Visitors to Tokyo's largest food market once again have the chance to watch the famed tuna auction up close.

The special observation deck at the Toyosu market was reopened on Monday for the first time in about eight months. It's on the same floor as the auction venue.

The deck was closed to the public in late February due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The market has cut the number of visitors admitted to the deck from 120 to 27 a day. Visitors must apply in advance and are chosen by lottery. Everyone must wear a mask and have their temperature taken.

Eighteen people observed the auction on Monday morning. They took photos and watched how traders and buyers shouted and gestured as the big tunas changed hands.

A Tokyo woman who visited with her children said she was surprised at how loud the voices were on the auction floor. She said the children learned a lot about how the tunas they eat at sushi shops are sold in the market.

Applications can be submitted on the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market's Japanese-language website.

Source: ANNnewsCH