Tsukiji Market

What we love…

Fish is serious business in Tokyo, and the bustling Tsukiji Market first thing in the morning will show you exactly just how serious it really is.
If you're hardcore and up at 5 am you can see the tuna auction in full swing. If you do want to see the action, make sure you find the sign marked “Visitor Passage” to watch from as the auction floor isn’t open to the public.
If waking up at 5 am makes you want to cry, don’t worry you can show up a little later (8 am works) and peruse stall after stall of vendors selling everything and anything that lives in the sea.
Some stalls in the main market are set up to sell to restaurants and wholesalers so don’t expect to bring home large, choice cuts of tuna—this is more about seeing the market culture in action.
BUT if you keep walking you'll reach the Tsukiji Outer Market, it's just as intense and sells a variety of goods such as noodles and produce, along side restaurant supply, and even some authentic housewares at great prices—and this stuff you can actually take home with you.
After you have had your fill of the markets make your way over to Sushi Dai for breakfast, this famed sushi spot is located in the market, so you know they have some of the freshest fish around.

GETTING THERE

To get to the market you can take the subway to either Tsukjij station on the Hibiya line and walk about 5 minutes, or get off at Tsukiji-shijo on the O-Edo line which will get you a little closer to the market.

TIP