The Tsukiji Fish Market, formerly the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market, was relocated to a new site in Toyosu in October 2018.
However, the outer market area, known as Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō), remains in its original location in Chuo City, Tokyo.
The outer market is a lively and bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and stalls offering a wide range of fresh seafood, produce, and culinary items.
Access and Hours
Nearest Stations: Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo Line) and Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line)
Opening Hours: Vary by individual shops, typically from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Some restaurants open as early as 4:00 AM. Closed on Sundays and public holidays, as well as some Wednesdays.
Tsukiji Outer Market Highlights
Fresh Seafood and Sushi Restaurants
The Tsukiji Outer Market is renowned for its fresh seafood and sushi restaurants. Visitors can enjoy high-quality sushi and sashimi at various establishments, from well-known sushi bars to small, family-run eateries. Some popular options include Sushi Dai, Daiwa Sushi, and Sushi Zanmai.
Specialty Shops and Food Stalls
The market is home to numerous specialty shops and food stalls offering unique Japanese ingredients, such as dried seaweed, pickles, tea, and premium-quality Japanese knives. Exploring these shops is a great way to learn about Japanese cuisine and culture.
Street Food
Tsukiji Outer Market is also famous for its street food, with many stalls offering a variety of delicious, freshly-prepared snacks. Some popular options include tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), crab, and grilled seafood skewers.
Tips for Visiting
To make the most of your visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, arrive early in the morning. This is when the market is at its liveliest, and you’ll have the best chance of enjoying the freshest seafood.
Before planning your visit, check the market’s calendar, as it may be closed on Sundays, public holidays, or some Wednesdays.
Tsukiji Fish Market Tours
Here are some popular Tsukiji Fish Market tours that you can consider:
- Klook – Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Tour
- Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market with a local guide
- Sample various Japanese foods, such as sushi, tempura, and more
- Learn about the history of the market and Japanese cuisine
- GetYourGuide – Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tasting and Walking Tour
- Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market with a knowledgeable guide
- Taste a variety of Japanese street food and delicacies
- Discover the history and cultural significance of the market
- Viator – Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Tour
- Guided tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market
- Learn about the market’s history and importance in Japanese food culture
- Participate in a sushi-making experience
- Magical Trip – Tsukiji Fish Market and Sushi Workshop Tour
- Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market with a local guide
- Discover unique Japanese ingredients and cuisine
- Attend a sushi-making workshop led by an experienced sushi chef
Please note that the availability and prices of these tours are subject to change. It is recommended to visit the respective tour websites for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, since the wholesale section of the Tsukiji Fish Market has relocated to Toyosu, these tours focus on the Tsukiji Outer Market, which still offers a rich cultural and culinary experience.
History of the Tsukiji Fish Market
Edo Period (1603-1868)
Before Tsukiji Fish Market, there was the Nihonbashi Fish Market, which was established during the Edo Period. It served as the central market for fish and seafood in Tokyo (then known as Edo). Fishermen and wholesalers would gather at the Nihonbashi Bridge to sell their catch.
Great Kanto Earthquake (1923)
The Nihonbashi Fish Market was severely damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. This disaster prompted the relocation and consolidation of several markets in Tokyo, including the Nihonbashi Fish Market.
Establishment of Tsukiji Fish Market (1935)
The construction of the new market in Tsukiji began in 1924, and it officially opened in 1935. The site was originally part of Tokyo Bay, but it was reclaimed and transformed into a market area. The Tsukiji Fish Market soon became the largest and busiest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.
Growing Popularity and Challenges
Over the years, the Tsukiji Fish Market gained worldwide recognition for its size, variety of seafood, and the famous tuna auctions. However, the aging facilities, limited space, and environmental concerns started to pose challenges for the market’s operations.
Relocation to Toyosu (2018)
In October 2018, the wholesale section of the Tsukiji Fish Market was relocated to the new, modern facilities in Toyosu, approximately 2.3 kilometers southeast of the original location. The new market, called Toyosu Market, continues the legacy of Tsukiji, providing a cleaner and more efficient environment for the trading of seafood.
Tsukiji Outer Market Today
Despite the relocation of the wholesale section, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains in its original location, continuing to attract tourists and locals alike with its array of seafood, produce, and culinary items, as well as its vibrant atmosphere and rich history.
Visiting Details
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) |
| Address | 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan |
| Nearest Stations | Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo Line) and Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line) |
| Opening Hours | Vary by individual shops, typically from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Some restaurants open as early as 4:00 AM. Closed on Sundays and public holidays, as well as some Wednesdays. |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Nearby Hotels | 1. Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo |
| 2. Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Tsukiji | |
| 3. Hotel Banquet & Conference Center | |
| 4. Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande | |
| 5. Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza Hotel | |
| Tours | 1. Klook – Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Tour |
| 2. GetYourGuide – Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tasting and Walking Tour | |
| 3. Viator – Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Tour |
