The Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Every morning (except Sundays, holidays and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month), bright and early, vendors auction off freshly caught and frozen tuna from around 5:20 until about 7am; visitors are allowed in certain areas, but be mindful to stay out of the way of the official vendors and watch out for the fork lifts zooming throughout the market.

The main draw is just to experience the vastness of market stalls teeming with the freshest seafood imaginable; octopus, shellfish, eels, massive tuna, oysters... If it comes form the ocean, it's on sale here. World-class chefs from all over Japan buy their fish here; as do some high-end restaurants from the U.S. or Europe.

It's best to visit with a Japanese-speaking guide; ask your hotel for information. And get there before 7am if you want the catch the real hustle and bustle. And wear clothes that can stand to get a bit dirty, fyi.

For the full experience, after touring the stalls, heading to one of the adjacent sushi restaurants near the main gate. Wash down the freshest tuna you'll ever have with a beer. It's an awesome way to start the day.