Tsukiji Fish Market Tuna Auction Guide

UPDATE: Tsukiji Fish Market has officially moved to Toyosu. Toyosu Market Details.

Experience the live tuna auction and read our best tips when visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場, Tsukiji Shijō)

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish market where about $20M worth of fish, seafood and vegetables changehands daily. It has an inner market where most of the wholesale business and the famous tuna auctions take place, and an outer market with food, goods and restaurants, which cater to the public.

Three auctions take place in three different areas of the inner market; the auction for Frozen Big Eye and Yellow Fin caught overseas, Frozen Blue Fin caught overseas, and Fresh Tuna caught locally. Visitors are allowed entry to watch the Frozen Blue Fin Tuna Auction only.

Auctions start in different areas at different times and end with the Frozen Blue Fin Tuna Auction. Each fish is sold in 6 seconds or less, and every fish is gone at the end of the day. The day we visited the cheapest fish went for $200,000.00. Don`t miss out.

TIPS:
1. Check the calendar.
The Tsukiji Fish Market is closed on Sunday, some Wednesdays and holidays. Check the official Tsukiji Market Calendar for their open schedule. Although it`s in Japanese, it`s fairly easy to read. The week begins on a Sunday (日), and the days marked with a red dot means they`re closed.

2. Know where you`re going.
If you’re taking the subway, the closest stations are Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Toei Oedo subway line and Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya subway line. Note subways stop running around 1am and resume at 5am. If you`re planning to see the Tuna Auction take a taxi, drive or if you are jet-lagged and have the energy, stay out all night near the area.

3. Items to wear and take with you.
Visitors line up around 3:30am, or earlier, to get a spot for the auction. It`s often chilly at night, the wait room is not heated and the area for the tuna auction is cooled to keep the fish frozen. Wear warm clothing, closed-toe shoes, and grab a coffee. The wait between admissions and the actual auction can be up to 1.5 hours. Bring a book, spare battery for your phone, camera and a cushion to sit on to make your wait more pleasant. Also, try to get seated against the wall for back support.

4. Line up early – around 3:30am. During peak tourist times (spring and autumn) line up even earlier. The admission process to watch the auction is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is limited to 120 people separated into two groups of 60. You can register starting at 4:30 a.m. at the Tsukiji Market Information Center inside the Kachidoki Gate off Harumi Street. They will provide you with a vest to wear. Visitors will have to wait in a room before their group is called.
First Group Viewing around 5:25am – 5:45am.
Second Group Viewing around 5:50am – 6:10am.

5. Be respectful: follow the rules.

When your group is called you will be guided to the auction area. Beware of motorized vehicles and move out of their way. They stop for no one. Stand in the special visitor area only and be sure to have the flash on your camera turned off. The flash distracts the auctioneers.

Once the tuna auction ends exit the facility and follow the guide. Return your vests and grab a sushi breakfast. The TOP sushi spots at Tsukiji Market are:

1. Sushi Dai / 寿司大
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Ichiba Building 6 (東京都中央区築地5-2-1 築地市場 6号館)

2. Daiwa-Zushi / 大和寿司
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Ichiba Building 6 (東京都中央区築地5-2-1 築地市場 6号館)

3. Sushizanmai / すしざんまい本店
4-11-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (東京都中央区築地4-11-9)

Have a great time!

Tsukiji Fish Market Tuna Auction Details

Address: 5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-3547-7074
Hours: Closed on Sundays, Holidays & some Wednesdays. Please check the official Tsukiji Market Calendar for their schedule.
Access: Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Toei Oedo subway line OR Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya subway line. Access Map
Website: http://www.toyosu-market.or.jp/

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