Tsukiji Outer Market: Tokyo’s Must-Visit Spot for Food Lovers
Updated: Nov 15, 2024
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
The Tsukiji Outer Market is one of the best sightseeing spot in Tokyo! Learn the history of Tsukiji Outer Market, and get information about how to access the market and popular Tsukiji tours for foreign tourists. It will provide you with tips to make your Tsukiji sightseeing more enjoyable, so please be sure to read to the end.
Table of Contents
About the Tsukiji Outer Market: Tokyo’s Must-Visit Spot for Food Lovers
The Tsukiji Outer Market offers not only fresh seafood, but also meat, fruits, vegetables, tableware, and more. There are approximately 460 stores, including restaurants. This makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and the perfect place to experience Japanese food culture. The Tsukiji Outer Market has actually had many twists and turns before it became what it is today. Here is the information why Tsukiji flourished as Tsukiji Market and about the inner market.
History of the Tsukiji Market
A fish market, the original of Tsukiji Market, developed in a corner of Nihonbashi in Tokyo during the Edo period. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake on September 1, 1923 devastated the market, forcing it to relocate. After the earthquake, a temporary market was first established in Shibaura. However, the area of Shibaura was less than one-fifth the size of Nihonbashi, and the ground was muddy when it rained, so there were widespread calls for the market to relocate again. The decision was made to move to Tsukiji, and the Tsukiji Market officially opened in 1935. Here is an interesting story. Originally, there was a temple called Honganji and a cemetery in Tsukiji (Honganji was also destroyed by fire in the Great Kanto Earthquake). After the Tsukiji Market opened, a rumor circulated that if one did business on the site of the cemetery, it would prosper. As a result, stores dealing in food and cooking utensils from all over Japan flocked to Tsukiji, creating the vibrant Tsukiji Market with many stores.
Where is the Tsukiji Inner Market?
The Tsukiji Market originally had two areas, the outer market and the inner market, but the inner market was relocated from Tsukiji to Toyosu in 2018 and it is called “Toyosu Market”. The reason why the market had to be relocated is that, as explained above, the Tsukiji Market opened in 1935. More than 80 years had passed since the market opened, and only the interior of the market was relocated to Toyosu in order to address the aging of the building and improve logistics efficiency. The difference between the two is that the outer market is for general consumers, while the inner market is for professionals engaged in fishmongers and restaurants. If you want to see a fish auction or a tuna cutting show, recommend going to the Toyosu Market.
Access and Information for the Tsukiji Outer Market
This section provides access from major stations in Tokyo to the the Tsukiji Outer Market and information about the Tsukiji Outer Market.
Access from Major Stations to the Tsukiji Outer Market
From Tokyo Station
By train : It takes about 12 min.
By Taxi: It takes about 11 min. / at least 900 JPY
From Shinjuku Station
By Train: It takes about 21 min.
By Taxi: It takes about 30 min. / at least 3,000 JPY
From Sibuya Station
By Train: It takes about 26 min.
By Taxi: It takes about 25 min. / at least 3,700 JPY
From Ikebukuro Station
By Train: It takes about 29 min.
By Taxi: It takes about 30 min. / at least 3,000 JPY
Click here to find the best route including bullet train, bus, airline, and taxi "Japan Route Finder & Calculator by Navitime"
Information about the Tsukiji Outer Market
Name | Tsukiji Outer Market |
Hours | Varies by shop, typically 6 am to 2 pm. *6 am to 9 am is the time for stocking up and priority is given to buyers. The best time for the public and tourists to shop is after 9 am. |
Closed | Sundays and national holidays. Some shops also close on Wednesdays. |
Pricing Info | Free entry |
Address | 4-16-2 Tsukiji, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan |
Click here for more info from the official website “ The Tsukiji Outer Market”
Manners of the Tsukiji Outer Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market is a place where people from all walks of life gather. Some are tourists, some are locals, and some are just shopping. The official website of the Tsukiji Outer Market has a list of manners to follow, and here is a list of four manners for tourists in particular. Please observe the manners and enjoy sightseeing pleasantly.
