Tsukiji Fish Market: Gastronomic Tours & Experiences

The famous Tsukiji Fish Market was first established in 1935 and has become one of Tokyo’s most iconic local attractions. The market was originally made up of an inner and outer market, but the inner market has since moved to Toyosu.

Tsukiji Outer Market is still well worth the visit and you’ll find fresh seafood, charming restaurants and vendors selling food-related items such as knives. The market is a great place to enjoy local cuisine, pick up souvenirs and take photos.

Read on to learn more about the Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the most exhilarating gastronomic experiences in Tokyo.

Where is Tsukiji Fish Market located?

Keep in mind that Tsukiji Market’s ‘inner market’— famous for its tuna auctions— closed in October 2018 and has since moved to the area of Toyosu. The inner market has therefore been renamed Toyosu Fish Market.

Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its shops and restaurants, can still be found in its original location in central Tsukiji and this is where most tours take place.

There are over 400 stores in the outer market, and most of the fish found there is supplied by Toyosu Fish Market.

The closest JR station to the Tsukiji Outer Market is the Shimbashi station, which is roughly a 20-minute walk away. The closest station on the Oedo Subway Line is the Tsukiji Shijo Station, which is only a kilometer away.

What will I see and do in Tsukiji Fish Market?

Explore the hundreds of stores

Just walking around Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is an experience in itself. There are over 400 small stores, including fishmongers, sushi bars, grocers, butchers and knife stores. There is a lot to see and the market provides a true feast for the eyes.

Eat fresh seafood

The market provides the perfect opportunity for you to try fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes include sushi and seafood bowls, made with fresh tuna, salmon and sea urchins. Arrive hungry and enjoy a delicious lunch in Tsukiji.

Learn about Japanese food culture

As you walk around the market, you’ll see Japanese dishes being prepared in various ways.

The vendors, even if they are not fluent in English, are used to dealing with tourists so don’t be shy to ask questions and take the time to learn more about Japanese food culture.

Sushi making experience

There are sushi chefs at both Toyosu Fish Market and Tsukiji Outer Market that offer sushi-making classes. This is the perfect way to gain an appreciation for local cuisine as you learn a practical skill to take home with you.

Food tour

See the Tsukiji Fish Market through the eyes of a local as your guide shows you some of the best stalls and answers any questions that you may have about the market. A guided food tour ensures a seamless and informative experience.

What are the most popular Tsukiji Fish Market tours?

Tsukiji Fish Market food and culture walking tour

Get a sense of Tokyo’s unique culinary culture with this walking tour that explores the many stores and attractions of Tsukiji Fish Market.

See where Tokyo’s top chefs purchase their ingredients and learn about the fascinating history of this 90-year-old market.

You’ll see vendors carving massive tuna and spot puffer fish floating in tanks. Your guide ensures that you’ll see the very best of what Tsukiji Fish Market has to offer.

As you walk through the various stores, you’ll stop to taste traditional dishes such as Japanese tea, fresh tuna, fried fish cakes, Japanese omelets and sake.

The last stop on the tour’s itinerary is a delicious sushi restaurant, where you’ll get to try some freshly rolled sushi.

Tsukiji Fish Market visit with sushi-making experience

Learn more about the fascinating world of seafood at the outer Tsukiji Fish Market— one of the largest seafood markets in the world. Your guide will provide information about how the fish are caught and distributed.

Once your tour of the market is over, you’ll visit a local sushi restaurant, where you will learn to prepare a few sushi dishes for lunch.

A sushi master will show you how to make nigiri sushi— a skill that you can take home with you and impress your friends with.

This tour provides an insight into Japan’s intimate relationship with seafood and you’ll walk away with a better understanding of Tokyo’s culinary culture.

Luxury sushi class and special access to Toyosu Fish Market

Enjoy a comprehensive culinary experience when you book this luxury sushi-making class in Tokyo. The tour is aimed at beginner chefs, and you’ll receive instruction from one of the city’s sushi masters.

Get picked up from your hotel by a luxury van and get taken to Toyosu Fish Market, where you will shop for your ingredients.

Next, you’ll head to Tsukiji Outer Market, where you’ll enjoy a brief tour of the stalls there before arriving at your classroom.

Your sushi master will teach you to prepare a range of classic sushi dishes before you sit down to enjoy the lunch that you’ve created. The masterclass is designed to teach you a variety of skills that you’ll be able to use in your own cooking.

Classic Tsukiji Fish Market food tour

Even though the wholesale inner market has since moved, there is still a lot to see and do at Tsukiji Fish Market’s outer market.

This classic tour provides you with an in-depth look at the stalls and you’ll learn about the history and traditions of the market.

Your tour begins with a cup of coffee before you begin a leisurely stroll around the market. You’ll get to meet some of the seafood specialists and sample their fresh produce.

You’ll have a quick break to receive a traditional blessing at a local shrine and then end your tour with a sweet treat.

See the market through the eyes of a local and learn what gives this famous market its unique character.

What are the prices of Tsukiji Fish Market tours?

A basic walking tour of Tsukiji Fish Market typically costs around US$100 per person, with the inclusion of a few food and drink tastings.

A Tsukiji Fish Market tour that includes a sushi-making experience usually costs around US$120 per person.

Luxury sushi-making experiences, which include a tour of Toyosu Fish Market, cost around US$330 per person. These tours provide a comprehensive culinary experience and include hotel transfers in a luxury van.

Where do Tsukiji Fish Market tours start?

Tsukiji Fish Market tours usually begin at easy-to-find landmarks in the area, such as Tsukiji Honganji Temple. Most tour operators do not offer hotel transfers, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point for most tours.

Make sure you arrive at the stipulated meeting point at least 5 minutes before your tour is meant to start so that you do not keep your tour guide and other tour participants waiting.

When is the best time to go on a tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market?

The shops and restaurants of Tsukiji Outer Market are usually open between 5 AM and 2 PM daily. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, and certain shops may also be closed on Wednesdays.

It is typically best to visit the market around midmorning, and you’ll find that many tours begin at around 10 AM and end at around lunchtime.

Book your Tsukiji Fish Market tour for the beginning of your stay in Tokyo as these tours provide an engaging introduction to the city.

Travel tips

• Book your Tsukiji Fish Market tour in advance to secure your spot on your preferred tour.
• It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting the market.
• Be sure to let your tour guide know if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies ahead of time. Tsukiji Fish Market tours are not recommended for people with seafood allergies.
• If you plan on purchasing gifts or souvenirs, you should bring cash as credit cards are not accepted by most Tsukiji Fish Market vendors.