Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

Officially known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, the famous Tsukiji Fish Market is worth a visit for its 1600 stalls of exotic and delicious marine animals, including large blue fin tuna, live shell fish, deep sea crabs, eels, and salmon.

Officially known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, the famous Tsukiji Fish Market is worth a visit for its 1600 stalls of exotic and delicious marine animals, including large blue fin tuna, live shell fish, deep sea crabs, eels, and salmon. Located between the Sumida River and the upmarket Ginza shopping district, the wholesale market has an inner area (jōnai-shijō) with restricted access, and an outer retail market (jōgai-shijō) with sushi restaurants and restaurant supply stores that are a major tourist attraction.

As you might expect, most of the area is wet and slippery, so dress accordingly. It is a busy commercial center, but the vendors don't mind visitors as long as you stay out of the way. Get here as early in the morning as possible, as the number of visitors is restricted to 120 for the tuna auction. Tickets are issued on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 4:30 am at the market's Fish Information Center, located next to the Kachidoki entrance. The first 60 ticket holders are able to view the auction from 5:25 am until 5:50 am, while the other 60 ticket holders can view the remainder of the auction from 5:50 am until 6:15 am. Only licensed buyers are allowed to bid. Visitors must adhere to strict rules when viewing the auction, including no flash photography, no touching the fish, and no actions that would otherwise interfere with any auction-related activities.