Leave large luggage in a coin locker in advance
The sidewalks at Tsukiji Outer Market are quite narrow. If you have large luggage, it is best to leave it in a coin locker in advance. The location of coin lockers is here. Also, baby strollers and large luggage that does not fit in the coin lockers can be left at the Information Centre.
Don’t Touch Sales Products
Everything on the market is for sale. The act of touching or pressing with your fingers will lower the value of the product. Especially be careful not to touch perishable items for sale. If you need to be discerning, ask the shopkeeper. They should be able to help you.
No Discount
While markets give the impression of haggling, this is not the case at the Tsukiji Outer Market. The prices are already at a bargain price, so don't bargain yourself until the store gives you a discount.
The Visit Time
6 am to 9 am is the time for stocking up and priority is given to buyers. The best time for the public and tourists to shop is after 9 am.
YouTube: Tsukiji Fish Market Street Food Tour 2023!
In this amazing video by SAMURAI JUNJIRO Channel, you’ll discover 44 must-try foods at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Outer Market! From fresh seafood to unique street snacks, this guide takes you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the best flavors Japan has to offer.
Perfect for food lovers, this video showcases a variety of dishes and snacks, helping you decide what to try when you visit. Whether you’re craving sushi, sweets, or something totally new, this video has something for every taste.
Watch the video here: Tsukiji Fish Market Street Food Tour 2023!
Channel Name: SAMURAI JUNJIRO Channel
4 Best Tours for the Tsukiji Outer Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market has more than 400 stores. For foreign tourists visiting Japan for the first time, it is like a maze, confusing where to shop and what to buy. Let's try taking a guided tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market. Here are the 4 best interesting hands-on tours guided in English.
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour (by Japan Wonder Travel)
Source : Tripadvisor
On this tour, you can walk around the Tsukiji Market while your guide tells you the history of the market. Your guide leads you through the sprawling, 80-year-old market to visit fishmongers and food vendors. It includes food tastings such as range sushi, Japanese-style omelets, fried fish cakes, sake, and Japanese tea.
Duration: 3 hours
Participants: max of 20 per group
Cost: From 15,924 JPY per adult (varies depending on exchange rate)
Click here for more details "Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour"
Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Sushi Making Experience (by Japan Wonder Travel)
Source : Tripadvisor
If you have access to such wonderful Japanese ingredients, wouldn't you like to try making Japanese food by yourself? In this tour, you will learn about Japanese food culture from a guide while walking around the Tsukiji Outer Market. After that, you can try your hand at making nigiri sushi.
Duration: 4 hours
Participants: Max of 20 per group
Cost: From 21,232 JPY per adult (varies depending on exchange rate)
Click here for more details "Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Sushi Making Experience"
Tokyo Tsukiji Outer Fish Market Tour and Rolled Sushi Class (by ABC Cooking Travel)
Source : Tripadvisor
This tour is ideal for foreign tourists who are interested in Japanese cooking goods and Japanese food preparation. You can learn about unique Japanese cooking goods at a local store, or you can try your hand at making sushi rolls afterwards using the knowledge you have learned.
Duration: 3 hours
Participants: Max of 6 per group
Cost: From 22,000 JPY per adult
Click here for more details "Tokyo Tsukiji Outer Fish Market Tour and Rolled Sushi Class"
Tokyo Great Cycling Tour (by Tokyo Great Cycling Tour)
Source : Tripadvisor
If you are looking for a variety of interesting places to visit in one day, this cycling tour is for you. After gathering at the meeting point, we will first ride our bicycles to the Tsukiji Outer Market, then to the Zojoji Temple, the Roppongi area, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Imperial Palace.
