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Experience Toyosu’s famous tuna auction from your choice of viewing level—public, exclusive, or auction floor access. Finish with options including a tuna bowl at Yamahara or sushi at Sushi Dai.

Highlights

• Feel the excitement of the tuna auction at Toyosu Market in Tokyo
• See expert buyers inspect and bid on premium bluefin tuna.
• Get insights into the Japanese seafood industry and market logistics
• Enter Japan’s tuna auction floor with rare VIP access.
• Enjoy a seafood breakfast at Yamahara or Sushi Dai.

Description

Wake before sunrise and step into a world few travelers ever see: the legendary bluefin tuna auction at Toyosu Market, Tokyo's cutting-edge seafood hub. Known as 'maguro no seri,' this fast-paced, hand-signaled ritual is a cornerstone of Japanese culinary culture, where hundreds of tuna—some fresh, some frozen—are graded, appraised, and sold to the city’s top sushi buyers. This guided tour offers six different ways to experience the magic of the tuna auction, built from the combination of three viewing styles and two breakfast options. Whether you're looking for comfort, proximity, or unmatched access to the inner workings of Toyosu Market, this tour delivers an unforgettable early morning. Viewing Options 1. VIP: On the Auction Floor (Max 2 Guests)Enter the actual tuna auction floor—a space usually reserved only for licensed professionals. Stand shoulder to shoulder with brokers and witness up close how Japan’s top sushi-grade tuna is evaluated and bid on. With only two guests allowed per day, this is the rarest way to experience the auction. If you're lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the fresh (unfrozen) tuna auction, a prized event few ever witness. Visit our instagram and ask us for more details! @yummyguidejapan 2. Exclusive: Ground-Level Deck (Max 4 Guests)Gain access to a special lower-floor observation deck that brings you just meters from the auction action. Feel the tension in the air, and watch million-yen hand signals in real time. Occasionally, you may also see the fresh tuna auction from this angle. Please contact us 2months before your arrival, via @yummyguidejapan (insta) 3. Standard: 3rd-Floor Gallery (Open Group)From above the floor, enjoy a full panoramic view of the auction hall. You’ll clearly hear the auctioneer’s calls and watch the intricate signaling system at work, while your guide explains the process. This comfortable, high-level vantage point is perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a slightly more relaxed experience. In addition to observing the auction itself, this tour includes a rare visit to a real tuna wholesaler’s booth—where freshly purchased tuna is inspected, cut, and prepared for Tokyo’s top restaurants. This behind-the-scenes stop adds a unique and professional dimension that most tours don’t offer. Breakfast Options After the excitement of the auction, guests in all three viewing types will enjoy a premium breakfast inside Toyosu Market. You may choose from two iconic venues: 1. Yamahara – A beloved spot for seafood insiders, serving ultra-fresh tuna bowls (maguro-don) and other seafood dishes using that morning’s catch. 2. Sushi Dai – One of Tokyo’s most famous sushi counters, where breakfast is crafted from the highest-grade seasonal fish. (Note: Limited seating; this option is reserved only for select plan participants) Want to taste the morning’s tuna for yourself? Search for our “Sushi Making Class at a Real Tuna Dealer’s Shop in Tokyo” — also run by this Toyosu broker.

Includes

Tuna auction viewing ticket Access to auction floor, ground deck, or public gallery Premium breakfast (Yamahara or Sushi Dai) Short guided tour around Toyosu Market's public zone Special visit to a real tuna wholesaler’s booth Tuna hand-signal (te-jirushi) mini lesson Japanese/English-speaking local guide

Important Information

• The tour starts early at 5:30 AM Meeting point is at PR Square inside Toyosu Market Limited spots available, book early Ensure timely arrival, especially if using public transport Guests joining the VIP tour will need to arrive before public transportation is available. Please plan to come by taxi or on foot.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund