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 Among
the world’s greatest and largest early morning markets, the Tsukiji Fish
Market, is a must-see for anyone who has never seen a market like this
in action.
At about 3am, boats begin arriving from the seas around Japan, from
Africa, and even from America, with enough fish to satisfy the demands
of a nation where seafood reigns supreme. To give you some idea of its
enormity, this market handles almost all the seafood consumed in Tokyo.
 Tuna
is most prized among the fish with rows upon rows of huge tuna fish laid
out like torpedoes on the market’s tiled tables. Wholesalers walk up and
down the rows, jotting down the numbers of the best-looking tuna, and by
5:30am, the tuna auctions are well under way (the entire auction of sea
products takes place about 5-7am). The wholesalers then transfer what
they've bought to their own stalls in the market, subsequently selling
the fish to their regular customers, usually retail stores and
restaurants.
The market is held indoors housed in a huge, hangar-like building. This
makes it convenient for those conducting their daily purchases without
fear of being drenched in rain. Here, the sight of men in rubber boots
going busily about rushing wheelbarrows and carts through the aisles
rushing fish to and from the loading docks is about the first thing that
will greet dawn visitors.
The cacophony of fish basins and hawkers shouting, knives slashing and
chopping will accompany you as you walk through the aisles inspecting
the luscious and freshly caught fish on sale.
 This
is also an excellent place to bring your camera and score some good
photo opportunities. The people working here burst with pride and will
only be too willing to pause and mug for you if you single them out for
a photograph. The floors are wet, so leave your fancy shoes at the
hotel. Just but be prepared to move promptly out of the way of the
barrows trundled at high speed down the narrow aisles.
Before 10 am, the fish are usually sold and everybody starts cleaning up
leaving the market ready for the next morning’s hustle and bustle. Don’t
fret though for there is more to Tsukiji than just the morning fish
auctions.
Tsukiji is also the place to be if you’re hankering for a sushi
breakfast. For this very purpose, you may find alongside the covered
market rows of barracks like buildings divided into sushi restaurants
and shops related to the fish trade.
Just a short walk away on the road to the subway station are alleys upon
alleys filled with tiny retail shops selling various fish products,
seaweed, vegetables, knives, and other kitchen utensils.
There are also a lot of pottery shops and stores that sell plastic and
lacquered trays, bowls, and cups. Although they sell in great quantities
to restaurant owners, shopkeepers will usually sell to the casual
tourist as well.
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