TOKYO’S most famous fish market, the Tsukiji market, has closed down after being in business for 83 years.

Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, will now be turned into a temporary parking garage for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Japan’s capital.

On Saturday, Tsukiji held its last auction, with a 162-kg tuna being the most expensive fish of the day.

The fish was sold for 4.3 million yen (US$37,818).

The market drew tens of thousands of visitors every year, enjoying the sights of exotic fruits and fresh fish.

In January, a prized bluefin tuna was sold for a hefty price of more than US$320,000.

In recent years, Tsukiji’s age began to show, leading to unsanitary situations and the plan to move to a new location. Tsukiji will provide temporary parking for the Olympics and eventually become a tourist center.

“I am sad to see Tsukiji close, but I do look forward to seeing what the land will be used for after this and how Tokyo will develop,” Takeshi Ohashi, a 44-year-old former Tsukiji worker, said.

The new location for the market is Toyosu, a manmade island built for US$5 billion in Tokyo Bay.

The plan to move the fish market originated 17 years ago, but the discovery of toxic substances in the groundwater and soil in 2016 led to several delays.

Eventually, the contaminated areas were cleaned using underground wells and the location was declared safe by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in July this year, opening the doors to its official inauguration Thursday.

(SD-Agencies)