Tsukiji Outer Market: Tokyo’s Historic Fish Market
Tokyo’s legendary fish market is still alive and kickin’
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If you’ve heard that Tsukiji Fish Market closed, that’s only half true, and it’s the less interesting half. What actually happened is that the wholesale side, the famous pre-dawn tuna auctions, moved to a new facility in Toyosu in 2018. The outer market, the maze of narrow lanes, family-run shops, and sushi counters that most visitors actually came for, never left. It’s still one of Tokyo’s best food destinations, conveniently close to Ginza, and I’d argue it’s more enjoyable to explore now than it ever was when the wholesale trucks were competing for space in the same alleys. That is, as long as you’re here early enough before the mid-morning crowds.
Below, I’ll break down exactly what moved and what stayed, then cover what to eat and buy, opening hours, and how to get there.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Current Status of Tsukiji Outer Market
Although the drop in activity was obvious and expected after the relocation of the inner market, that doesn’t mean the outer market isn’t interesting anymore! After all, decades of neighborhood tradition and local dynamics do not change overnight.
We’re talking about a market made up of a maze of narrow alleys and streets, with over 400 shops and restaurants offering a variety of fresh seafood, produce, and Japanese kitchenware, not only fish. And so, the outer market is still a bustling hub of activity and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Some of my all-time favorite sushi establishments are still located in this area, and it’s safe to say this is not going to change anytime soon.
Many of the shops and restaurants in the outer market have been in business for generations, and the market has a rich history that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The exciting early morning auction is not there anymore, but trust me when I say that everything else remains in Tsukiji as an energetic marketplace loved by locals for over 80 years.
Tsukiji vs. Toyosu at a Glance
The short version: Tsukiji kept the eating and shopping, Toyosu got the auctions.
| Tsukiji Outer Market | Toyosu Market | |
| What it is | The original retail district: narrow lanes of shops, food stalls, and sushi counters | The modern wholesale facility the inner market relocated to in 2018 |
| Tuna auctions | No longer held here | Held here, viewable via observation deck or guided tour |
| Best for | Grazing, buying kitchenware and dry goods, sushi breakfast | Watching the auction, seeing the wholesale side of the trade |
| Atmosphere | Bustling, walkable, tourist-friendly | More industrial, spread across a larger modern complex |
| Distance from Ginza | A few minutes’ walk | A short taxi or train ride |
If you’re short on time, the outer market is the one to prioritize, as it’s what most people picture when they think of “Tsukiji,” and it’s what this guide covers in detail below. If you also want to see the auction itself, Toyosu is the add-on, not a replacement.
History of Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Fish Market has a fascinating history that spans over 400 years.
The market was originally established in the Edo period (1603-1868) as a wholesale fish market, providing fresh seafood to the growing population of Edo (now Tokyo). At that time, the market was located near the Nihonbashi Bridge, which was a major transportation hub for goods and people, and it was known as “Uogashi”.
As its popularity grew in Edo, the market expanded, and by the mid-1800s, it had become the largest fish market in Japan. However, with the push for modernization that came with the Meiji era, the Nihonbashi location became a thorn in the side of those who advocated for new facilities and perhaps a new location as well, as the market still kept functioning mostly the same way it did during the past couple of centuries, and despite its success, it was now an unsophisticated sight at what was then already a top class business district.
The heated debate over Uogashi market was “solved” on its own by external forces when in 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed much of Tokyo, including said Fish Market. The market was rebuilt in a new location, and the grounds near the Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple were chosen, reopening to grand fanfare in 1935.
For more information about Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple tours, check the following article!
And thus, Tsukiji Fish Market was born, and despite the tumultuous war years that soon followed, the market survived and during the post-war period, Tsukiji Fish Market played an important role in the rebuilding of Japan’s economy. The market became a major center for international trade, with seafood from around the world passing through its doors.
