Where can I watch the tuna auction in Tokyo?

The tuna auction in Tokyo is held at the Toyosu Fish Market (not the old Tsukiji market), specifically in the Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Building. The auction takes place daily from roughly 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. Visitors can watch for free from an upper deck or apply for a lottery to view from a closer, ground-level observation deck.

How to see tuna auction in Tokyo?

You can watch the tuna auction in Tokyo for free, but you'll need to enter a lottery to get tickets if you want the best view. The Toyosu tuna auction is best viewed from the special deck on the lower floor.

Can tourists go to Toyosu Market?

Entry is free, and visitors can still see the famous tuna auctions, buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the adjoining produce market and enjoy a breakfast of super fresh sushi at one of the complex restaurants, which moved over from Tsukiji .

How much is the tuna auction in Tokyo?

A 243-kg bluefin tuna was sold for a record 510.3 million yen (about $3.2 million) at the first 2026 auction held on Jan. 5 at Toyosu wholesale market in Tokyo. The tuna fetched around 2.1 million yen per kilogram, with the winning bid placed by Kiyomura Corp., which runs the popular sushi chain Sushi Zanmai.

How much would a 500 pound bluefin tuna sell for?

A 500 lb bluefin tuna's worth varies wildly, from potentially thousands for a regular catch to over $3 million at Tokyo's New Year's auctions, where a 535 lb fish sold for a record $3.2 million in 2026, demonstrating extreme market hype for quality fish used in premium sushi. For fishermen, the price is much lower, often a few dollars per pound, but the top auction prices reflect quality, prestige, and demand for high-grade tuna (like otoro), not typical retail value, notes a Quora post.

Bluefin tuna sells for record $3.2 million at first auction in Tokyo

Who caught the $3 million dollar tuna?

How Does a Bluefin Tuna Command $3.2 Million? The Answer Begins in the Waters Off Oma. Caught off Honshu's northernmost tip, the 535-pound bluefin was brought to Toyosu Market's New Year auction, where Sushi Zanmai owner Kiyoshi Kimura claimed it with the morning's top bid.

Can I sell a bluefin tuna if I catch it?

Only vessels holding an annually-issued Federal permit to fish commercially for Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin and albacore tuna are legally allowed to sell their catch. By law, all commercially-caught catch can only be sold to a U.S. federally-licensed fish dealer.

Why do Japanese pay so much for bluefin tuna?

But it's not just the dining delight that makes this tuna varietal so prized. Southern Bluefin Tuna has become an increasingly valuable commodity because of its limited availability.

Can I kiss my girlfriend in public in Japan?

While holding hands is generally fine in Japan, kissing in public is strongly frowned upon and considered awkward or inappropriate, making it best to save passionate displays for private settings like hotels or homes, as it goes against traditional Japanese modesty and personal space norms, even if younger people are slightly more tolerant. 

Can females wear shorts in Japan?

Travelers can wear shorts in hot weather, but don't wear cut-offs, board shorts, etc. Most Japanese women don't show their shoulders, belly or cleavage.

How much does a 200 lb bluefin tuna sell for?

A 200 lb bluefin tuna's value varies wildly, from a few thousand dollars for a standard catch at market (around $20-$40/lb or more for premium quality) up to tens of thousands, depending on fat content, freshness, and auction hype, with record-setting auction fish reaching millions (though these are rare outliers for prestige). For a regular commercial catch, expect several hundred to a few thousand dollars, but premium, high-fat (toro) sections can fetch $200-$400+ per pound wholesale.
 

What time should I go to Toyosu Market?

The Best Time to Visit Toyosu Market: 5:30 for Tuna Auctions, 11:00 for Lunch. For a morning visit to the tuna auctions, aim to arrive at the Fisheries Wholesale Market Building by 5:30 AM. The auctions occur from 5:30 to 6:30 AM and can be viewed from the visitors' observation deck on the second floor.

Is Toyosu or Tsukiji market better?

Food enthusiasts seeking diverse street food should head to Tsukiji, while those interested in modern market operations and fresh seafood purchasing might prefer Toyosu.

How old is a 500 lb bluefin tuna?

Atlantic bluefin tuna reach maturity relatively quickly. In a survey that included specimens up to 2.55 m (8.4 ft) in length and 247 kg (545 lb) in weight, none was believed to be older than 15 years. However, very large specimens may be up to 50 years old.

Where was the $3 million dollar tuna caught?

The recent record-breaking $3.2 million bluefin tuna was caught off the coast of Oma, Japan, a northern town famous for its premium tuna, in the Tsugaru Strait, which offers rich feeding grounds. This prized fish, caught in early January 2026, was part of the traditional first auction of the year at Tokyo's Toyosu Market.
 

Can you keep a bluefin tuna if you catch it?

The Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit for recreational fishermen will remain at the default limit of 1 school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73” curved fork length) per vessel per day/trip.

How much is a 500 pound bluefin tuna worth?

A 500 lb bluefin tuna's worth varies wildly, from potentially thousands for a regular catch to over $3 million at Tokyo's New Year's auctions, where a 535 lb fish sold for a record $3.2 million in 2026, demonstrating extreme market hype for quality fish used in premium sushi. For fishermen, the price is much lower, often a few dollars per pound, but the top auction prices reflect quality, prestige, and demand for high-grade tuna (like otoro), not typical retail value, notes a Quora post.

How do Japanese not get sick from raw fish?

Fish that's consumed raw in sushi must be frozen to -20°C (-4°F) for 7 days or -35°C (-31°F) for 15 hours. This process will destroy any parasite in the fish making it safer to consume but there's still risk.

Is bluefin tuna healthy to eat?

Health Benefits

Bluefin tuna is a very good source of protein, thiamin, selenium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.

How old is a 200 lb bluefin tuna?

Atlantic bluefin tuna can reach 10 feet in length and 1,000 pounds. Most adults are around 200 pounds at 10 years of age. They are a deep blue on the dorsals with a silvery belly. White-grey spots can appear on the belly.

Can you keep bluefin tuna in the UK?

Bluefin tuna fishing is legal for licensed boats

It's illegal to target tuna unless you pay to go on a licensed boat, and all the recreational fishing is to be catch and release.

What is a 600 lb tuna worth?

Massive Bluefin Tuna the Size of a Motorcycle Sells for $1.3 Million at a Japanese Fish Market | The fish weighed 608 pounds and it garnered the second highest bid at the Toyosu Market since records began in 1999.