"Turret trucks" transporting goods around the market
Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market is a large market for fish, fruit and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and flowers for metropolitan Tokyo.
Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish, shellfish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market one of Tokyo's major tourist attractions.
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Inside the wholesale market.
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Tuna being inspected.
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Octopi in crates.
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Just outside of the wholesale market is a thriving "outside market" of small retail shops and restaurants that cater to the public. Here you can find all sorts of food related goods, knives, vegetables and fish for sale in smaller (than wholesale) portions.
A visit to Tsukiji Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the onsite or local restaurants. Restaurants typically open around five in the morning and close between 12:00 and 15:00.
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Lines at popular restaurants.
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Dried and smoked fish seller.
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"Outer Market"
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Since the wholesale area of Tsukiji Market is a site where serious business is conducted, it is important for visitors not to interfere with the action by adhering to the following rules:
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Visit the tuna auction only between 5:00am and 6:15am!
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Do not enter areas restricted to authorized personnel!
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Do not obstruct traffic!
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Do not bring large bags or suitcases into the market!
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Do not take flash photography during the tuna auction!
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Do not enter the market in high heeled shoes or sandals!
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Do not bring small children or pets!
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Do not smoke in the market!
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Do not touch the fish!
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The spectacular tuna auctions in the early morning hours are both a main attraction for visitors and the main source of frictions between market workers and tourists, due to the interference caused by the sheer number of spectators and cases of misbehaving tourists.
To reduce frictions, tourists are asked to visit the auctions only between 5:00am and 6:15am, to view the auctions only from the designated "visitor area" and to not use flash photography.
Tuna Auction
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Visitor Area Entrance
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