Trails to Tsukiji

Ise-ebi, or "Japanese spiny lobster", the king of lobster, can cost up to $50 at Tsukiji. To preserve the flavor, ise-ebi must be kept alive until just before cooking. Teamwork between fishermen and wholesalers makes live ise-ebi delivery to restaurants possible. It is said that the ise-ebi's long tentacles represent longevity and that its armor-like body symbolizes the vigor of the samurai. As a symbol of luck, longevity and vigor, ise-ebi is a must for times of celebration.