How To Do The Tsukiji Fish Market Right

Above, lots of seafood for sale at the Tsukiji Fish Market. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In December 2010, I got up early (a little earlier than planned due to an earthquake) to go to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

I had always wanted to visit the fish market, but somehow never got around to do so until that trip. I entered the fish market through a side or back entrance and wandered around without any difficulty. But I don't recommend this as I was told by the main gate guard that the market was closed to tourists during that period (supposedly it was their busiest part of the year) when I reached the main gate. By then, I saw all that I came to see (lucky me).

Inside Japan blog has a helpful article on "how to do it right."

They begin with:

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of my tip-top favourite Tokyo experiences, but what with increasingly unstable relations between the vendors (for whom this is their livelihood) and tourists (for whom it is a fascinating attraction), it is important to know how to “do” Tsukiji properly. 

Located right in the middle of Tokyo, next-door to Hamarikyu Gardens and near the upmarket Ginza district of town, Tsukiji is the largest seafood market in the world, and makes a fantastic (and free) addition to any Tokyo itinerary. 

And since it was announced that Tsukiji will soon be moving from its current location to a site in Toyosu (a 20-minute bus or train ride from its current spot), you really will have to get in there quick – before it changes for good!

To read more, go here.