No More Tuna Auction At Japan's Famous Tsukiji Fish Market

Anyone who has travelled to Tokyo, Japan would have either seen or heard about the Tsukiji Fish Market.

It is one of the largest wholesale fish and seafood markets in the world as it manages more than 2,000 tonnes of marine products every day!

Sushi and sashimi lovers would adore this place.

In this market, you can find loads of restaurants, retailers and supply stores that never fail to attract both local and international visitors.

One of the most attractive parts about this fish market is the tuna auction that takes places almost every morning. But this unique auction is not open to everyone.

You can see the auction from anywhere else.

The number of visitors or spectators, to be exact, is limited to only 120 people per day. This is due to the market's age old infrastructure that cannot accommodate any more than that.

After all, the market has been operating since 1935.

Tourists who are interested to witness the auction would have to apply for a special pass, which starts as early as 5am, sometimes even earlier.

Of course, it functions on a first-come, first serve basis, so you'll have to be there much earlier to get a spot. Otherwise, you would have to leave Japan with one less experience.

Now, having said all that, we've got some bad news.

According to an AFP report, Tsukiji Fish Market will officially stop letting tourists in to watch the auctions from September onwards.

Not that we're going to Japan anytime soon anyway.

This is a step to prepare the market before its big move coming up on 11 October.

Yup, in case you haven't heard, Tsukiji Fish Market is moving!

After more than eight decades, the market will be moving away from its current location in Tokyo and eastward to Toyosu.

The final tourist access to the tuna auction will happen on 15 September, and the viewing of wholesale markets for marine products and vegetables will end on 29 September.

Tsukiji market will then close on 6 October and experience a complete makeover with a new home.

It's your last chance to experience the market in its former glory.

"In Toyosu, too, we plan to open a deck for visitors, and also there will be a special aisle for viewers where tourists will be able to watch the tuna auction through a glass wall," a spokeswoman from the Tokyo metropolitan government said.

The existing Tsukiji location will turn into a transport hub in light of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

So, guys, you know what to do -- you have less than three weeks to plan a short trip to Tokyo and see the old fish market for the last time!