A Guide to Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market for Seafood Lovers

The Tsukiji Fish Market Experience

One of the world's most iconic capitals Tokyo offers a wide range of unique experiences interesting to every kind of traveller. One adventure which you can not find anywhere else in the world is a visit to the world's biggest fish market, the Tsukiji Outer Market.

From fresh fish to fresh sushi the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market has it all. With its vibrant, thronging crowds, bountiful produce, and mazy alleyways, Japan’s legendary Tsukiji Fish Market is an intoxicating paradise for anyone interested in getting an in-depth insight into Japanese culture.

Is the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo still open, though?

Is the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo still open, though?

Yes, the market is still open, but only the Outer Market. Take it from us, though; the market is still incredible for shopping and dining.

A bit of a backstory – opened in 1935, the market Tsukiji fish market was originally spread over 23 hectares and hosted more than a thousand vendors selling the freshest seafood in the world.

The market was originally split into two - the “Inner Market” and the “Outer Market.” The Inner Market was a wholesale market that was the largest of its kind, not just in Asia but the world. It was home to insanely popular live tuna auctions, with seafood lovers and travellers flocking every morning to watch the seafood spectacle. The Outer Market, on the other hand, was (and is still) known for its range of high-grade seafood shops and restaurants.

But why move in the first place? Well, the main reason for the shift of location of the old Tsukiji Fish Market boiled down to its age – the market was built back in 1935. Also, the old Tsukiji fish market was sitting on prime real estate, which at the time, was considered as potentially useful for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and beyond.

There were hitches, though. The Toyosu market was initially set to kick off in November 2016, but it hit some speed bumps due to various issues, including worries about contaminated soil.

But after straightening up those issues, the inner market finally moved to the Toyosu Fish Market, about 3 kilometres away in 2018.

That led to gossip about the Tsukiji Fish Market being closed. But thankfully, all the gossip isn't true. The Outer Market is still very much alive and kicking. And besides, you can still visit the same stalls as before.

However, if you still wanna catch live tuna auctions, Tsukiji Fish Market's new location the Toyosu Market is only 10 minutes away by car, and you can easily visit both places in a day. If you want to see both markets by public transport, the market is 20 minutes away by bus and on foot.

Pro tip: Most people now refer to this market or its surrounding area as the “Tsukiji Outer Market.” But you can also use terms like “Tsukiji Fish Market” or “Tsukiji Market.” You’ll still be referring to the same place, so don’t sweat it.

Is the Tsukiji Outer Market still worth visiting?

Yes, if fresh seafood and energetic vibes are what you're after, the Outer Market is definitely well worth a visit. Here, travellers can check out over 400 stalls, with fresh produce lined in rows of styrofoam and cardboard boxes.

The wet market might be a little touristy for some. But there are enough authentic vibes to go around here, indeed more than other markets in Tokyo like Ameyokochō or Nakamise. Oh, and one good thing to note is that there's not much of a haggling culture.

Remember that locals still frequent the market, so be respectful and mindful. Good etiquette includes avoiding eating while walking and not touching things you won't buy. You're a guest in the country, so be a good one!

What's the best time to go to the Tsukiji Fish Market?

Morning. Don't consider any other time. Why? Most of the shops are only open in the morning till the early afternoon, and that's when the place really comes to life too.

Also, if you're interested in street photography, nothing beats that early morning glow to make your photos pop.

As for what time to visit the Tsukiji Market, it's best to check each establishment's opening hours as it varies from stall to stall.

Pro tip: Head over to the Toyosu Market early to catch the live tuna auction. Then treat yourself to a delectable seafood or sushi breakfast at the Outer Market right after to maximise your time here.

What days is Tsukiji Market open?

Getting to the Tsukiji Outer Market

How you can get to Tsukiji Fish Market is easy. There are two main ways:

• From Tokyo to Ginza, hop on Marunouchi Subway Line. Then transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line to get to Tsukiji Station.