From Market Player to Touristic Powerhouse
Over the years, Tsukiji Fish Market gained a reputation as a must-visit destination for foodies and tourists, with its bustling atmosphere, fresh seafood, and lively auctions.
What used to be the domain of mostly professionals and wholesalers slowly became a hotspot for visitors from all around the world, attracted both by Tokyo’s allure as a gourmet capital and the powerful mystique of a market culture built on the foundation of strong collaborative relationships among all involved actors and deep trust between clients and merchants that led to the nickname of Tokyo’s kitchen.
However, by the early 2000s, the market’s aging infrastructure and lack of modern facilities had become a concern, mirroring the early Nihonbashi days. That the market was sitting on land of an insurmountable real estate value was also a compounding factor that gained even more traction in the wake of Tokyo’s confirmation as an Olympic host. Relocation plans kept advancing despite the strong pushback.
In 2018, the inner market of Tsukiji Fish Market was relocated to Toyosu, a new facility in the Koto Ward of Tokyo, with nearly twice the space.
The move was controversial, with many locals and tourists decrying the loss of the Tsukiji Fish Market’s now legendary core. However, day-to-day activities remained on the outer market, and hundreds of stalls, shops, and eateries continue to thrive at the same location thanks to the public’s loyalty and a location that continues to remain highly attractive because of the concentration of top-quality sushi establishments in the area.
Things to Do in Tsukiji Outer Market
Don’t come here with a plan to sit down for one big meal — the whole point of Tsukiji is grazing your way down the lanes, a bite here, a skewer there, until you’ve built your own tasting menu out of a dozen different stalls.
Street Food Worth Stopping For
Tamagoyaki is one of the market’s signature bites — a thick, layered sweet-savory omelette served hot on a stick. From there, work your way through grilled scallops, fresh oysters, and whatever seasonal seafood the vendors are pushing that morning. I never plan my route in advance; I just follow whichever line is longest, since that’s usually the tell for what’s freshest that day.
Sit Down for Sushi
Once you’ve grazed enough, find a seat. There are plenty of small restaurants scattered around the area, many of which have adapted to the recent tourist wave to include menus in English. One of the popular local choices is Sushi Zanmai, with two locations right in the market, and you’ll know you’re at the right one when you spot the life-sized statue of the owner standing out front like a landmark. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, but there’s a reason it’s still packed every morning.
While Sushi Zanmai is now a nationwide chain, its very first branch opened right here in Tsukiji in 2001 as Japan’s first 24/7 nigiri sushi restaurant. It was founded by Kiyoshi Kimura, Japan’s famous “Tuna King,” who regularly makes international headlines by dropping millions of dollars on record-breaking bluefin tuna at the annual New Year market auctions.
Food to Take Home
If you want something that survives the flight, skip the fresh seafood and head for the dry goods instead. The market is full of small shops selling dashi stock, dried bonito flakes, and other pantry staples that Japanese home cooks have been buying here for generations — they travel well and make far better souvenirs than anything you’ll find in a Ginza department store.
Tsukiji’s Knife Shops
This is the detail some visitors don’t expect: Tsukiji is one of the best places in Tokyo to buy a proper Japanese kitchen knife. The tuna knives alone are worth seeing even if you’re not buying, as some of them look more like a katana than anything you’d find in a Western kitchen. Many shopkeepers offer complimentary name engraving in kanji or katakana, as well as final edge-sharpening before you leave the store.
Top Recommended Knife Shops
- Tsukiji Masamoto (築地正本): A legendary shop serving market chefs since 1891. (Note: Tsukiji Masamoto is an independent entity tailored to fishmongers and distinct from Masamoto Sohonten.)
- Tsukiji Aritsugu (築地有次): With roots dating back to samurai swordmakers in Kyoto, Aritsugu is famous for top-tier traditional carbon steel blades and on-the-spot custom engraving.
- Sugimoto Hamono (杉本刃物): Highly regarded for traditional Japanese knives, Western-style blades, and chef-favorite Chinese cleavers Chukabocho.
