Tsukiji Outer Market: Best Guide for Fresh Seafood and More

Tsukiji Outer Market, located in central Tokyo, is a culinary paradise renowned for its fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and rich culinary culture. Despite the relocation of the Inner Market to Toyosu, Tsukiji Outer Market remains a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Getting to Tsukiji Outer Market

To reach Tsukiji Outer Market, you have several convenient options:

• By Subway: Take the Oedo Subway Line to Tsukiji Shijo Station, which is just a minute's walk from the market. Alternatively, use the Hibiya Subway Line to get to Tsukiji Station, also a short walk away.
• From Major Stations: If you are starting from Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ginza and then transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line to reach Tsukiji Station. From Shinjuku Station, you can take the Oedo Subway Line directly to Tsukiji Shijo Station.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tsukiji Outer Market is in the early morning. Most shops and restaurants open early and close by the early afternoon. Arriving before 9 AM allows you to experience the market at its busiest and freshest, with many wholesale shops opening for professionals and wholesalers around this time.

What to Eat

Tsukiji Outer Market is a food lover's dream, especially for seafood enthusiasts:

• Fresh Seafood: Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including kaisendon (seafood and rice bowls), sashimi, and sushi. The market is famous for its high-quality and fresh seafood, much of which is delivered directly from Toyosu Market.
• Street Food and Snacks: Beyond seafood, the market offers a range of street food and snacks such as tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelets), yakiniku (barbecue meat skewers), and taiyaki (fish-shaped sweet pastries).
• Recommended Restaurants: For a unique dining experience, visit Nippon Gyoko Shokudo, known for its hon-maguro (wild bluefin tuna) dishes. Another popular spot is Sushizanmai Honten, a large and tourist-friendly restaurant open 24 hours.

What to Buy

In addition to enjoying the food, Tsukiji Outer Market is an excellent place to shop for various items:

• Fresh Seafood and Produce: Stalls line the alleys selling fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. This is a great place to experience the market's vibrant atmosphere and see a variety of Japanese food items.
• Japanese Kitchenware: The market is renowned for its high-quality kitchenware, including Japanese knives and cookware. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts.
• Traditional Tableware: Small plates and bowls are budget-friendly additions to your kitchen and serve as a reminder of your visit to Japan. Look for traditional designs such as ochawan Japanese rice bowls.
• Dried Seafood: Tsukiji offers a variety of dried seafood products, perfect for adding umami to your dishes and highly portable for travel.

Other Attractions and Experiences

Beyond the food and shopping, Tsukiji Outer Market offers several other attractions and experiences:

• Historic Sights: Visit the Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, which are part of the market's rich history and cultural fabric.
• Learning Experiences: You can learn how to cut fish and expand your appreciation of food through various experiences available in the market.
• Rooftop Dining: For a unique dining experience, grab some fresh sashimi to go and enjoy it on the third-floor rooftop of the market buildings at the west side of the Outer Market.

Tips for Visitors

• Budgeting: Be mindful of prices, as premium quality and freshness can be costly. A five-piece nigiri sushi plate can vary significantly in price from one shop to another.
• Navigating the Market: The market is bustling, so it's helpful to have a guide map to find what you're looking for. You can download a convenient guide map from the official website.
• Combining with Other Activities: Consider combining your visit with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants, which typically open from 5 AM to around noon or early afternoon.