Fish market is a rare gem in Japan, it is the place where you can find the freshest fish and seafood as well as other culinary items. Tsukiji was once known as the largest fish market in the world, this place has been recommended countless times on several travel guide magazines.

In this blog, we will introduce you to the history and the true charm behind the famous Tsukiji Fish market that was closed down in 2018 and has been replaced by the new Toyosu Fish Market.

The Famous Tsukiji Fish Market

Photo: thegate12.com

What’s once known as the Tsukiji fish market also known as the “inner market” has appeared in almost every Japan’s tourist recommendation guide as the top of travellers’ bucket list. Apart from being the largest wholesale fish market in Tokyo, it was also famous for the tuna auction that was open to the general public.

However, the Tsukiji Market closed down in October 2018, but Tsukiji’s outer market which consists of several shops and restaurants still remains open till this day. While the main market has been relocated, the outer market is still worth exploring!

Brief History of Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market was first opened for business in 1935, it was filled with hundreds of small wholesalers selling all types of fish and seafood. The most popular part about the Tsukiji Market was the daily tuna auction, back then, the tradition for visitors was to get up around 2am to join the queue of visitors that will be selected to watch the tuna auction. Tsukiji Market has attracted large numbers of visitors from around the world, however, the market was slowly deteriorating with concerns about earthquake, sanitation, and fire safety.

The market was never designed to accommodate for large numbers of visitors per day. On October 6^th 2018, the Tsukiji inner market had their final tuna auction and has ever since been relocated to the new Toyosu Market.

Is Tsukiji Outer Market still worth a visit?

Yes! Especially if you are a fan of sushi and sashimi. Tsukiji Outer Market should be at the top of your bucket list, there are over 300 shops and restaurants that still remained in business, these places provide high quality seafood, sashimi, and other Japanese food.

          Tsukiji Outer Market offers an array of colourful and fresh sashimi, as well as kitchen utensils and items related to culinary pleasure.

Eating at Tsukiji Outer Market

Photo: jalan.net

Any restaurant you walk in will guarantee you a fresh and tasty meal, you can literally pick any restaurant and you will not be disappointed by the quality of their food. At the Outer Market, you might see some famous sushi restaurants that have a wait time of 2-3 hours. However, if you are not on a mission to visit a specific restaurant, pick any spot and you will have an equally enjoyable meal, without the ridiculous wait time!

Toyosu Fish Market

Photo: otashift-tokyo

The inner market was officially re-open on October 11, 2018, and the famous tuna auction was also opened to the public in 2019. The new Fish Market is located near Shijo-mae Station, on the Yurikamome Line, it is about 2km east of Tsukiji’s current location. Toyosu is almost twice as big as Tsukiji, allowing it to remain as the largest fish market in world.

          The new fish market is still tourist friendly; however, it is a lot more spaced out and visitors are more restricted to the area in which they can enter. The opening time is 5am-5pm, so there is plenty of time for you to browse the shops and eat at some quality restaurants. Toyosu is closed on Sunday and national public holidays.

Where is the Tuna Auction Held?

Photo: mainichi.jp

From the Shijo-mae Station, you can directly enter the fish wholesale building which is where the tuna auction begins. You’ll find yourself in a glass room one floor above the action. Where you can watch it live as it is happening! The action takes place from 5:30am to 6:30am.

Shops and Restaurants at Toyosu Fish Market

Photo: jalan.net

You’ll find over 100 shops and eateries on the fourth floor of the intermediate seafood wholesale building. This is where you can eat some of the freshest sashimi and exotic seafood. Apart from the food, they also offer a range of things from sake and cheese to knives and other kitchen utensils. If you are looking for souvenirs, this is a great place to visit before you leave the market.

Source

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