Tsukiji, located along the Sumida-gawa River, lies next to Ginza, Tokyo’s famous downtown area. For most people, what springs to mind first when they hear the name Tsukiji is the Tsukiji Market, also called Uogashi (means fish market).
This market handles the largest volume of fishery products in Japan, and dealing in more than 450 kinds of products, such as tuna, around-the-clock makes this market unique throughout the world.
At 5:00 a.m. the seri (auctions) begin, and by around 8:00 a.m. the market is at its most lively, with fish shop and restaurant people crowding in to buy fresh products from the specialized dealers.
[caution] 5/10/2010 the number of visitors to the seri (tuna auction) at Tsukiji fish market to 140 a day. Maximum of 140visitors/day will be allowed on a first-come first-served basis.
The new rule will take effect on May 10 after the Golden Week holiday season, the sources said.
In contrast, the general public comes to do their shopping in the peripheral shopping area known as Jou-gai-shijo or off-market. The period from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. is the busiest time there, and you can buy not only fresh fish, but also many other items, including meat, rolled omelets and professional cooking utensils, or even grab a bite of breakfast.
After your meal, why not take a walk to the neighboring Hama-rikyu Gardens, a Japanese garden with beautiful ponds and flowers.
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