Tsukiji Fish Market

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This market has been around since the 16th century, and was once responsible for providing fresh fish to Edo Castle. It is the largest wholesale seafood market in the world; each day 400 types of seafood are handled amounting to over 700,000 metric tons of seafood a year. The market handles more than 2,000 tons of fish and other seafood each day. The market is centrally located and on sale is fish, fruit and vegetables. Although Tokyo has 10 wholesale markets this is the best known and most popular. The market supplies a range of products but is best known for the fish section.

The market atmosphere includes the constant traffic of scooters, delivery trucks, buyers and vendors. Although the market was not intended as a tourist spot it have become a popular stop on tourist routes as it offers an insight into the daily life of locals. Most of the fish trading is done in the inner market; this is where tuna auctions are held. In the outer market there are retail stores and restaurants. Visitors can find a Fish Information Center near the Kachidoki Gate of the inner market and the Plat Tsukiji Information Center in the outer market area.

The market is opened most mornings except for holidays, Sundays and some Wednesdays. Tuna fish auctions are held for the traders between 5:30am and 9am and by 1pm the market is closed down for the day. Due to the disturbance caused by tourists trooping through the work area among the many traders and moving vehicles, visitors are now not allowed in the inner market and can only visit the outer market after 9am. The market is scheduled to relocate to Toyosu in 2016.

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