Tsukiji Fish Market is (or now was) one of the all-time favortie visits in Tokyo (東京). And part of it is still there! You might have heard that on October 6th 2018, the inner market area from the old Tsukiji Fish market was moved to a new location called Toyosu Market (will cover this one in an article soon).
There are a few main reasons for the move. The buildings and infrastructure of the old area were getting too old and suboptimal. Additionally, it was just flat-out too small for the ever growing market. The market was originally never designed to house a crowd of tourists, it is mostly a fish wholesale after all.
The new Toyosu Market awaits your visit
Along with the market itself moved most of the shops and restaurants that were located in the inner market area. The outer area of Tsukiji Fish Market that mainly consists of shops and restaurants is still in place.
It is unfortunate that you won’t be able to experience the old Tsukiji Market anymore. The new Toyosu market however offers a similar experience and is way better suited towards tourists too.
I was lucky enough to still see the market in all its old glory back in March 2018, but I am also looking forward to check out the new market that they put up, I hear there’s even things like a roof garden and such!
The move was actually planned for quite some time and was supposed to happen a few years prior. But due to problems regarding the new building in Toyosu, it was delayed.
Voyagin offers an English-guided tour that covers both the new Toyosu market and the outer Tsukiji market area! Highly recommended if you’re interested to see both old and new and see some major differences.
Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market
You might think it’s not worth visiting the market anymore, but don’t worry! While you won’t be able to see the auctions anymore, you can still have a lovely sushi or other seafood breakfast. The quality of the fish will blow you away! The restaurants of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market area get their ingredients from the new Toyosu market, so it’s still the old play!
Walking around the old market area is still interesting, there are many nice shops around that offer useful items or delicious snacks and street food. Also, it is located pretty conveniently in the Tokyo Bay Area, allowing you to check out that very area along with the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens and the Ginza (銀座) district!
How to get to Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Fish Market is located in the Tokyo Bay Area near Hamarikyu Gardens and Ginza. The nearest Station that is served by the circular JR Yamanote Line is Shimbashi Station, which is about 20 minutes away unfortunately.
However, you can head to Tsukiji Station which is basically next to the market. To get there from Tokyo Station (東京駅) you’ll have to take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ginza Station where you then transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line which leads you to your destination. This whole trip should only take about 8 minutes and costs 170 Yen (1,32€/$1.50).
Takeaway
Tsukiji Fish Market is still a lovely place to visit, even without the morning auctions. You can still visit those (although there are new rules) in the new Toyosu market that is not far from Tsukiji.
The restaurants in the outer area serve some of the best seafood and street food in all of Tokyo. It’s all fresh and high quality, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I think it goes without saying that every food enthusiast should get a taste of Tsukiji cuisine.
As said earlier, the new Toyosu Market is a little farther southeast of the old Tsukiji Fish Market, meaning you could easily visit both in one day. And I would highly recommend doing so!
Experiencing both the old and new version should be a blast!
I hope I could convince you to add the market(s) to your bucket list!
That’s it for Tsukiji Fish Market, thank you so much for reading!
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I’ll write an article about the new Toyosu Market very soon but for now our next topic is going to be the infamous Tokyo Station!
See you there!
