Today’s adventure begins at 4:30 AM for a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Every day, more than 2,000 metric tons of seafood, worth about 19 billion dollars, changes hands here. A single tuna can sell for approx $20,000 here. A line stretched halfway around the block by 5am for tourists to view the morning fish auction.

We were given bright green smocks to wear so the hundreds of people working the market wouldn’t run over us with their hand-trucks, fork lifts and other vehicles used to transport fish and containers around the auction site. After an hour in line, our group was finally admitted into the auction where for 20 minutes we watched the scene unfold: HUGE tunas, workers buzzing around everywhere, and the auctioneers clanging their bells and working to get the highest price.

Afterwards, I roamed the side alleys outside the market and enjoyed a yummy sushi breakfast. Stayed away from the high end shops with lines out the door. My guess is any place in that area is getting their fish super fresh and it has to be good!