One of the most recommended things to do while sightseeing in Tokyo is watching the tuna auction at Toyosu Market, which starts at 5:30 a.m.
If I arrive around 5:10, the area is already packed with international visitors. Even the guides are often from overseas, and it almost feels like being at a tourist attraction outside Japan. If you win the Tokyo Metropolitan Government lottery, you can watch the auction from special seats that are much closer to the action.
Inside the market, not only auctions but also direct negotiations called “aitai” take place. While the tuna auction is the main event, negotiations for other fish have already started by early morning.
The featured fish changes with the seasons. Around New Year’s, piles of yellowtail fill the market.
Visitors watch the tuna auction from an gallery overlooking the floor from the third level.
Rows of frozen tuna are lined up, each with its tail cut off so buyers can check the fat content. This careful inspection process, called a preview, shows how seriously quality is controlled. Fresh and frozen tuna are kept in strictly separated areas, reflecting the market’s high standards. Even the plates on the buyers’ caps have meaning — they indicate different licenses and roles, such as intermediate wholesalers or supermarket buyers.
When the time comes, a bell rings and the auction begins. Buyers signal prices using a unique finger gesture called “teyari.” Tuna are sold one after another at incredible speed, often decided in under five seconds per fish.
I scanned a QR code on the wall, and it explained how the tuna auction works.
After watching the auction, it’s a great idea to enjoy fresh sushi in Toyosu and then head to Tsukiji. You can experience both sides of Tokyo’s food culture: the professional working environment of Toyosu and the lively shopping streets of Tsukiji. It’s enjoyable for both international visitors and locals. If possible, joining a guided tour makes the experience even more interesting.
Toyosu Market
You can visit on your own for free without joining a tour, and simply hiring a guide is an affordable and recommended option. Since it’s very early in the morning, it’s important to plan how to get there in advance. If you’re interested, feel free to get in touch.
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