After a four-month hiatus, one of Tokyo’s top tourist attractions is back open to the public. As of 15 January, visitors can once again view the city’s famed early morning tuna auction, now at its new home in Toyosu Market.
Tokyo’s tuna auction back up and running. Image by Rebecca Milner
As at the market’s previous home in Tsukiji, a limited number of visitors – 120 each day – will be allowed a close-up look. At Tsukiji, eager travelers had taken to forming queues as early as 2am to lock down one of the coveted spots. Currently, access is determined by lottery. Applications for March visits will be open from 3pm (JST) on 4 February through until midnight 11 February. (February applications closed 14 January). See the market’s website for details, and for dates of future applications.
Tokyo’s renowned fish market has reopened in a new site. Image by Rebecca Milner
Those selected will be able to watch the auction from an observation platform on a mezzanine overlooking the market floor. There is a glass barrier (for hygiene purposes) but the platform is open on top, so the frenetic flow of bidding and bell ringing is plenty audible. Visitors are divided into groups of 30 with ten minutes each to observe up close, so everyone is guaranteed a decent, if short, view.
Visitors can also watch traders haggling in the market. Image by Rebecca Milner
There is also a fully sealed observation corridor on the second floor from where the auction is visible. No application is required to visit this area of the market, which is open 5am to 5pm.
The tuna auction starts around 5am and ends by 6.30am and takes place any day the market is open. Toyosu Market is closed on Sundays and most Wednesdays (but sometimes Tuesdays or Thursdays instead); check the schedule on the website before heading out.
Japan is the world’s largest consumer of bluefin tuna, a prestige fish most famously eaten as sushi. Its popularity has led to dwindling numbers; the World Wildlife Foundation currently lists Atlantic, Pacific and Southern bluefin tuna as endangered. International commissions have set fishing caps to help bring numbers up to sustainable levels; however, illegal fishing continues to be a problem.
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