Tsukiji Fish Market

Near Tsukijishijo Station on the Odeo subway line sits one of the most fascinating places in Tokyo. The Tsukiji (pronounced Skeegee) Fish Market is the largest wholesale seafood market in the world. Over 2,000 tons of seafood cross its floor daily. It is famous for its 5:00 am tuna auction but in spite of jet lag that had me waking up at 3:30 in the morning, I could not quite make it in time.

Tsukiji is a frenetic combination of warehouse, farmers' market and retail district. There is surprisingly open access to all areas of the market, in spite of serious risk of truck-pedestrian collisions. One of the most interesting parts of Tsukiji is the wholesale market where vendors sell fresh seafood that is often still squirming. Outside the fish market, has grown a fair sized outer market packed with venders selling all types agricultural goods. It was here that I discovered that the Japanese can produce one damn fine cup of coffee.

Tips & info on Tsukiji.




	The pace was very hectic. When visiting Tsujiki, one would be well advised to keep one's head up and be prepared to dodge turret trucks and the occasional fork lift. Frozen tuna, sold and ready for shipping - probably swimming just hours earlier.
A wonderful little coffee shop in the outer market area.