• Or, you can take the Oedo Subway Line directly from Shinjuku Station to Tsukiji Shijo Station. It'll be a one-way trip.

What to see at the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo

Start your day right by eating sushi for breakfast

Trying seafood at this market is non-negotiable. But make sure to take advantage of the sushi restaurants too. Some great places include Tsukiji Koromo Sushi, a chilled-out sushi spot serving 18 different types of kaisendon, and Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten, where you can watch your sushi made in front of you.

Shop till you drop, seafood market-style

The Tsukiji Fish Market's knife shops are a godsend for home cooks looking to upgrade their arsenal of high-quality kitchen wares, while there are other great culinary souvenirs for the kitchen to be found here.

Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Japanese dishes

From assembling mochi to rolling sushi, many cooking schools offer classes at the Outer Market where you can upgrade your inner Gordon Ramsay skills. Besides, there's no better time to learn traditional Japanese dishes using the freshest seafood right at the market.

Escape from the chaos at Tsukiji Honganji Temple

For some culture and old-school cool, check out the Tsukiji Honganji Temple located near the market. It's a beautiful Buddhist temple with a very un-Japanese design. But it is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the market and an ideal spot to soak in some tranquillity.

Don't forget to check out spots nearby the market

One of the best things about the Tsukiji Outer Market is that it's located in the heart of Tokyo, so plenty of other attractions are nearby. Tackle the nearby Tsukishima district, known for its monjayaki (a delicious savoury pancake), or visit Ginza for upscale shopping and dining.

The best dishes at the Tsukiji Fish Market

We could go on and on, given the nearly limitless amount of incredible food choices at the Outer Market, but if you're strapped for time, here are some of our top Tsukiji food picks:

Kaisendon

A crowd favourite and truly one of the best foods to eat at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Our top choice is Tsukiji Koromo Sushi, a spot that serves up 18 different types of kaisendon. Go for the aburi-don, a tasty rice bowl of salmon, shellfish, tuna, and white fish.

Satsuma-age

Satsuma-age are fish cakes from Kagoshima. What's different about these fish cakes is that they are seasoned with sake, shochu, and brown sugar before deep-fried. Get yours at Ajino-Hamato Tsukiji Honten, a brilliant store over 80 years old.

Grilled scallops

You can go right with grilled scallops; one of the best places to get them at the Outer Market is Kakigoya. Remember to save some space in your belly for steamed oysters as well!

Onigiri

Onigiri, essentially rice balls with fillings, pack the perfect punch of cute and delicious. One great stall that does this classic snack justice is Marutoyo.

Tuna Katsu

For mouth-watering servings of Japanese curry, head on over to the East Indian Curry Company. Go for the tuna katsu, a breaded fish cutlet deep-fried to golden brown perfection.

Bonus: A Toyosu Fish Market Guide

The new Tsukiji Fish Market is also a must-visit place, especially to witness the Tokyo fish market auction. So, let us give you a brief overview of what awaits you here.

Where is the Toyosu Fish Market located?

The Toyosu market is located about 3.5 kilometres away from the Tsukiji Market. The market is housed in three interconnected buildings - two for wholesale seafood and one for wholesale fruit and vegetables. It is almost double the size of the Tsukiji market, thus retaining its position as the biggest fish market in the world.

How to get there: There's a dedicated station for the market - Shijōmae Station, on the Yurikamome line. The buildings are directly connected to the station through an overhead roofed passage.

What are the operating hours of Toyosu Fish Market?

The market is open from 5am to 3pm, from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The market remains closed on some Wednesdays. So, ensure to check the schedule online before you head out.

PS: You will need to pick up a visitor pass before you enter the building. It's completely free.

What awaits you at the Toyosu, aka the new Tsukiji Fish Market?

Yes, let's get to business. There are a range of things to look forward to during your visit to this market. It is unlike any other market you've ever seen in your life. It's energetic and chaotic, yet charming.

