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- Brief description: Tsukiji was the most important wholesale fish market in Tokyo until October 6, 2018. That day, the wholesale area closed its doors to move to a new location in Toyosu, where it reopened on October 11 under the name of Toyosu Market. In Tsukiji, most of the restaurants and shops outside the market are still operating and are open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We recommend that you go around to see the atmosphere and have breakfast in one of its stalls. They are supplied directly from the Toyosu Market and have the freshest sushi you can imagine. It is also a good place to buy sharp fish knives as Japanese chefs do.
- Toyosu Market: if you would like to attend the tuna auction in Toyosu between 05.30h and 06.30h in the morning (expendable for us), you will have to move to the new location previously. We have to say that it is not as authentic as before, since they make you watch the auction behind a glass. If you want to attend it on the ground floor (behind a glass but at the same level at which the auction is held, so you can still hear the sounds and experience the (low) temperatures) you will have to make a reservation (they admit 3 groups of 40 people to see the auction for 10min) at the beginning of the previous month (you will have to keep trying until the dates you want are open). Among all the applicants, a raffle will be held and they will inform you a few days later. If you are not lucky, you can always watch the auction from the windows of the upper floor, the bad thing is that there is almost no sound and the photos get some reflection (due to the double glass). In this market you can also have super fresh sushi breakfast, although the stalls and atmosphere are not as authentic as in Tsukiji.
- Duration of visit: only Tsukiji will take you 1h30min. If you are also going to visit Toyosu, it will take you a total of 3-4h.
- Opening times: closed on Sundays, bank holidays and some Wednesdays. Go on Saturday for the best atmosphere.
- Cost: free entry to the market. Breakfast around 1,000-1,500¥ per person.
- How to get to Tsukiji: take the Yamanote line from Hakiabara station and get off at Hamamatsucho (150¥). Then change to the metro (you will have to go out into the street but it is signposted) and take the Oedo line to Tsukijishijo station (160¥). Once at the station, follow the signs for "Tsukiji". From Toyosu Market to Tsukiji you have 40min walk. If you like to walk, it is a pleasant walk. If not, you can always take the To05-2 bus (walk along the street of the Yurikamome (the elevated train) to Ariake-Dori avenue and find the bus stop on your left) and get off at the 5th stop (Tsukiji 6-chome).
- How to get to Toyosu Market: you will have to take the Yurikamome (automatic elevated train with rubber wheels) at Toyosu or Shimbashi (JR Yamanote Line) stations, to Shijo-mae station.
