World City Guide

Further Distractions

Tsukiji Ichiba (Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market)
The world’s biggest fish market, more than 2500 tons of fish pass through the Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market every day, with deals totalling approximately 15 million. The first deliveries take place in the early hours but the main action starts with the tuna auction on the quay at the back of the market at around 0400. The bidding is fast and furious and makes a great show. Spectators are welcome but visitors should bear in mind that this is a business, not a tourist attraction. The auctions are over by 0530, when the focus shifts to the wholesale stalls – at least 1500 of them – offering every imaginable variety of fish and seafood to Tokyo’s chefs and food retailers, who come to buy the daily supply. As the city awakes, restaurants situated around the market offer sushi breakfasts, rounded off by a glass of beer. Nowhere in Tokyo can fish be eaten fresher.

5–2–1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
Tel: (03) 3542 1111.
Website: www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm
Transport: Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya underground line.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 0500–1000.
Admission: Free.

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a faithful replica of the Californian original, complete with Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, as well as shows, parades and firework displays. The unique and brand-new DisneySea Park, set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay, is proving enormously popular.

1–1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi
Tel: (047) 354 0001 or (045) 683 3333 (English-language information).
Website: www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdr/index_e.html
Transport: Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station.
Opening hours: Daily 0800/0900–2200 (varies seasonally).
Admission: 5500 (adult all-inclusive one-day ‘passport’ ticket).