Duration: 6 hours
Participants: Max of 12 per group
Cost: From 14,000 JPY per adult
Click here for more details "Tokyo Great Cycling Tour"
4 Best Restaurants at the Tsukiji Outer Market
If you have come all the way to Tsukiji, you should visit a restaurant that uses fresh ingredients available only near the market! Here are the 3 best restaurants near the Tsukiji Outer Market.
Zan
Source : Tabelog
Located on the first basement floor of a building just a 4 minute walk from Tsukiji Station, Zan offers sushi, sashimi, and kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with seafood), all made with fresh seafood from Tsukiji! The menu also includes noodles, pizza, and pasta, all of which go beyond the boundaries of Japanese cuisine! The name "Zan" comes from the Japanese word "Zanshin" and means "innovative" in English. It is a restaurant that always pursues novelty while preserving tradition.
Operating hours | ■TUE/WED/THU Lunch 11 am to 2 pm Dinner 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm（9:30 L.O.） ■FRI Lunch Closed Dinner 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm（9:30 L.O.） ■SAT Lunch 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner 6:00 pm to 9 pm（8:30 L.O.） ■SUN/National holiday Lunch 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner Closed |
Shop holidays | Mondays |
Average prices | [Dinner]4,000～4,999 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000～1,999 JPY |
Address | 4-chome-12-2 Tsukiji Chuo City Tokyo-to |
Click here for more details "Zan"
Shuutoku
Source : Tabelog
At Shuutoku, you can enjoy authentic Edomae sushi. Unlike ordinary nigirizushi, Edomaezushi is made with red vinegar, which is characterized by its strong aroma and mild taste. The fresh ingredients are prepared in a special way to bring out the best flavor of the ingredients. You should try this sushi and know Japan's top-level sushi chefs.
Operating hours | Lunch 11 am to 3 pm (2:30 pm L.O.） Dinner 5 pm to 10:30 pm (9:30 pm L.O.） |
Shop holidays | Open all year round except new year holiday season. Please contact the restaurant. |
Average prices | [Dinner]8,000～9,999 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000～4,999 JPY |
Address | 6-chome-26-6 Tsukiji Chuo City Tokyo-to |
Click here for more details "Shuukotsu"
Yakiuo Ishikawa
Source : Tabelog
The concept of this yakiniku restaurant is "a yakiniku restaurant started by a sushi restaurant. However, the meat in this restaurant is fish! The highest quality sashimi is seared for the perfect amount of time. Recommended for those who don't like raw sashimi.
Operating hours | Lunch 11 am to 2:30 pm (2 pm L.O.) Dinner 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (9 pm L.O.) May close early depending on the availability of ingredients. Please check in advance. |
Shop holidays | Mondays |
Average prices | [Dinner]5,000～5,999 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000～2,999 JPY |
Address | 4-chome-13-5 Tsukiji Chuo City Tokyo-to |
Click here for more details "Yakiuo Ishikawa"
Tabitebako
Source : Tabelog
Tabitebako is a great place to enjoy Tsukiji seafood paired with local sake. Tabitebako is a casual and homey restaurant with a standing bar style. The atmosphere is easy to enter for foreign tourists. The interesting thing about Tabitebako is that you can bring in foods purchased at the Tsukiji Outer Market and eat them. If you ask the staff, they will suggest the best sake to go with the seafood you brought in.
Operating hours | 9:30 am to 15:30 pm |
Shop holidays | Wednesdays and Sundays |
Average prices | [Lunch] 1,000～1,999 JPY |
Address | 6-chome-26-1 Tsukiji Chuo City Tokyo-to |
Click here for more details "Tabitebako"
Enjoy Your Visit to Tsukiji Outer Market : The Best Sightseeing Spot in Tokyo
Thank you for reading to the end! The Tsukiji Outer Market is a great place to experience Japanese food culture and gives you unforgettable memories. It is one of the best places you should visit when you come to Tokyo for sightseeing.
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