Wow, talk about sensory overload… the Tsukiji Fish Markets, just a few train stops from Ginza, is an experience to say the least. As the largest wholesale fish market in Tokyo, and most probably one of the largest fish markets in the world, it’s so worth the visit. We did however skip the tuna auction which would have had us there around 4-5am in 2 degree temperatures… brrrrrr!

Probably not surprising seeing the Japanese are so clean there were no bad fishy smells. Everything was extremely fresh, and looked just amazing… there was something new and intriguing around every corner! Walking between the narrow streets of the outer market the locals sell fresh vegetables, dried fish, legumes and of course tonnes of fresh seafood from slabs of bright red/pink tuna to tiny pippies and white bait.

At Tsukiji you really get a sense of how the working class live in Tokyo. Everyone is always busy, whether it’s welcoming you to their stalls or cleaning their shop fronts. There is also an abundance of local street food being prepared. You can imagine the fresh sushi but also the bubbling hot fish stews, barbecued scollops and oysters, as well as freshly made octopus dumplings.

If you love seafood this place is heaven on earth.