At Activity Maison Kissako, the Tuna Auction and Market Tour offers a unique peek into Tokyo’s seafood industry. As the sun rises over the city, wholesalers and restaurateurs gather for the daily tuna auction, where the freshest catch of the day is up for grabs. But what happens behind the scenes of this high-energy event? With Maison Kissako’s expert guides, travelers can witness the auction firsthand, sample the freshest sushi, and explore the wholesale area. But that’s just the beginning – what secrets will they uncover about the market’s history and operations?
Just The Basics
• Experience the frenetic tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market, where wholesalers and restaurateurs bid on the freshest catch of the day.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the wholesale area, sampling the freshest sushi and learning about the market’s history and operations.
• Witness the behind-the-scenes of Tokyo’s seafood industry, exploring the market’s hidden gems and gaining insider access.
• Savor a supreme breakfast and refreshing beverages, fueling up for an immersive experience with a maximum of 10 travelers.
• Benefit from expert guides providing insightful commentary and personalized attention, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Experience the Tuna Auction
As the night fades away, visitors get to witness the frenetic energy of the tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market, where wholesalers and restaurateurs bid on the freshest catch of the day.
The auction’s pace is fast, and the atmosphere is electric, with buyers scrutinizing each fish before placing their bids.
The auctioneer’s rapid-fire chant and the sound of bidding paddles slapping against the floor create an exhilarating experience.
With their expert guide, travelers can observe the auction up close, learning about the intricacies of the tuna trade and the art of selecting the perfect fish.
It’s a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of Tokyo’s seafood industry.
Market Tour Highlights
Following the tuna auction, visitors dive into the vibrant world of Toyosu Fish Market, exploring its bustling stalls and sampling the freshest seafood delights.
They wander through the wholesale area, marveling at the sheer variety of seafood on display. From succulent sashimi-grade tuna to exotic seafood delicacies, the market offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas.
Visitors can’t resist trying some of the freshest sushi they’ve ever had, savoring the flavors and textures of the seafood.
As they explore, their knowledgeable guide shares insights into the market’s history, operations, and the art of seafood preparation, making for a truly immersive experience.
What to Expect
On this VIP tour, visitors can expect an exhilarating early morning adventure that will take them behind the scenes of Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Fish Market, where they’ll witness the frenetic energy of the tuna auction and explore the market’s hidden gems.
With a specialized guide leading the way, guests will gain insider access to the wholesale area, usually off-limits to the public.
They’ll get to see the bustling market stalls, sample fresh sushi, and learn about the art of sushi-making.
Throughout the tour, visitors will enjoy a supreme breakfast and refreshing beverages, making for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Tour Schedule Details
The tour kicks off in the early morning hours, with hotel pickups starting around 5 am, ensuring that visitors arrive at Toyosu Fish Market in time to witness the electrifying tuna auction.
After pickup, guests will board an air-conditioned vehicle and head to the market.
Upon arrival, they’ll enjoy a supreme breakfast to fuel up for the exciting day ahead.
The specialized guide will then lead the group through the wholesale area of the market, providing insightful commentary throughout.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this intimate tour ensures a personalized experience.
After the tour, guests will be dropped off back at their hotel, filled with new knowledge and unforgettable memories.
Insider Access Benefits
With privileged access to the wholesale area of Toyosu Fish Market, guests can now explore the inner workings of this bustling hub, getting up close and personal with the sights, sounds, and smells that make it so fascinating.
This insider access allows for a truly immersive experience, granting visitors a deeper understanding of the market’s inner mechanics.
Some of the benefits of this privileged access include:
-
Unrestricted views of the tuna auction, providing an unobstructed glimpse into the high-stakes bidding process
-
Guided tours of the fish market, led by experts who can explain the intricacies of the market’s operations
-
Behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the secrets and stories behind this iconic Tokyo landmark
Traveler Requirements
Guests will need to be prepared for an early morning pickup, as the tour starts around 5 am, and it’s essential they’re ready to go at the designated time.
They should ensure their hotel is located in the city center, as pickups from farther locations will incur an additional charge.
Travelers with infants should note that they’ll need to sit on laps, although infant seats are available.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and travelers with mobility issues should be prepared for a quick walking pace in the professional section of the market.
Lastly, the tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, so guests should book early to secure their spot.
Dietary Accommodations
Special dietary needs are accommodated upon request, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the supreme breakfast and beverages provided during the tour. Maison Kissako understands the importance of catering to diverse dietary requirements, making sure that all guests feel included and cared for.
Vegetarian options are available for those who prefer plant-based meals.
Vegan alternatives are also provided, carefully prepared to meet the dietary standards.
Plus, arrangements can be made for Kosher, Halal, and allergy-friendly meals, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met.
Booking and Cancellation
Maison Kissako requires immediate confirmation upon booking, unless the tour is booked within 24 hours of travel, and it’s essential to review their cancellation policy beforehand.
They’ve a strict no-refund, no-change policy for any reason, so it’s crucial to be certain about your plans.
However, if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, they’ll offer a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, they’ll provide an alternative date or experience, or a full refund.
It’s also important to note that infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available upon request.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tuna Auction?
She wonders if she can snap photos during the tuna auction, and the answer is yes, but with restrictions; flash photography and tripods are usually not allowed, so she’ll need to check with her guide beforehand.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
She notes there’s no specific age restriction mentioned, but infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available, implying the tour is generally suitable for all ages, with possible accommodations for young children.
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Schedule?
She can’t customize this tour to fit her schedule, as the meeting time and itinerary are fixed, but she can request special dietary arrangements or accommodations, and the tour operator will try to accommodate her needs.
Are There Any Physical Limitations for This Tour?
She notes that, generally, participants with mobility issues may face challenges, as the tour involves walking at a moderate pace, especially in the professional section of the market, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Will I Be Able to Purchase Seafood at the Market?
She won’t be able to purchase seafood directly at the wholesale market, as it’s primarily for licensed wholesalers and retailers. However, she might find some retail shops or restaurants nearby where she can buy fresh seafood.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Lake Ashi Hakone Owakudani Kowakien With Daily Chauffeur
- Lets Lunch / YANAKA MADAME HOME / Local Dish & Rice Ball Making.
- Private Kamakura and Yokohama Sightseeing Day Trip With Guide
- For BUSINESS TRAVELER – Business+Leisure With Jpy⇄Eng INTERPRETER Service
- Tokyo Cyberpunk Street Photo Tour
- One Day Private Tour to Nikko With English Speaking Driver
- Guided Small Group Historical Tour in Asakusa
- Tokyo Authentic Samurai Experience, Bushido at a Antique House.
- Private Akihabara Walking Tour With Otaku and Photography
- Mt. Fuji Private Sightseeing Tour With Local Guide/Photographer
- Tokyo Customized Private Walking Tour With Local Guide
- Full-Day Panoramic Bus Tour in Tokyo With Bay Cruise
- Tokyo City Private Day Tour With Pick Up.
- Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Meal in Tokyo
- Kamakura Tour
Final Words
As the tour comes to a close, you’ll have witnessed the intensity of Tokyo’s tuna auction and gained a deeper understanding of the market’s inner workings.
With a full stomach and newfound appreciation for the industry, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a unique perspective on the city’s culinary scene.
This exclusive experience will leave you feeling like an insider, with a fresh perspective on the tuna that ends up on your plate.