Morning at Tsukiji: Fish, Steam, and the Cries of Merchants

You wake up when the city is still asleep. The streets are filled with nothing but trucks and the smell of fried fish. This is Tsukiji, Tokyo's legendary fish market, where the morning begins before anyone else. This was once the site of the famous tuna auctions. Now the wholesale operations have moved to Toyosu, but life in old Tsukiji hasn't died down. Dozens of stalls and tiny cafes still surround it, serving the freshest fish, sushi, and steamed miso. 📍 Where it's located: Tsukiji, central Tokyo, near Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line) or Shijo Station (Oedo Line). 🕐 When to go: 6 to 9 AM – before the crowds start. After 10 AM, many stalls close. ⸻ How to visit Tsukiji on a budget 🍣 Breakfast: A sushi set at one of the street cafes costs from ¥1,200–1,800 (approximately $8–$12). If you want to try sea urchin or tuna, order the "mini" portions—they're smaller, but the taste is the same. 🚇 Getting there: The easiest way is by subway to Tsukiji or Shijo stations. It's about 20 minutes from Shinjuku, and a little less from Ueno. 💡 Tip: Arrive on an empty stomach and bring cash. Not everyone accepts cards, and the smells are so strong that you won't need coffee afterward. ⸻ You stand at the counter, watching the chef cut a tuna the size of a boat, and suddenly you realize—this is a real Tokyo morning: noisy, sea-scented, and surprisingly lively. #tokyospots