Tsukiji’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market has moved to Toyosu, but there’s still a thriving market at the old market site and it’s a fun half-day destination.
Tsukiji Outer Market: artapartment / Shutterstock.com
The world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market has moved to Toyosu and is now known as Toyosu Fish Market. See our Toyosu Fish Market guide for full details on the new market. Now, there’s still a busy market at the site of the old fish market in Tsukiji. It’s mostly geared to tourists these days. It can be a lot of fun for a few hours, but it’s not a major Tokyo highlight.
Things to See and Do in Tsukiji
- Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Fish Market has closed and moved and now operates as Toyosu Fish Market. See our Toyosu Fish Market guide for full details on the new market. There’s still a lot of action at the former fish market’s outer market section. There are shops selling all manner of cookware, some food items, and plenty of restaurants serving sushi and other kinds of Japanese food. - Namiyoke Inari-jinja Shrine (Shinto shrine)
This small Shinto shrine is located right outside the market on the northeast side. This is where fisherman pray for safety on the seas and vendors pray for good sales. It's worth a quick look.
Places to Eat in Tsukiji
- Eating a sushi breakfast or lunch is great after touring the market. The outer market area is filled with tiny sushi restaurants. Unfortunately, the market is so popular now with tourists that you usually have to wait on line. And, who really wants to put up with these crowds? I much prefer eating in the more relaxing (and often better) sushi places on the other side of Shin-Ohashi-dori (the big street on the north side of the market).
- Tsukiji Edogin
For good, mid-range sushi without the crowds, venture a little farther from the Outer Market to Tsukiji Edogin. Thick slabs of fresh fish on vinegared rice – what more can you ask for? - Tsukiji Sushisei Honten
For quality sushi at reasonable prices in Tsukiji, you can’t go wrong with Tsukiji Sushisei Honten. As a bonus, this two-storey restaurant doesn’t see the mind-boggling queues of rival shops! - Tsukiji Sushi Iwa
Looking for decent sushi around Tsukiji without the mile-long queues? Check out Tsukiji Sushi Iwa, a casual, mid-range restaurant a short walk away from the market. We suggest paying just a little more at lunch to get the most bang for your buck. - Sushizanmai Bekkan (sushi)
If you insist on eating at the market, this popular spot is a good choice. There's some tiny English writing on the sign. Look for the picture of the guy picking up a fish. - Uogashi Senryo (sushi)
This is another choice if you want to eat inside the market. The sushi is good and it's usually packed. - Tempura Kurokawa
For honest, fresh, fabulous tempura bowls at bargain prices, try Tempura Kurokawa in Tsukiji’s Outer Market. A handful of deep-fried scallop and prawns at just JPY1500? Yes, please!
Shopping in Tsukiji
- Tsukiji Fish Market Outer Market (cookware and food)
In addition to all the fish, there are lots of stalls in the outer market that sell cooking ware and other food-related items. The prices are very cheap here and the selection is interesting. Have a look after exploring the fish market sections. There's also a small produce area.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get essential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
