TSUKIJI FISH MARKET FOR FIRST TIMERS

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It was a rainy morning when I walked through the narrow lanes of Tsukiji Fish Market. Armed with a camera and umbrella, I observed how locals and tourists bargained for the freshest catch. The wide variety and sheer quantity of seafood makes it true to its title, “The Biggest Wholesale Fish Market in the World”.





GETTING THERE

Located in Tokyo’s lower east side, it is very convenient to go there via subway. The closest station is Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Toei Oedo line. And the next closest station is Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Hibiya Subway Line. From there, take a five-minute walk. When you see trucks lined up in the street, that’s a clear sign you’re headed towards the outer market.

But if you’re planning to catch the live tuna auctions, you have to take a taxi. The auction is from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. People usually line up at around 3:00 AM. 



The Outer Market

IS THE TUNA AUCTIONS WORTH A VISIT?

If you’re a photo junkie and don’t mind waking up before the crack of dawn then it’s a big fat YES. 

 You'll see tons of massive frozen tuna or "Nama maguro" in Japanese. All goods were literally just loaded off from the boat. 

 However, there are only 120 visitors allowed. You have to sign up at the “Fish Information Center” at the Kachidoki Gate. It’s a first come, first-served basis. During peak season, expect longer lines so it's best to stay in a nearby hostel the night before the auction.

 To keep the goods fresh, the waiting area is freezing cold. Don’t forget to bring a jacket especially during winter.


Stall vendor beaming with a fresh catch.


Outer Market VS Inner Market

Tsukiji Fish Market is divided into two areas. The outer market consists of retails shops that sell smaller portions of seafood, fruits, vegetables, spices, kitchen wares and even top-quality Japanese knives.






A bunch of students were piled up in one stall. So I hurriedly walked towards them and was surprised with what I saw.  It wasn’t sushi they were preying on but a cone of luscious matcha ice cream. Of course, I had to give it a try.

Matcha ice cream for Y100 or approximately P42


The real deal of the outer market lies in the alley where restaurants are found. This is the place where people line up for a delish sushi platter. In some restaurants, people wait for hours. If you’re an avid viewer of travel shows, you must’ve seen this area while the host is saying,“I found the tastiest sushi in the world”.



Where did the fresh sushi come from? Of course it's in the inner market of Tskukiji where the peak of action is found. The atmosphere is busy with vendors, scooters and motor carts called "turret".

 One important tip, put your guards up when walking. Turrets with buckets of ice and fishes are always passing by. Make sure you do not block them. 

To avoid disturbing the business, visitors are only allowed to enter at 9:00 AM. By this time most stalls are already counting the day’s earnings. But still you will see vendors sharpening knives, cutting heads of fishes and putting them in a plastic. 
Entrance to the Inner Market






I spent an hour gawking at seafood such as tuna, lobster, octopus and the peculiar stone fish. Everything is carefully placed in a solid sheet of ice. I cannot name all the fresh catch I’ve seen because trust me, they are overwhelming and too many. 





WHY PUT THIS IN YOUR ITINERARY?

When you say Japan, you can't help but think of sushi. Wouldn't you want to know where top chefs and famous restaurants get their supply? And because Tsukiji is the busiest fish market in the world, the 900 fish stalls also cater to other countries across the globe.

Maguro knife used for cutting tuna meat

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO 

Check the calendar before going to Tsukiji Market. It's closed on Sundays and sometimes on Wednesdays. (Official calendar: http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm)

Don't wear heels or white shoes. The floor in the inner market is wet.

There's an available map and other tourist info at the "Fish Information Center" located along the outer market. Inside the center, there's also a locker where you can leave your belongings. 






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