All About Tsukiji Outer Market 2024

Have you ever heard of Tsukiji Outer Market? If you haven’t, you will miss out on your Tokyo trip. It is one of the largest wholesale fish and seafood markets worldwide. Visitors will find raw products and ready-to-eat sushi meals in this place. This market caters to the diverse requirements of customers, making it a one-stop place for buying everything.

Another exciting part of this market is its tuna auction. Visitors from around Japan flock here to watch the bidding and selling of tunas. It won’t be your typical auction scenario; the stakes are high, and fish on the auction could be sold for more than a million.

How To Get To Tsukiji Outer Market?

Stroll around Tsukiji Fish Market and buy products.

This Tokyo market will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. You can buy products, enjoy a seafood meal, and learn how to cut fish. In addition to fresh seafood, this place offers meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, dried food, kitchenware, processed food, and other items.

This market is easily accessible by bus and train. Visitors can take a train to Tsukiji Shijo Station or Tsukiji Station. They must take the Marunouchi Subway Line from Tokyo Station to reach the latter. Afterward, it’s a 3-minute journey to Ginza, from where they must transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line to reach Tsukiji Station.

The next route is to take the Oedo Subway Line from Shinjuku Station to Tsukiji Shijo Station. It’s less hassle and only takes twenty minutes. Furthermore, travelers can take the Toei Bus from Tokyo Station, Kinshicho Station, and Shimbashi Station.

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What Time Should I Go To Tsukiji Outer Market?

Address: Chuo City, Tsukiji, Tokyo; Google Map
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 2 PM
Things To Do: Dining, Shopping

Before going to the market, know the Tsukiji Outer Market hours. Although opening hours vary from shop to shop, most stores are usually open from 5 AM. The Plat Tsukiji is open from 8 AM to 2 PM, while the Public Lounge is up and running from 6 AM to 4 PM.

The best time to visit Tsukiji Outer Market is 9 and 10 AM. If you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. However, if you visit on Saturdays, you will get the best product deals. Is Tsukiji Outer Market open on Sunday? Unfortunately, this market is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Moreover, shoppers must know some shopping etiquette. For instance, bargaining over the price is not customary, and asking for a discount on every product is not advisable. Opt for group deals to save money. Furthermore, visitors are not required to wear fancy clothes to stroll around the market. Several sellers dislike shoppers with a sophisticated attitude.

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Tsukiji Fish Market vs Outer Market: Which One Is Better?

This bustling open-air market goes by several names, including Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. This seafood shopping hub initially had two parts: the Tsukiji Fish Market (Inner Market) and the Outer Market. However, the inner market closed on October 6, 2018, and moved to Toyosu. Since then, it has been running as the Toyosu Fish Market.

Toyosu and Tsukiji have similar high standards. But they offer diverse experiences to customers. For instance, Toyosu functions in a controlled and business-like environment and has enclosed facilities rather than street food vendors. This modern market has used cutting-edge facilities to renovate the Tuna auction scenario from a shabby to an impressive place. Visitors can catch live tuna action from the Tuna Auction Observation Deck.

On the other hand, Tsukiji retains its original appearance, with around 400 vendor shops lining its streets. It is lively, and chefs from worldwide are coming to explore its vast array of seafood. This large wholesale fish market offers fresh seafood, vegetables, and local products. It also houses many restaurants and sushi bars offering the finest dishes using fresh ingredients.

As you can see, Toyosu and Tsukiji are both fantastic in their ways. Tsukiji is your destination if you want a lively market atmosphere with customers and sellers haggling over prices. However, visit Toyosu if you prefer a well-organized and controlled market scenario.

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Tsukiji Outer Market Reviews: Do People Enjoy Coming Here?

You must include a tour of Tsukiji Market in your Tokyo Itinerary. It will thrust you to a different atmosphere away from the neon-lit city. The fish market has been running in the Tsukiji district since 1935. Its nearly a century-long operation is all thanks to visitors coming here every other day. That being said, not everyone holds the same opinion regarding this place.

For instance, several visitors mentioned that Tsukiji was more pricey than Toyosu. Some also complained that sushi bars did not meet their expectations. On the other hand, many people rated this open-air market highly for its bustling scenario and diverse seafood options. They also recommend this place as a must-visit destination in Tokyo.

Although this outer market has received mixed reviews, it’s best to experience it firsthand and decide whether it’s worth visiting.

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Explore Exciting Things To Do Near Tsukiji Outer Market

After shopping and watching tuna action in Tsukiji Outer Market, visitors will have plenty of time to spare. So, why not explore nearby attractions before calling it a day? Hence, we have handpicked the best things to do near this iconic market.

Stroll Around Hama-rikyu Gardens

Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee: ¥300 (General public), ¥150 (Aged 65 and over)

Located only a short distance from the Tsukiji Market, Hamari-kyu Gardens takes visitors back to the Edo period. It is a perfect non-touristy spot for watching cherry blossoms and enjoying a tea ceremony. Drop by Nakajima Teahouse to catch a matcha tea in the park.

Watch Kabuki Performances At Kabukiza Theater

Address: 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan; Google Map
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Fee: ￥1,000 (Full Program), ￥800 (Single Act)

If you are searching for indoor things to do or fun activities in Tokyo, visit Kabuki-za Theater. It offers traditional Japanese Kabuki shows with an all-male cast. These performances are usually four hours long and involve dance, mime, and costuming.

