Tsukiji Fish Market

The basics

The market now comprises just one area—the public Tsukiji Outer Market, which features shops, sushi, and various market stalls. The Inner Market, where the famous fresh tuna fish auctions were held, relocated to Toyosu Fish Market in 2020, now the largest fish market in Tokyo.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is often visited with a local guide on city walking and biking tours that reveal the history of the market. Tsukiji Fish Market tours are often combined with other Japanese food culture experiences, such as sushi-making classes, cooking classes, and tastings. Nearby attractions seen on sightseeing tours include the Hamarikyu Gardens, the Asakusa district, and the upscale Ginza neighborhood.

Things to know before you go

• The Inner Market at Tsukiji Fish Market relocated to Toyosu in 2020, roughly 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) away from Tsujiki—head there to see the famed tuna auction.

• The Outer Market, home to vendors and restaurants, still calls the original Tsukiji Fish Market home.

• Take advantage of the many vendors in the Outer Market who sell some of the best sushi and freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

• The Outer Market of the Tsukiji Fish Market is technically wheelchair accessible, but not that easy to navigate due to the large crowds.

• It’s free to enter the market, so you don’t need to buy Tsukiji Fish Market tickets.

How to get there

Tsukiji Fish Market is located in central Tokyo above Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo subway line. It is also a 5-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya subway line. If arriving by rail, the Shimbashi Japan Railways station is a 15-minute walk away from the market. Note that trains and buses do not run 24 hours in Tokyo; you can take a taxi to the market or plan on finding lodgings nearby.

When to get there

Tsukiji Market is open Monday through Saturday, with closures on holidays and occasional Wednesdays. Shops in the Outer Market have varying hours, but the area is generally open between very early morning and mid-afternoon. Arrive early for super-fresh seafood and then explore other attractions in the area.

Toyosu Fish Market

Opened in 2020, Toyosu Fish Market is the home of Tsujiki’s famed early-morning tuna auction and is almost twice the size of its predecessor. Arrive early for the tuna auction and watch from dedicated viewing platforms before exploring the seafood and fresh produce stalls. Many of the same eateries that were once available in Tsukiji can be found here. The market is closed on Sundays.

Ways to explore

In 2020, the market’s layout and accessibility changed. The public Tsukiji Outer Market features shops, sushi, and various market stalls, whereas you’ll find auctions in the Toyosu Fish Market, which has observation windows. Travelers often visit the Tsukiji Fish Market with a local guide on walking and biking tours. You can combine a trip with other Japanese food experiences, such as sushi-making classes, cooking classes, and tastings.

Accessibility

The market is generally accessible as there are no steps, but the aisles are narrow and crowded.

Age limits

None, but it’s inadvisable to bring strollers as the market is crowded.

What to pack

Hand sanitizer, shopping bags, drinking water, credit cards, yen

What to wear

Closed-toed and non-slip shoes, a sweater for refrigerated areas, small bags

Not allowed

Smoking, bargaining, haggling

Amenities

Restrooms, ATMs, tax refund counter, coin-operated lockers

Address

The Tsukiji Fish Market is between Ginza and the Sumida River in central Tokyo. It’s easy to reach from other parts of the city by subway train, or on foot from Ginza or Shimbashi.

Driving

Driving in central Tokyo is inadvisable as the traffic can be heavy and parking difficult and expensive. If you must drive, a large parking lot is near the market, just south of Tsukijishijo Station.

Public transportation

The market is a short walk from Tsukijishijo Station on the Toei Subway and Tsukiji Station on Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya Line.

Best times to visit

The market opens in the morning and closes by midafternoon, although different businesses operate different hours.

Best days to visit

The market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Saturdays can be especially busy, so visit midweek.

Best months to visit

The cooler months (October–April) are a more pleasant time to visit the market, as crowds, fish, and hot weather aren’t the most appetizing mix.

Special events

The Tsukiji neighborhood is lively for the Lion Dance Festival (early June) and the Honganji Bon Dance Festival (late July–early August).