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Updated: March 16, 2023

The early bird catches the fish at Tsukiji Fish Market

From 1935 to late 2018, Tsukiji was home to one of the most famous fish markets in the world. The inner section has since relocated to nearby Toyosu, but the outer market is still in place and as intriguing as it ever was. The Tsukiji Uogashi fresh market located in the outer market is filled with around 60 shops, and visitors can watch a professional fillet a whole tuna. The Tsukiji area, on Tokyo Bay and walkable from Ginza, is a must-see for visitors. You can feast on the freshest sushi for breakfast at the surrounding restaurants or pick up some unique souvenirs, from seaweed to sushi knives and handmade ceramics.

How to Get There

The area can be easily accessed from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tsukishijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, or Higashi-ginza Station on the Hibiya and Asakusa lines. The market is a ten minute walk from Ginza and Shiodome.

From Haneda Airport: 35 minutes on the limousine bus to Ginza, followed by a ten minute walk; or 45 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: Two hours on the limousine bus to Ginza, followed by a ten minute walk; or 90 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku: 21 minutes on the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukijishijo Station.
From Tokyo: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho, and transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station. Travel time: around 22 minutes.

An early breakfast in Tsukiji outer market

The inner market may have relocated, but the outer market still bustles with life each day. If you get there early, the ideal breakfast is Tokyo's freshest sushi. If you're not a fish fan, there are plenty of cafes offering hearty breakfasts in the surrounding streets.

There are hundreds of shops, too, selling everything you can imagine, from roe and shellfish to professional kitchenware and utensils.

Tsukiji Outer Market

 

A sense of calm and wonder

Near the lively market streets, find serenity in sprawling parks and an unusual temple. Hama-rikyu Gardens is perfect for quiet strolling, rich with wildlife, seasonal flowers, tidal ponds and an elegant tea house. You can also take a water bus to Asakusa from the landing.
(*) Currently, water buses are not departing from Hama-rikyu Gardens.

Hama-rikyu Gardens

Photos courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

For a taste of India in Tokyo, visit Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple. This unusual Buddhist temple was built in 1934 in the style of Hindu temple architecture. Inside, the gilded interior features art deco lighting and a German pipe organ.

Tsukiji Hongwanji (exterior)
Tsukiji Hongwanji (interior)

 

Retro charm and downtown delights

There's more to the area than just seafood. The outer market streets are dotted with nostalgic cafes that have been serving strong brews and thick toasted sandwiches to the market's workers for generations. Just across Kachidoki Bridge on the Sumida River, the island of Tsukishima is a charming older neighborhood dedicated to Tokyo's soul food, monjayaki. Along Nishinaka Street, there are dozens of restaurants offering up this delicious savory pancake that you cook yourself.

Tsukishima Nishinakadori Shopping Street
Monjayaki restaurant

Religious Sites

 

Markets

 

Tokyo Local Food

 

Nearby Attractions