, has seen an increase in visitors from Asia during the Spring Festival, underscoring the event's widespread appeal.
Source: ANN
