While there are no regular open-air markets to speak of, the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, more commonly known as “Tsukiji Fish Market” (located near Tsukijishijo and Tsukiji subway stations), is the world’s largest seafood auction market for restaurants, retailers, and others. While consumers cannot purchase fish during the auctions, this tourist destination allows the public to watch the action which generally begins around 5:15 a.m. and lasts until around 7:00 a.m. or so, Monday through Saturday (with exception to holidays). Fresh seafood can also be purchased at many of the stalls along the perimeter of the fish market. While the auction authorities have at times shutdown public access because tourists were getting in the way, the auction is presently open to the public.
