My Favorites

My Tokyo Guide

See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.

Main content starts here.

Updated: August 21, 2023

Tsukiji Outer Market 築地場外市場

4-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo

Past as the world famous Tsukiji fish market

Good morning, Tsukiji! The former site of Tokyo's iconic seafood market is well worth an early start and a must for seafood lovers.
From 1935 to late 2018, Tsukiji Wholesale Market (Tsukiji fish market) was the most famous of its kind in the world. With a large vegetable market and everything from dried produce to bread on sale in the surrounding streets, the area truly earned itself the nickname "Tokyo's kitchen." The inner section has since relocated to nearby Toyosu, but the outer market is still in full operation. Sitting on Tokyo Bay and walkable from Ginza, its maze-like streets are as fascinating as ever. 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.

In its heyday, Tsukiji market handled hundreds of different kinds of seafood, alongside a vast fruit and vegetable market. The inner market closed in October 2018 in order to move to a more modern facility in Toyosu. However, access was always limited to tourists. The outer market, which offers the most to see, remains open and offers a treasure trove of restaurants and sushi stores.

Toyosu Market
Photo provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market.

Bustling street in Tsukiji Outer Market

History of the Tsukiji fish market, The fish market's new location

In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake caused widespread devastation across Tokyo, destroying the Nihonbashi Fish Market. This led to its relocation to Tsukiji, which opened for business in 1935. The area grew into a prosperous town. You can still get a sense of this history, with several buildings more than 80 years old.

The fish market moved to Toyosu and opened its doors on October 11, 2018. Here you can peer down at the tuna auction from visitor passages or the observation deck, or gorge to your stomach's bulging at around 40 restaurants and cafes. Also browse the Intermediate Seafood Wholesale Market, where more than 70 stores sell everything from miso and dried seaweed to Japanese knives and souvenirs. Don't miss the spectacular views of Odaiba and Tokyo Bay from the green lawns of the rooftop garden.
* Visiting the observation deck requires prior lottery application. Please check the official website for more information.

Tsukiji fish market

Tsukiji outer market - Enjoy fresh sushi in outer market area

Tsukiji's outer market remains a bustling and thriving area of approximately 460 shops. Visit before noon to join the throngs of hungry shoppers scouring the streets for the best breakfast sushi. Or grab a snack – hot tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelets) on sticks are a local favorite. Above all, allow plenty of time to browse the alleys crammed with stores selling everything from foodstuffs to kitchenware.

hot tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelets)

Your one-stop shop to buy seafood, Tsukiji Uogashi is a modern facility with a huge variety of fresh produce, vegetables included. You can even watch a professional filleting tuna. Access is restricted before 9:00 to make way for fresh deliveries, but the third floor of eateries is open from 7:00, with sashimi and ramen on offer too.

Tsukiji Uogashi

professional filleting tuna

From sushi to donburi (rice bowls), the seafood dining options in Tsukiji's outer market are endless. Enjoy the freshest tuna, uni (sea urchin) or ikura (Japanese salmon roe). Many stores, such as Tsukiji Sushidai Honkan, serve nigiri sushi where the chef will meticulously slice up fish and form hand-rolled sushi in front of your eyes. Or others, like the cosy Okame, are standing only, where you choose sushi by the ingredient and tuck in rubbing elbows with those next to you.

Sushi (10 pieces of nigiri)

Sushi (8 pieces of nigiri)

The Tsukiji area can be easily accessed from Tsukiji Station, Tsukijishijo Station or Higashi-ginza Station. It is also a short walk from Ginza and Shiodome, and has good accessibility to the rest of the city and major airports.

How to Get There

  • Tsukijishijo StationToei Oedo LineExit A11 min on foot

Contact

Your current location:

Opening Hours

  • *Varies by floor, store, and/or facility
  • Closing days:
    *Varies by shop

Facility Info

  • RestroomsDining facilitiesSmoking areasMoney exchangeParkingWiFi
  • JapaneseEnglish
  • Disabled parkingWheelchair rampElevatorWheelchair accessible elevatorMulti-purpose toiletDiaper changing facilitiesBaby chair/high chair

For updated information on opening hours, closings, prices, and more, please check the official website or ask the facility directly.

Find Out More