While in Tokyo with my friends, we woke up early one morning just to catch a glimpse of the famous tuna auction. We met up at 4:00 AM, and because the subways were not open yet, took a taxi (two actually, because there were 5 of us and the taxis could only accomodate 4 persons). Anyway, we got into line well before before 4:30 so we were hopeful to be in first tour group. Oh sorry, let's back up a bit. There are only two groups of 70 persons each allowed every day to witness the tuna auction. They are pretty strict and very private about much of it. Definitely do not bring children. One group goes at 5:00 and the other at 5:40. Well, after waiting in line for at least 30 minutes, 5:00 rolls around and the security guard/tour guide does not lead us in. So we wait and wait and wait. I figure they're just a little late today (which never happens in Japan by the way). Around 5:20 we are herded into a small room where we don bright green vests and stand around watching a documentary in Japanese all about the auction we're just about to see. The experience so far is eerily reminiscent of DisneyWorld, where they trick you into thinking that it's finally your turn, but they really just lead you into another room where you wait in line again. The neverending queue.
Okay, so 40 minutes later we are led into the auction house. Refreshingly cool. Explains all the frozen tuna on the floor.
In case you don't ever have a chance to be in Tokyo at the fish market at 4:00 in the morning, here's a glimpse of what the hubbub is all about.
Haha!! You are so funny! I love when you said they tricked you like DisneyWorld! So true. That guy in the clip is crazy. He totally looks like he is lip syncing to a song or something.
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