If you’re planning to visit Tokyo, Tsukiji Market should definitely be on your list. Once one of the largest fish markets in the world, Tsukiji still plays a significant role in Japan’s food culture. That said, I don’t always recommend eating at Tsukiji—it’s often overpriced and too touristy. Instead, I’ll share some recommendations for where to eat in the area. But first, let’s explore why Tsukiji is still worth a visit.
Why You Should Visit Tsukiji Market
A Rich History
Tsukiji Market opened in 1935 and became an iconic hub for seafood in Tokyo. For decades, it handled hundreds of tons of seafood every day, supplying the best restaurants and sushi chefs in the city. It was a place where buyers from all over the world came to select the freshest fish.
The Famous Tuna Auctions
One of the main attractions at Tsukiji was its tuna auctions. These high-stakes events were a spectacle. Buyers would bid on massive bluefin tuna, with prices sometimes reaching jaw-dropping figures. In 2013, a 490-pound tuna sold for about $1.76 million USD. The tuna auctions drew tourists and sushi enthusiasts from around the globe to witness this exciting process.
Although the auctions are no longer held at Tsukiji, the market still buzzes with energy. It’s filled with street vendors selling fresh sushi, seafood bowls, and other local ingredients like wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables. Alternatively, you can find small ceramic dishes, chopsticks, or other household items. Walking through the tiny, crowded alleys is an experience in itself.
The Move to Toyosu Market
Why Did Tsukiji Move?
In 2018, the wholesale market and tuna auctions moved to Toyosu, just a few miles from Tsukiji. Tsukiji’s infrastructure was outdated, and the area had become too crowded. The original buildings, built in 1935, couldn’t meet modern food safety standards. Additionally, the growing population in the area made the old market unsustainable.
Toyosu Market: A Modern Upgrade
Toyosu is now the heart of Japan’s seafood industry. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced refrigeration, waste management, and better air circulation. These improvements are crucial for handling the large volume of perishable seafood.
Though it’s only about 2 to 3 miles from Tsukiji (roughly 10-15 minutes by car or 40 minutes on foot), Toyosu is better connected by public transportation, making it easier for buyers and workers to get there. They’ve also built dedicated viewing platforms for tourists to watch the famous tuna auctions.
If you’re spending a couple of hours at Tsukiji, I recommend heading to Toyosu afterward. We loved exploring the new facilities—they were like a mini seafood museum, and best of all, they were free to enter.
The Edo-Style Buildings at Toyosu
Right across from the new wholesale auction buildings at Toyosu, you’ll find an Edo-style commercial complex. These buildings, completed in the last few years, have a traditional Japanese design, with wooden facades and sloping tiled roofs, reminiscent of the Edo period. Edo (modern-day Tokyo) was the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868.
Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops, with a focus on fresh seafood and local Japanese foods. I’d actually recommend eating here over Tsukiji. The prices are more reasonable, and the area has plenty of seating. This is where you should go for a meal of fresh seafood or even to try traditional street foods like Takoyaki (fried octopus) or Taiyaki (a sweet filled pastry).
Visiting Toyosu’s Tuna Auctions
If you’re interested in the famous tuna auctions at Toyosu, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to access the viewing area. Tickets typically costs between ¥1,000 and ¥2,000 ($7-$14 USD) per person. Tickets can be bought directly at the Toyosu Market’s observation deck ticket counter, which opens early in the morning before the auctions start.
Alternatively, some tickets are available online or through guided tours, which may include other activities like sushi-making. Since the auctions are popular, it’s important to arrive early—there are only around 60-100 spots available each day, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The auctions usually begin at 5:30 a.m. and end by 6:30 a.m., so be prepared for an early start if you want to secure a spot.
Sushi in Japan
Sushi started as a preservation method for fish and rice, eventually evolving through centuries of culinary adaptation. What we know today as sushi, fresh fish served with vinegar-ed rice, was born in Edo-period Japan. It became a fast, convenient food for city dwellers. It was a response to a need for fast, inexpensive street food that could be eaten quickly, much like modern fast food. This new type of sushi used fresh fish, which was placed on small balls of vinegared rice. This was a major shift from the older, more complex types of sushi that required fermentation or lengthy preparation.
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that primarily consists of vinegared rice, combined with various ingredients like raw or cooked fish, seafood, vegetables, and sometimes egg.
Sashimi is a Japanese dish that consists of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you visit Tsukiji Market for its history and atmosphere or head to Toyosu Market to experience the modern seafood hub, both are essential stops on any Tokyo itinerary. After spending time exploring Tsukiji, I recommend checking out Toyosu market. Don’t forget to explore the Edo-style commercial complex nearby—it’s a fantastic place to enjoy fresh seafood at more reasonable prices.
In Summary:
- Tsukiji remains a cultural icon, with street vendors, fresh sushi, and a rich history.
- Toyosu offers modern facilities, tuna auctions, and a more efficient, accessible market experience.
- I recommend spending time in both areas—Tsukiji for its atmosphere, and Toyosu for its cutting-edge facilities and great dining options.
Enjoy your seafood adventure in Tokyo!
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