Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

There’s no shortage of fantastic sushi restaurants in New York.  But, as good as they are, they will never compare to the fresh sushi and seafood in Japan.  Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.  Food porn everywhere. 

Inner Market

This is where dealers purchase fish directly from licensed wholesalers.  Between receiving and selling goods, and preparing for early-morning tuna auctions, the market is running 24 hours a day.  Other than a few spots reserved for the public at the tuna auctions, the public isn’t allowed to enter the inner market until after 9am.

Prepping the deliciousness.

Never-ending roe.

Fresh scallops.

Biggest crabs ever.

To get a feel for just how much seafood is processed at Tsukiji each day, take a look at the piles of Styrofoam tossed in the trash.

Outer Market

This is where pre-packaged sushi and other goods such as kitchenware and restaurant supplies can be purchased by the public.  Lining the walkways of the outer market are several small sushi restaurants.  Walk through the inner market and then head to the outer market for sushi breakfast.

If you’re planning a visit to Tsukiji, rules must be followed!

• Wear comfy, washable shoes.  The ground is slippery and smells like fish.  If you can’t wash your shoes, you’ll probably start smelling like fish also.  Smelling like fish is generally considered to be a bad thing in most parts of the world.
• Come early.  Come hungry.  Bring cash.
• Pay attention to your surroundings in the inner market.  Wholesalers will be annoyed if you disrupt their business, and turret trucks might hit you if you’re in the way.  You’ll want to be alive in order to enjoy sushi breakfast.

For a detailed map of the inner and outer markets, visit Japan-Guide.com.  You can find transit info there too.

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