The Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Located in central Tokyo in the Tsukiji district, it handles over 2,000 tons of sea products a day. Because of the huge and rare fish available, and the busy atmosphere, the Tsukiji Market is one of the most popular destinations in Tokyo
The market is made up of two section - the inner market and the outer market. The outer market is made up of all the restaurants and seafood retailers, while the inner market has restricted access to licensed wholesalers and holds the tuna fish auction every morning (except Sundays).
The tuna fish auction is especially bustling and fun to watch, as buyers and sellers shout and compete for better prices, but it is only open to visitors from 5:00am to 6:15am to keep the numbers of people at bay and to conduct business properly. Visitors are limited to 120 visitors per day, on a first-come, first-serve basis so save sleeping in for the next day.
Although the market has lived in Tsukiji since 1935, in November of 2016, the market will be relocated to Toyosu in anticipation for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
To get to the Tsukiji Market, take the subway, train, or car. The market is a five minute walk from the Tsukijishijo Station, the Tsukiji Station, and from Shimbashi, it is a 15-minute walk.