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Explore Tsukiji Hongan-ji

Address: 3 Chome-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8435, Japan; Google Map
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 4 PM
Entrance Fee: Free Entry

A Tokyo trip is never complete without visiting a Buddhist or Shinto shrine. So, take a three-minute walk to the iconic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple. This shrine’s Indian Buddhist architecture makes it stand out from other temples. You will feel like traveling back a few decades in this holy place.

Shop Till You Drop In Ginza

Address: Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061; Google Map
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
Popular Destinations: Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Ginza Six, Seiko House Ginza

Explore Tokyo’s most significant shopping hub, Ginza, after your trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market. This neighborhood has over 400 department stores and luxury boutiques. Visitors will find everything from clothing and accessories to high-branded fashion items.

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Find The Best Restaurants In Tsukiji Outer Market

After watching market excitement and bartering scenes, you will likely feel hungry. Pad your stomach with delicious seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market restaurants. Since it has numerous sushi bars and local eateries, we have handpicked some of the best restaurants in the area.

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Tsukiji Kormo Sushi

Address: 4 Chome-11-3 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; Google Map
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM
Social Media: Official Website

Let’s start with the famous Tsukiji Kormo Sushi on the outer rim of the market. It offers more seclusion from the chaotic market scene. Moreover, this establishment provides a casual, relaxed ambiance with soft jazz music. It’s best to visit this place after a long day of activities.

This sushi restaurant primarily offers Okimari Nigiri, Morning Nigiri, and Seafood Bowl. You will get the best deals in Omakase Nigiri between 8:30 and 12 PM. For example, Omakase 7 pieces are available for ¥1,540, 10 for ¥2,200, and 15 for ¥3,300. Likewise, a grilled rice bowl costs ¥3,080, and a salmon roe bowl ¥3,300.

Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten

Address: 4 Chome-14-13 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; Google Map
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Twitter

Enjoy a lunch or late-night dinner at Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten. It stands out from other sushi bars with its old-school wooden interior and hospitality. In addition, this establishment strives for attention to detail. The chefs carefully prepare each dish and use the freshest seafood ingredients from the market.

This restaurant has unique sushi rice called red shari that is not found anywhere else. The rice’s amber hue and earthy taste are thanks to red vinegar (akazu). Tsukiji Kagura Sushi offers several set menus like Sea Urchin Bowl (¥6,600), Seafood Bowl (¥4,400), Full of Tuna (¥4,840), Omaze (¥3,300), and Grilled Sushi (¥2,800).

Torito Bunten

Address: 4-6-8 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku,Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 2 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram

If you are not a seafood fan or want to change your palate, visit Torito Bunten, which serves the best teriyaki chicken in Tsukiji. It has been running for over 100 years and supplies Daisen, Shingen, and domestic chicken. This is a one-stop store for buying raw products and cooked meals.

This restaurant also offers affordable deals to customers. For example, Yanachi x Torifuji Chinese Hot Pot Chicken and Shioten Chili Pepper cost ¥6,480 and serve 3-4 customers. Don’t forget to try its Oyakodon, a bowl of rice with chicken pieces and a runny egg mixed with signature umami-rich tare sauce.

4Season

Spaghetti — Savor spaghetti with seafood at 4Season.

Address: 4-14-18 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Google Map
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM

Next, we have a small pasta cafe called 4Season, perched in the middle of the busy Tokyo market. It has a retro charm and is one of the oldest restaurants in Tsukiji. As this place has been running for over thirty years, expect an old ambiance with the 70s and 80s Japanese pop ballads on the play.

This restaurant offers Wafu classics like Neapolitan and its original creations. It mixes Western pasta with traditional Japanese taste and creates delicious dishes. Likewise, its top menus are Ooba Spaghetti (¥920), Soup Pasta (¥1,200), and Tarako and Cream Pasta (¥1,100).

Odayasu Jyogai

Seafood Katsu — Stuff your belly with Odayasu Jyogai’s seafood katsu.

Address: Japan, 104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 6 Chome−26−1; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 3 PM

If you are looking for a restaurant with diverse food options in Tsukiji Market, Odayasu Jyogai must be your destination. It is on the third floor of the Tsukiji Uogashi Building and is packed with customers daily. People line up to enter the establishment immediately after it opens at 9 AM.

Odayasu offers katsu dishes, including seafood katsu. Former diners loved its crab croquette and breakfast set meals. These set meals are also budget-friendly, costing only ¥1,700. You will find katsu condiments, karashi mustard, Japanese barbecue sauce, and assorted pickles on the front counter.

See Tsukiji Outer Market Tours, Tickets, and Activities

Although Tsukiji Outer Market photos indicate a busy market scene, visitors will be caught off-guard by its lively atmosphere once they reach it. You don’t have to be a seafood lover to come to this place. The market offers diverse experiences, and there is something for everyone here.

However, this place is not for you if you are squeamish about the fish smell and prefer a silent atmosphere. Regardless, trying new things would be a unique experience, so push beyond your comfort zone and enjoy everything this open-air market offers.