Tourists are not allowed on the market floor. But there are large windows from the passages from where you can view the market and witness the famous tuna auction at Tsukiji Jogai Market.

The Tuna Wholesale Experience

The tuna auction is one of the primary barometers of tuna prices not only in Japan, but the rest of the world. There's a tradition of announcing the price of the first tuna auction of the year on New Year's Day. In 2019, the owner of Sushizanmai, often nicknamed as the 'Tuna King' bought a 278 kg bluefin tuna for more than 3 million USD.

People are gathered in groups and each group is given 10 minutes to witness the auction. The viewing time is between 5:55am and 6:25am.

There are two ways to observe it - from the viewing deck on the first floor and the observation deck on the second floor. Only 27 people are allowed to see from the first-floor viewing deck. You need to reserve your spot online or by phone before heading there. The second-floor observation deck, however, requires no booking. There are no guides to interpret or explain what's happening. You are free to move around the entire space, watch the auction as you please and take photos.

From the Shijōmae Station itself, you will find lots of signs, boards and maps everywhere clearly marking the areas visitors can enter and cannot. The entire experience is nicely organised and works like clockwork. From inspecting cuts of tuna to secret hand signals in the air to ringing the bell - things happen within the flash of a second. On average 200 fresh tunas and 1000 frozen tunas are auctioned every day.

Pro tip: Channel your attention to how the wholesalers inspect the quality of the tuna, the different kinds of hand signals used and how fast an auctioneer moves from one fish to the next.

Shopping & Eating

What's life without shopping and eating? The good news is that the fourth floor of the Toyosu FIsh market has over 100 shops and eateries.

Refurbish your kitchen with a wide range of stuff available here - from fruits, vegetables and cheeses to kitchen utensils and bento boxes. If you're a wasabi fan, you can pick some fresh wasabi roots and wasabi grater at reasonable prices.

The restaurant area has sushi shops, a cafe, a curry shop and a tonkatsu joint. But be prepared to stand in long queues before you get to satisfy your cravings.

Other Things to Do at Toyosu Market

So you've seen the tuna auction, shopped and had a hearty breakfast. What's next?

You have two options - see the fruit and vegetable market or go to the fifth-floor roof deck.

The fruit and vegetable wholesale area has English signage to guide you through. However, since this is a wholesale market, don't expect to see the fresh produce up and close. You will mostly find boxes stacked all around. However, one level under the entrance of this market are restaurants selling amazing udon, tempura and some of the best sushis available in Tokyo.

The rooftop offers amazing views of the Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge on clear days. You can take an elevator from inside and outside the building to access the rooftop. But remember food and drink are not allowed on the roof and there are barely any signages, so keep track of where you're going to avoid getting lost.

How can you visit Toyosu Fish Market and Tsukuji Outer Market in the same morning?

You can combine both experiences and make it a fishy morning by visiting the two mornings one after the other.

Start with the tuna fish auction at Toyosu Market (we recommend calling in advance and booking a place at the first-floor viewing deck).

Then take a long walk to the Tsukiji Outer Market. It will take about an hour for you to reach the Outer Market by foot - but hey, this can be your morning workout and a great way to burn the calories from the breakfast you've had at the Toyosu Market. And the beautiful views of Tokyo Bay along the way will make it worth it.

If you're not the walking kind, you can easily take the train from one market to another. Take the train from Shijōmae Station to Tsukishima Station. Then change the line and travel to Tsukijishijo Station. The Tsukiji Fish Market is about a 12-minute walk from Tsukijishijo Station.

There are direct buses connecting both the markets as well. They are a cheap and hassle-free option. Plus you can enjoy a journey on the Tokyo bus service as well.

Wrapping Up: All You Need to Know About Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market presents a unique side of Tokyo and experiences that you cannot get anywhere else in the world. Even if you are not a morning person, the effort put in rising early and getting this experience will be worth your while.