Ota Market

Ota Market is a large central wholesale market in Tokyo handling fruits, vegetables, seafood, and flowers. The facility is divided into specialized sections including produce halls, a seafood building, and a separate flower area.

The market was established in 1989 by merging several older markets including Kanda, Ebara, Kamata, and the Omori marine products market. This consolidation reorganized Tokyo's wholesale trade into a single coordinated facility.

Each morning, buyers gather to bid on fresh produce and seafood using hand signals in a trading practice rooted in tradition. The ritual reflects how the market remains woven into Tokyo's daily food supply system.

The market operates daily except on Sundays and public holidays with auctions beginning early in the morning. Visitors should expect wet floors and cool conditions, so wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly.

The flower section processes millions of blooms daily at a scale few visitors realize. This area plays a major role in flower distribution across Japan, supplying florists and garden businesses nationwide.