How to Visit Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market
The Tsukiji Fish Market has long been one of the must-sees in Tokyo. The largest fish market in the world, it embodies Japan`s position as the seafood giant of the world. To be part of the action, however, requires some advance planning, and perhaps a very loud alarm.
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Instructions
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Get up at the crack of dawn-as early as 4:00 AM if you need time to prepare. Five AM is acceptable if you don`t have far to travel. It may suit you better to stay up all night, rather than to try and get up after only a few hours of sleep.
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Take the subway to Tsukijishijo Station, on the Subway Oedo Line. Be forewarned that the first train may not run until a little after 5am, so check your local train schedules beforehand.
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Disembark at Tsukijishijo Station, and follow the steady stream of tourists around the corner into a bustling fish market.
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Wander the aisles of both the outer market. The outer market (jogai shijo) consists of shops and restaurants alike, selling everything from the finest kitchen knives to the freshest sushi.
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See if you can penetrate the more exclusive inner market-the site of the famous tuna auctions, which begin at 5:30 AM. As of 2008, foreigners are not allowed to witness the auction, and instead require an official license that designates them as a seafood merchants or traders.
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Partake in a liberal amount of incredibly fresh seafood. Some Japanese specialities to keep in mind include tako yaki (octopus meatballs), uni (sea urchin gonads), and unagi (eel).
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Tips & Warnings
Be respectful of the market and its workers. Disrespectful behavior is what got foreigners banned from the tuna auctions in the first place. If you stay up all night, please do not show up drunk.
Watch where you step. Dock workers drive their fork lifts very fast.
