Japan Travel: Tuna Auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

I wasn't able to go to Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo during my recent trip to Japan.

On April 8, 2010, the area was closed to tourists. Good thing it was reopened to visitors on May 10, 2010.

Hopefully, it would still be open to tourists when I get the chance to visit Japan again.

Below is the announcement regarding the reopening of the market to visitors. Rules have been set in place to allow tourists to witness the tuna auction while ensuring that the business operations are not disturbed.

As posted in the TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT website:

Announcement from the Central Wholesalers market regarding visitation to the Tsukiji Fish Market
Posted on 2010.04.30

From April the 8th 2010 the Tokyo Central wholesale market decided to close the Tuna auction observation area in the Tsukiji fish market. We would like to inform you though that as of the 10 of May (Monday) we will be reopening this area but with some changes to the visitation rules. These changes have been implemented for three reasons; the size of the facility, the influence on businesses and the safety of visitors.

Please follow the instructions listed below
1. Maximum number of visitors
140 visitors allowed per day on a first come first served basis
2. Visitor reception area
(1) The reception area is located on the ground floor at the "Data and information center for fish." (Next to the Kachidoki Gate, entrance)
(2) Visitor reception is open from 4:30 AM for visitor registration
3. Tour times
On order of arrival, visitors will be split into two groups of 70 for the tour of which there will be 2 conducted at the following times.
(1)First tour begins at 5:00 AM and finishes at 5:40 AM
(2)Second tour starts at 5:40 and finishes at 6:15 AM
4. Note regarding visits
When visiting this market please be very careful and show consideration so as not to disturb any of the market's normal day to day activities. If you wish to enter the intermediate wholesalers area nearby the Tuna auction observation area, please wait until after 9 AM! This is the same original procedure that was in place before the market was closed.

Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesalers Market – Tsukiji Market
Tel: 03-3547-8011(8013)

Found this wonderful website that offers tours to Tsukiji Market:
Tsukiji Fish Market Tour
How to tour Tsukiji Market on your own