Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market

Also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, Tsukiji is arguably the world’s number one must-see food frenzy. Virtually every Tokyo guidebook lists this as the “if you have only one day” attraction, ahead of the Imperial Palace or Ginza. From 5-9 a.m. they conduct the tuna auction, where a single tuna can fetch five or even six figures in a frenetic bidding process. Among the tuna mongers are aisles of every kind of sea creature in existence—many you never imagined. Over 2,500 tons—that’s 5 million pounds—changes hands daily. The actual market, a huge enclosed building spanning several city blocks, is now just one part of the overall Tsukiji scene, anchoring an entire foodstuff neighborhood.

For more information:The Tsukiji Market