A commercial complex featuring a hot spring and restaurants opened near Tokyo's Toyosu fish market on Thursday after several years of delays.

Housing a total of 65 eateries and shops, set to open by April 1, and a 24-hour onsen and spa resort, Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai aims to draw 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 neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, according to operator Manyo Club Co.

Photo taken 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 fish market relocation was postponed due to soil contamination safety concerns. The coronavirus pandemic provided a further setback.

"I am eager to see the vibrancy that will emerge from the synergy between the market's internal and external areas," Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said at the opening ceremony.

The area that houses the restaurants and shops features the ambience 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 a.m., 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'd like to treat myself to some sushi or a fresh seafood rice bowl."

Related coverage:

Hotel stays in Japan back to pre-pandemic level at 594 million

Foreign entries to Japan rise 6-fold in 2023 after COVID measures end

Noto locals pin hopes on return of tourists to hasten quake recovery