Tsukiji fish market to stop famous tourist tuna viewings

TOKYO - The famous Tsukiji fish market will stop admitting tourists to watch its pre-dawn tuna auctions next month, as it prepares to move locations on Oct 11, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

After more than 80 years in operation, the world's largest fish market - a popular tourist attraction in an area packed with restaurants and shops - will move east to Toyosu, the site of a former gas plant.

The Tokyo market, which opened in 1935, is best known for its pre-dawn daily auctions of tuna, caught from around the world, for use by everyone from top Michelin-star sushi chefs to ordinary grocery stores.