Tsukiji Fish Market

Popularly referred to as the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, the Tsukiji Fish Market happens to be the largest fish market, not only in Japan, but all across the world. A wholesale fish and seafood market, it is sited in the Tsukiji district of central Tokyo.

The Tsukiji Fish Market handles around 2000 tons of seafood on a daily basis. Visitors can get different types of shellfish and other types of sea fish, including sardines and tuna, in this wholesale market. In fact, buyers can find almost 400 different kinds of sea fish over here. Besides fish, this fabulous market also sells meat, vegetables, fruits and flowers. The Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo features in the list of the ten wholesale markets of Japan, which is in charge of the distribution of these food items in this metropolitan city. It is because of this very reason that the market has emerged as a major business center of Tokyo.

The market is segregated into two sections, which are the ‘outer market’ and the ‘inner market’. The ‘outer market’ called ‘jogai shijo’ is filled with innumerable retail and wholesale shops. The shops over here sell diverse kinds of products like groceries, seafood, Japanese kitchen tools and related products. Visitors can also find shops selling restaurant supplies over here. There are several sushi restaurants also located in this part of the Tsukiji Fish Market at Tokyo.

The ‘jonai shijo’ or ‘inner market’ is the main licensed wholesale market. All activities related to fish processing and auctions are carried out in this section of this fish market. The wholesalers carry out their activities from small shops located in the inner market.

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is open on all days of the week, including Sundays and holidays. Work starts in the market pretty early in the morning, sometimes as early as 3:00 a.m. The auction, however, begins only after 5:00 a.m. The best time to pay a visit to this fish bazaar is before 9:00 a.m. as it remains less crowded. Once the products arrive over here, the retailers and wholesalers first inspect them. It is only after this inspection is over, does the auction starts. Everybody is not allowed to see the auction. One needs to have a special permit to watch the same. Large bags are not allowed inside the market premises as they hamper the smooth flow of the market activities.

Getting to the Tsukiji Fish Market is possible by taking a train to the Tsukijishijo Station along the Oedo line subway. Another way of getting to this place is by taking a train to Tsukiji Station along the Hibiya Subway line.

An important economic center of Tokyo city, the Tsukiji Fish Market is a place worth checking out. This bustling market area will surely mesmerize the visitors with its different types of marine products.