Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is the world's largest, busiest fish market handling about 17% of all the fish sold at fish markets worldwide.
Locals and foreigners visit the market daily to see the different kinds of fish and seafood items for sale.
For the not-so-early birds, there are still the inner and outer markets dealing in fruit, vegetables, and meat and there are plenty of sushi counters where a sushi breakfast can be enjoyed.
The outer market is packed with stalls selling fresh seafood and specialty items such as real Wasabi and also bowls and Sashimi knives.
The market is no longer open for tuna auctions, which have now moved to a new location at Toyosu.
Getting There: Tsukiji is south of Tokyo Station and right next to the Ginza area. Take the Oedo Subway Line to Tsukiji-Shijo Station or the Hibiya Subway Line to Tsukiji Station. If you have a JR Pass , the nearest JR station is Shimbashi, just a 15-minute walk away.
Admission Fee: is Free.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm.
Importance Rating: 8 - this is one of Tokyo’s top sights.
Busyness Rating: 7 - it still gets very busy.
Top Tips: While the fish market has moved to Toyosu, many sushi, seafood and other restaurants—ramen, beef stew and chicken rice bowl merchants, to name a few—still call the Tsukiji Outer Market area home. Many of these chefs have decades of training and experience. Wander through the side streets and you'll also find vendors selling rolled omelettes, broiled seafood, and jumbo-sized rice balls, among other snacks.