- Azuma Minamoto no Masahisa (東源正久): Famous for specialized cutlery, including massive *maguro-bocho* (sword-like tuna knives) used across the market.
- Tojiro Knife Gallery (藤次郎): A modern gallery ideal for home cooks looking for high-performance, low-maintenance stainless and Damascus steel knives.
Traveler Tip: Carbon steel knives rust quickly if left wet; ask shopkeepers for stainless steel (*gingami* or VG-10) options if you want an easy-care knife for home cooking.
Tsukiji Outer Market Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Tsukiji Outer Market is home to approximately 460 specialized shops, seafood stalls, and restaurants. While the streets remain accessible 24/7, individual vendor hours follow a specific daily rhythm.
Daily Operating Hours
- 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Professional Hours): Reserved primarily for commercial buyers and restaurant supply restocking. Visitors can walk around, but there may be more trucks for deliveries.
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Typical Visitor Window): All food stalls, knife shops, and retail vendors are fully open to the general public.
- 2:00 PM Onward: Most market stalls close down for the day as fresh inventory sells out, though select major sushi restaurants stay open into the evening.
Closed Days & When to Go
While there is no universal market shutdown, the majority of vendors close on Sundays, National Holidays, and select Wednesdays in accordance with the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market schedule.
Saturday mornings (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM) offer the liveliest atmosphere with virtually all vendors open, but also the biggest visitor crowds.
Tours of Tsukiji Outer Market
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tsukiji Outer Market, consider taking a guided tour. Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo is a highly-rated food tour by Magical Trip, where you can experience Tsukiji’s authentic food and learn its rich history. Taste the delicious street food and high-quality seafood and explore some hidden gems which many tourists don’t know about!
▶️Book the Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo!
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tsukiji Outer Market, consider taking a guided tour. Japan Wonder Travel offers a popular food tour of Tsukiji Outer Market, which includes a visit to the market’s top shops and restaurants.
For more information about the best food tour in Tsukiji, check the following link!
▶Tsukiji Fish Market Tour: Best Food Walking Tour in Tokyo
Getting to Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Outer Market is located near Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Visitors can also access the market from nearby stations like Tsukijishijo Station and Higashi-ginza Station.
If you’re coming from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza Station and transfer to the Hibiya Line. Alternatively, you can take the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukiji Shijo Station.
FAQs About Tsukiji Outer Market
Is Tsukiji Outer Market still open?
Yes. The outer market — the retail lanes, shops, and restaurants — never closed. Only the wholesale inner market and its tuna auctions relocated, to Toyosu, in 2018.
What’s the difference between Tsukiji and Toyosu?
Tsukiji Outer Market is where you eat, browse, and shop — narrow lanes packed with sushi counters, food stalls, and specialty shops. Toyosu is the modern facility that took over the wholesale side, including the tuna auctions, when the inner market moved there in 2018.
Is Tsukiji Outer Market free to visit?
Yes, walking through the market is free. You only pay for what you eat or buy along the way.
Is Tsukiji Outer Market cash only?
Most payment methods are accepted; however, it is advised to always carry some cash as some smaller businesses might only accept cash.
What are the opening hours?
Most shops and restaurants open early, generally around 5am, and wind down by early-to-mid afternoon. Many shops close on Sundays, and some also close on Wednesdays, so it’s worth checking a specific shop’s hours if you have one in mind.
How do you get to Tsukiji Outer Market?
The market is a few minutes’ walk from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Tsukijishijo Station and Higashi-Ginza Station are also nearby, and it’s an easy walk from Ginza.
How long do people spend at the Tsukiji Outer Market?
Anywhere between 1 hour and 3 hours. Plan for at least a couple of hours to allow for enough time to browse the shops and do a few stops to eat while doing so.
Do you need some more ideas about what to do around the surrounding areas? Check these articles too!
Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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