Tsukiji Fish Market in the center of Tokyo is one of the most famous fish markets in the world. There are 88 central wholesale markets across Japan in 56 cities: markets for fruits and vegetables, 54 for fish, 19 for flowers and 10 for meat.

I went to Tsukiji with some friends visiting from Australia. We had to wake up 4:30 a.m. and leave home around 5:15 a.m. Tsukiji market opens at 4:00 a.m. every morning, but the best time to go is between 5:00 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., for the market's main event. We went by car. For those looking to arrive early in the morning, here are some reccommended hotels near Tsukiji within walking distance of the market.

*Shinbashi/Ginza Hotels (about a 10 minute walk to Tsukiji)
JAPANiCAN Recommended Hotels!
1. Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza Hotel
5 minutes on foot to Tsukiji Fish Market. 5 minutes on foot to Ginza subway Station.
2. Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo
10 minutes on foot to Tsukiji Fish Market. 2 minutes on foot to Shimbashi Station.

Tuna Auction

Don't miss the famous early morning tuna auction at Tsukiji! The auction area is deep in the inner market of Tsukiji, making it a bit difficult to get to, but is well worth the effort. You can get a market map at the information stand next to the main gate. Go straight ahead from there, taking care to avoid the special tricycle carts darting through the aisles carrying the latest haul.

The tuna auctions are always crowded with auctioneers, sellers, buyers and tourists, many from foreign countries. The tuna auction is held six days a week excluding Sundays and National Holidays.

Tsukiji Market calendar link

Tourists can watch the tuna auctions from the visitors area, which opened on 1 April 2008. With the hundreds of fishermen, auctioneers and dealers hurrying about their jobs, Tsukiji Market is a unique and exciting destination, but it is a place of work first and a tourist attraction second. With that in mind, please observe the following when visiting the morning auction:

Stay only in the designated observation area.
Use of a camera flash is strictly prohibited as it will disturb the auction process.

Worker appraises tuna laid out on the floor

Frozen tuna loaded onto a special cart

There are actually two distinct areas in the Tsukiji market. The joh-nai, or inner market, where the many fishermen and restaurant professionals work, holds the daily auction. The joh-gai, or outer market, has small retail shops and some sushi restaurants. This area is intended for the public, and you can walk the streets without worrying about speeding fish trolleys.

Of course, with all that prime tuna around, there are several famous sushi restaurants in the fish market area, where you can get some of the freshest sushi possible! The most famous sushi restaurant is Daiwa Sushi, often mentioned guide books. Because of that it always has a long long line. You might have to wait over 30 minutes to get a spot at the counter. Daiwa Sushi opens at 5:00 a.m., so you can grab a quick sushi breakfast before watching the tuna auction.

My personal favorite restaurant is "Umai Sushi-kan," a chain with fresh, quality fish at every restaurant. Umai Sushi-kan is located two rows across from Daiwa Sushi. It is usually not so crowded, so you can eat sushi without waiting a long time. Most restaurants open from early morning to lunch time.