Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market

Hey there fellow travellers! In this post, I will be highlighting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market since it definitely deserves its own post! I will be showcasing select travel photos taken from the dry market area and the world-famous tuna auction at a warehouse in the fish market. Will also be providing tips on preparing for your trip to the tuna auction and what to expect during this unique cultural event.

TSUKIJI DRY MARKET

Bustling with tourists (local and foreign alike), the Tsukiji Market has a dry market and wet market area. You can find all sorts of snacks, the freshest seafood and sushi! Giant scallops for 500 yen apiece. Crab sticks, pork buns, assorted nuts, mochi, tea, omelette, knives, you name it, they’ve got it. So much to see and taste (i.e. free samples) here that I went back twice in a span of 1 week!

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET (TUNA AUCTION)

One of the most unforgettable experiences while in Tokyo is witnessing the early morning tuna auction at Tsukiji fish market. Do take note that you have to queue as early as 2:30 AM (yes, I’m not kidding) to ensure you get a spot since less than 200 people are allowed to enter the auction venue per day.

(Pro tip: If you’re bent on going to the auction, it is recommended you book your accommodations near Tsukiji fish market so you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the venue. At this hour, trains are closed and taxis can be expensive if your hotel/hostel is located far away. In my case, I booked my Airbnb in the Kachidoki area so it just took me a 5-10 min walk across the bridge to get to Tsukiji.)

Entrance to the waiting area is at the Fish Information Centre located near the Kachidoki bridge. There is no entrance fee to attend the auction. If you make the cut, you will get a neon-coloured vest signifying that you are one of the chosen few to be granted the privilege to see this unique event.

At around 5 AM the market will open (which means you have to wait in line for about 2-3 hours, so better to bring a book or some small pillows if you want to catch some shut-eye while queuing). Before planning to go here, it is advisable to check first the schedule of the auction as this does not happen everyday. Check out https://boutiquejapan.com/tsukiji-fish-market/ to get a more detailed run down on how to prepare for your trip to the Tsukiji fish auction.

Once you’re in, you will immediately see Japanese men inspecting the tuna for auction. They will use their flashlights to check the “redness” and get samples from the tail part of the fish to assess the quality of the meat. The bidding starts when you hear a bell and the auctioneer starts shouting in Japanese calling for bids. The record for the most expensive bid for a whole tuna in around $1.5 million! According to a tuna bidder, the fish came from the northern part of Japan which is deemed to be where the best tuna comes from.

Some advice for tourists, please follow all rules of the venue. No flash photography. Fall in line and only go to your designated spots. Refrain also from talking/playing loud music as these will disturb the bidding process. Authorities will not hesitate to throw you out of the venue due to disobedience to their rules. Finally, like any cultural event you visit, please be respectful of others and be appreciative of being granted the privilege to witness the spectacle 🙂

The auction lasts only for a few minutes (about half an hour to less than an hour). After the auction, it will be about 6AM and some of the stalls selling fresh sushi will open for breakfast, so you can go ahead and eat to your heart’s content. Or you can just go back to your hotel/hostel/inn/Airbnb and sleep like I did. 🙂

Long queuing aside, this is truly a unique experience. A definite must-do while in Tokyo!