When you think of Tokyo, fresh fish and delicious sushi often come to mind. You’ve probably seen some of the best sushi restaurants on social media, and you want to experience them all for yourself! Visiting Japan’s famous fish markets is also high on your list. But with limited time on your trip to Japan, it can be hard to decide which markets are worth a visit. In this blog, I’ll share my experiences and give you advice on the Tsukiji Outer Market and Toyosu Fish Market, so you know exactly which fish market in Tokyo to visit and which to skip.
Toyosu Fish Market
I recently headed out early to the other side of Tokyo with a friend to explore the promising Toyosu Fish Market. Although I’d been to this part of Tokyo before and visited the recently opened Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, I hadn’t yet visited the fish market itself. On my previous visit to the Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, an Edo period-style street of restaurants and shops, the public foot bath on the eighth floor of the hotel with a view of the Tokyo skyline was on the agenda.
Desolate fish market
The Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, opened last year in collaboration with the Toyosu Fish Market, is a fun and well-thought-out destination, but unfortunately it didn’t make our day complete. The Toyosu Fish Market itself turned out to be different than expected. The confusion started with the poor signage, which made us get lost in a hall with shops that had little to do with fish and had an atmosphere that was more reminiscent of a hospital. Moreover, the fish market we were looking for was already closed and not open to the public. Fortunately, we were able to catch a glimpse of what was happening behind the scenes through a window. After that we tried the tuna auction and the fruit and vegetable market, but here too there was no atmosphere and there was nothing to see, so we ultimately left the market disappointed.
No time to loose
Once an iconic destination and a great experience, the fish market in Ginza moved to a new part of Tokyo a few years ago. Unfortunately, this move seems to have diminished the charm of the fish market. Despite the efforts to make the market attractive, there is still a lot of work to be done to provide tourists with a satisfying experience without disappointment. My advice is not to waste your time at this market. Want to know which fish markets in Japan are worth a visit? Read on for my recommendations and discover where you really need to go for an authentic fish market experience.
Tsukiji Outer Market
A visit to Tsukiji Outer Market is a great addition to your Tokyo trip, especially when combined with a stroll through the nearby Ginza district. These two iconic spots are right next to each other and together offer enough to fill a half day. Plan your visit to Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning, as the market closes at 2pm. After your visit, you can then stroll through the stylish streets of Ginza.
Foodie walhalla in Tokyo
Also known as Tokyo’s Food Town, Tsukiji Outer Market is the ideal destination for foodies. Here you can sample all kinds of traditional Japanese dishes, learn how to cut and prepare fish, and buy the best ingredients for your Japanese meal. Although the market is not very big, it is definitely a must-visit for any food lover.
Route to the fish market
To get to Tsukiji Outer Market, get off at Shimbashi Station. From there, it is only a 20-minute walk to the market.
My advice is to stay in the centre of Tokyo and definitely visit this lively fish market. It is an experience you don’t want to miss! And while you are in the area, also visit the Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple because it is right next to the market and this is a building you would not expect to see in Tokyo.
Want to read more about tips in and around Tokyo? Read more here!
