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One thing on everyone's list when they visit Tokyo is the Tsukjij Wholesale Fish Market. It is recommended to hit it around 5am to see the most action. So the best time to visit the market is the first or second day you are here as you will be waking up early enough due to jet lag. All of our visitors have been there, done that. Finally it's my turn. The highlight is the Tuna Auction from 5AM-6AM. I wasn't there for the early show - but there was still plenty to see at 9AM. And the earlier the better as the market closes up around 10am. I was on a tour with 6 other women. We walked by so many unknown things from the sea, it was nice that our guide could do a little explaining. I have never been a big seafood eater and what I saw today pretty much reinforced that. I really tried not to look disgusted at times, but I am not sure I hid my reactions very well.

These are the guys to watch out for - the ones on the trolleys - they have the right of way, they WILL run you over. Things are tight and fast moving, you have to be very aware.

Just a little smoke while he sells his goods. The smell of smoke actually overpowered the smell of the fish. There is no way this place would pass any inspections in the states.

Octopus eggs - about 4 inches wide and very squishy

I didn't touch them, someone else in our group did - I was surprised no one hollered at her.

the whale stall...hmm...is this really possible today?

vacuum packaged whale

these were moving - baby eel? not sure, but plenty of the buckets of these squirmy things around

lobster covered in sawdust to keep them moist

blood and guts - everywhere

turtles - alive - this guy was trying to get out of the bag - made me very sad

swordfish, this guy was tearing off pieces and putting a piece in his mouth and then offering a piece to us - I took their word for it that it was tasty

this place is not recommended for small children - for obvious reasons

this was also moving, a bit hard to get in the bag

some very large shellfish

I was informed today that the Japanese carve out the eyeball and eat the jelly like substance

it's a delicacy, my friend's husband was offered this at a work dinner, but he just couldn't do it

so cheap! that's 2,000 yen for the entire tray

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Rolly polly fish heads

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Eat 'em up Yum!