The Toyosu Market can easily be called the kitchen of Tokyo. Wholesalers, vendors, restaurant owners—this market is a colorful amalgamation of Tokyo’s gourmet industry, a bustling space ruled by professional buyers and sellers. That is precisely why the market is generally not open to regular sightseers.

Each distinctive area of Toyosu Market boasts its own sightseeing route, allowing curious visitors to take a peek behind the scenes.

And just like at Tsukiji Market, numerous restaurants and eateries have set up shop, serving their specialties to visitors and merchants alike. The fresh, delicious food variety unique to the market has always been its biggest charm and draws in the crowds.

From April 25, 2022, tours started up again after a long break due to Covid-19. Other than Sundays, holidays, and market holidays, tours are available from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Toyosu Market PR corner is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (closes at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays).

Please refer to the market’s yearly calendar on the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market’s official website　to see when they are open and closed.

Generally, fish markets open early in the morning. We recommend visiting before noon if you want to see it at its liveliest! Even many restaurants and shops are open from 5:00 a.m.!

As lunch times tend to be busy, we recommend getting to your shop of choice right before it opens. However, it’s also important to note many shop owners are busy buying what they need for the day if it’s very early. Around 9:00 a.m. should be an ideal time!

The station closest to Toyosu Market is called Shijō-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line. Access is especially convenient from Tokyo Metro’s Toyosu Station or JR Shinbashi Station.

On top of that, the Toei Bus also takes you to the famous venue. Below are the main routes connecting Toyosu Market to the major stations.

From Ueno to Toyosu Market
・By train
Ueno Station to Shinbashi Station, via JR Yamanote Line or Ueno-Tokyo Line
Shinbashi Station to Shijō-mae Station, via Yurikamome Line
・By train and bus
Ueno Station to Shinbashi Station, via JR Yamanote Line or Ueno-Tokyo Line
From Shinbashi Station to bus stop Toyosu Shijō via Toei Bus “市01”

From Tokyo Station to Toyosu Market
・By bus
Tokyo Station to bus stop Toyosu Shijōeki-mae, via Toei Bus “都05-2”
・By train
Tokyo Station to Shinbashi Station, via JR Yamanote Line or Ueno-Tokyo Line
From Shinbashi Station to Shijō-mae Station, via Yurikamome Line

From Shinjuku Station to Toyosu Market
・By train
Shinjuku Station to Kokusai-Tenjijō Station, via JR Saikyō Line (continues on as Rinkai Line)
*From Kokusai-Tenjijō Station: walk to Ariake Station
From Ariake Station to Shijō-mae Station, via Yurikamome Line

Please see the homepage of the Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market for further details.

One major difference between the two markets is that Toyosu is a “closed facility.” In Tsukiji, many market areas and stores are built outside, making it an “open facility.”

Toyosu is a closed facility, on the other hand, which has made it possible to control indoor temperature. That makes the important tasks of managing the quality of the wares and the strict hygiene standards much easier.

The different markets are divided into three buildings, each of them connected by a pedestrian deck accessible from the Shijō-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line.

The Observation Gallery was specifically built with curious sightseers in mind, allowing visitors to observe the hustle and bustle of the market from a safe distance.

The Tsukiji Market has long boasted a gigantic reputation as both the largest market in Japan and worldwide. Its uniquely vibrant atmosphere has drawn in visitors from across the globe, making it one of Tokyo’s mustn't-miss sightseeing spots.

While the charm of this iconic spot persists, its buildings started to show their age, the space got too small, and relocation was necessary.

Toyosu became the new venue for the market for several reasons, including its size, convenient access, and proximity to Tsukiji. On October 11, 2018, the all-new Toyosu Market opened its doors for the first time.

In general, you do not need a reservation to tour Toyosu Market. Simply visit during the opening hours of the sightseeing routes on a day on which the market is open.

The iconic tuna auction takes place inside the Fish Wholesale Market Building in Area 7. It starts at 5:30 a.m. and lasts for about one hour. Watch the fierce bidding from the large windows of the sightseeing route inside the Fish Wholesale Market Building—it’s open to everyone.

In addition to the viewing tour, there’s also an auction viewing deck! Here you can watch the auctions up close! Viewing tours must be applied for in advance and are organized through a lottery system. Tour times are from 5:55 a.m. to 6:25 a.m. (*Tours are free)

Applications can be filled out online, and once the application period has closed, tour participants will be chosen through a lottery system. For the latest information, please refer to the “About the Tuna Auction Lottery System” page on the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market’s official website.

Since the spread of Covid-19, the number of foreign guests has decreased dramatically. Consequently, as of July 2022, the market hasn’t been as crowded as it used to be. Compared to when it first opened, visitors can take their time as well as get into sought-after restaurants!

Despite this, the Toyosu Market is still a popular site! Many Japanese people come to the market for the food, so restaurants tend to be especially crowded during lunchtimes and weekends. So much so that there are usually long lines outside! When it comes to popular sushi restaurants, it’s not uncommon for them to open at 5:00 a.m. and close by 9:00 a.m.!

There is no parking space for regular visitors. It is best to use public transportation when visiting Toyosu Market.

Since its opening, Toyosu Market has played an important role in contributing to Tokyo’s food culture. The market has changed drastically after moving to the Toyosu area-making it easier for the general public to take tours of the facility. This neighborhood has also developed with many off-site facilities and shops now available.

Rise early and make your way to the one-of-a-kind Toyosu Market to enjoy all the unique sights, moods, and delicious eats it has to offer!