If you are visiting Tokyo and Tsukiji Fish Market is on your list, you probably want to read this.  When I visited the market for the very first time, I was surprised how different it was from my expectations. This blog will make sure you will be ready for Tsukiji visit!

1. Tuna Auction is not the only thing to see
2. You should start waiting in line around 3 a.m. to see Tuna Auction
3. No flip flops, high heels or sandals
4. You could be kicked out heartlessly
5. There are a lot more than seafood in Tsukiji Fish Market
6. Wednesday and Sundays could be closed
7. Be cautious with trucks or you will be run over
8. Many stores close in the morning in the inside market

1. Tuna Auction is not the only thing to see

Many people think that tuna auction is THE thing in Tsukiji Fish Market, but that is not everything.  In reality, most of locals do not go there to see tuna auction but enjoy what's around the market. 

There are 2 parts of Tsukiji Fish Market - Inner Market（場内） and Outer Market（場外）. Inner Market is the wholesale area and Outer Market is for visitors and the public.  I usually recommend my friends from other countries to go Outer Market because there are street food and restaurants and you don't have to worry about being pushed around by workers.  

2. You should start waiting in line around 3 am to see The Tuna Auction

If you want to see the tuna auction in Tsukiji Fish Market, you have to get up extremely early or maybe not sleep at all because you need to be in line around 3am!  Even though the first admission starts between 5:25am - 5:50am, people start lining up before since the number of visitors is limited to 120 per a day.  First come, first served.  

One thing to note is that between midnight to 5am, there are no trains or buses, so you either have to stay in the hotel close by or find Manga Kissa (It means Comic Cafe) which are usually open 24 hours. 

3. No flip flops, high heels or sandals

There are STRICT RULES in Tsukiji Fish Market.  No proper shoes are not allowed because the market's ground is wet and slippery.  Also there are other strict rules as below.

• You cannot enter areas restricted to authorized personnel.
• You cannot obstruct traffic.
• You cannot bring large bags or suitcases.
• You cannot bring small children or pets.
• You cannot smoke.
• You cannot touch anything.

And if you break these rules...

4. You could be kicked out heartlessly

Tsukiji Fish Market is a place where serious business is conducted.  Workers' priority is their business but tourists.  Does it sound cruel?  Well, you decided to visit their work place so you have got to behave.

5. There are a lot more than seafood in Tsukiji Fish Market

It is a 'FISH' market but locals visit Tsukiji not only for seafood but also for all the other good stuff.  For example, Nunotsune Sarashina is known for its flavorful soba noodles and tempura and Kitsuneya is loved by locals and workers for its melting beef gut stew.  

6. Wednesday and Sundays could be closed

Again, Tsukiji Fish Market is not originally made for tourists so it does close at least twice a week. Wednesdays, Sundays and Holidays are usually closed, but it could differ every year so make sure to check their business calendar.　

Although almost all of the stores in the Inside Market are closed on those days, some of the stores in Outside Market are open.  

7. Be cautious with trucks or you will be ran over

Workers in Tsukiji Fish Market are busy carrying products on those little trucks.  They drive those things quite fast and they don't care about tourists.  If you don't watch out, you might get hurt.  Be careful!

8. Many stores close in the morning in the inside market

Since Tsukiji Fish Market is open before dawn, many stores close even before noon.  If you are going to a certain stores, you might want to research their business hour in advance. 

We visited Tsukiji Fish Market around 1pm the other day and no stores were open in Inside Market. 

Keep these things in mind when you visit Tsukiji Fish Market.  Be safe and have fun!

-Maiko