HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Tsukiji 6 Fun Things to Do at Tokyo's World-Famous Tsukiji Outer Market!
6 Fun Things to Do at Tokyo's World-Famous Tsukiji Outer Market!

6 Fun Things to Do at Tokyo's World-Famous Tsukiji Outer Market!

Last updated: 30 October 2020

While the fish auction has moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji Outer Market's shopping street will continue its business in Tsukiji as usual. Let's take a look at how to make the most of the famous Tsukiji Outer Market!

1. Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market with more than 400 stores

1. Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market with more than 400 stores

Tsukiji Outer Market is a large shopping district where more than 400 stores are lined up, such as fishmongers, groceries, sushi bars, vegetable and fruit stores, butchers, pickle stores, and knife stores. It has a long history of several hundred years, everything related to Japanese food can be found here.

The opening hours at many shops are still from around 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It's busy at any time of the day, but it is recommended to visit around 7:00 a.m. in the morning. Don't hesitate to get up a bit early and try some sushi and sashimi for breakfast!

2. Indulge in Fresh Kaisendon (Seafood Bowls)

2. Indulge in Fresh Kaisendon (Seafood Bowls)

Never miss out on kaisendon when you visit the Tsukiji Outer Market! Many stores in Tsukiji serve kaisendon. You can eat freshly caught delicious seafood, such as fresh urchins, salmon roe, and tuna at a very reasonable price. The price is usually from 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen and this quality of seafood is only available at Tsukiji.

3. Check Out Japanese Food Culture

3. Check Out Japanese Food Culture

Once you're full, enjoy the market's atmosphere to the full extent. 70% to 80% of the stores are fishmongers, and they serve food such as a large whole prawn on a plate, incredibly huge shellfish, or freshly boiled delicious crabs. There are vegetable and fruit stores and many processed foods called "nerimono," made from ground fish meat, are also sold there. Just by walking around Tsukiji Market, you can guess what kind of food Japanese people eat.

4. Try Before Buying - And Ask for Tips

4. Try Before Buying - And Ask for Tips

Feel free to talk to the store staff when you walk around Tsukiji Outer Market, even if the majority of the staff probably cannot speak English fluently. However, they are used to dealing with international tourists.

For example, if you ask them: "How should I cook these prawns?" then they will answer you with gestures and to the best of their English knowledge! Many of the items can be tried before you buy, so you can purchase what you really liked after tasting and bring back to your hotel to enjoy.

5. Snack While Walking!

5. Snack While Walking!

The Tsukiji Outer Market is full of delicious foods. "Tamagoyaki" (egg omelet) is a must-try food in Tsukiji. There are many stores selling tamagoyaki that is also delivered to sushi bars. Other foods such as big raw oysters, grilled seafood, and fried seafood are served either skewered or in a cup for easy takeout. You can buy these at the reasonable prices so it might be a good idea to come here without having any meal, and to enjoy walking around while eating fried seafood.

6. Don't Forget to Buy Souvenirs in Tsukiji Outer Market

Since you are already here, why not take home a very Tsukiji souvenir? T-shirts and caps with Japanese characters of fish names such as tuna or salmon are popular souvenirs from Japan. Another popular product is towels with sushi print! Freeze-dried miso soup also is an excellent souvenir because you can take a taste of Japan right home.

Book an unforgettable experience in Tsukiji!

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended experiences on our partner site, Voyagin!

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!

 
Search