Seen at its best in the early morning, the lively Tsukiji Fish Market offers a fascinating insight into the daily life of this fish-loving nation.

Located in the Tsukiji District in the southern part of the city, Tokyo Fish Market is the largest in Japan and probably the world. It swings into action at about 3am, just as the first fishing boats start arriving - not only from around the Japanese coast but also from Africa and the Americas - to deliver their catches. The larger fish, like the precious tuna, are numbered, and by 5am an auction for wholesalers (not open to the public) is under way. Finally, purchases are transferred to stalls in the market for sale to restaurants and retailers. The enormous covered market handles just about all the fish consumed in Tokyo - it is a vast area, busy with fishmongers hacking and slicing at every sea creature imaginable (and some unimaginable). Next to the market are rows of sushi restaurants, whilst between the market and the Tsukiji metro station seafood stalls and shops linked to the fish trade abound. If you manage to arrive by 7:30am, you will find that the market is still in full swing. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended.