A commercial complex featuring a hot spring and restaurants near the Toyosu fish market opened Thursday after several years of delay.
With a total of 65 eateries and shops, set to open on April 1, and a 24-hour onsen and spa resort, Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai aims to attract 2.6 million visitors annually.
The hot spring area has an open-air bath and footbath with a view over Tokyo Bay as well as accommodation facilities, with water sourced from the famous hot spring regions of Hakone and Yugawara in the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, according to operator Manyo Club Co.
Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024, shows the Edo-inspired dining and shopping area at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, the newly opened commercial complex near Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. (Kyodo)
The construction of the complex was planned by the metropolitan government in line with the relocation of the fish market from Tsukiji to nearby Toyosu in October 2018.
But its opening was delayed after the relocation of the fish market was postponed due to safety concerns over soil contamination. The coronavirus pandemic has provided an additional setback.
“I am eager to see the vitality that will emerge from the synergy between the internal and external market areas,” said Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the opening ceremony.
The area containing restaurants and shops features the atmosphere of streets from the Edo period, with many eateries offering dishes using fresh produce from the nearby market.
The opening saw an influx of visitors at 10 am, with many lining up in front of the restaurants.
Atsuko Segawa, a 50-year-old woman from Nagano Prefecture visited the facility with two friends.
“I came here to enjoy fresh seafood,” Segawa said, after eating fried octopus and monkfish. “I like to treat myself to sushi or a fresh seafood rice bowl.”
Related coverage:
Hotel stays in Japan are back to pre-pandemic levels at 594 million
Foreigners entering Japan increased 6 times in 2023 after the COVID measures
Noto locals are counting on the return of tourists to speed up recovery from the earthquake