Tsukiji Outer Market (Chuo Ward, Tokyo) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Tsukiji Outer Market is a shopping district that spreads across the Tsukiji area of Chuo Ward, Tokyo, and is home to food, restaurants, and equipment stores. The former "Tsukiji Market (wholesale market/inner market)" opened in 1935 and moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the outer market retail and restaurant district remains in Tsukiji and remains popular with domestic and international tourists and fans of local food culture.
Its distinctive feature is its lively atmosphere, with narrow streets packed with shops selling fresh seafood and other ingredients, sushi restaurants that open from morning, specialty delicacies such as tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), and specialty shops selling knives and cooking tools. The area's appeal lies in the fact that you can enjoy eating, shopping, and looking at professional tools and ingredients.
Highlights
- Sushi restaurants and seafood bowls: There are many famous and long-established restaurants where you'll find lines starting early in the morning. You can enjoy fresh nigiri sushi and seafood bowls for breakfast.
- Grocery stores: You can purchase rare fish and high-quality ingredients at fresh fish stores, dried goods stores, pickle stores, etc.
- Prepared foods and street food: Enjoy eating omelets, grilled fish, crab croquettes, grilled skewers, and more.
- Kitchen tool stores: A wide selection of specialty stores selling knives, cutting boards, Japanese tableware, etc. Popular with both cooking enthusiasts and professionals.
- The atmosphere of Tsukiji Outer Market itself: the early morning bustle, the sight of auctions, shipping vehicles and deliveries (although there are not as many auctions outside as inside, you can still feel the remnants of the market).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station
- About 1-3 minutes walk from Tsukijishijo Station (A1 exit) on the Toei Oedo Line (close to the south side of the market)
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Tsukiji Station (Exit 1) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, or Marunouchi Line
- From Haneda and Narita: From Haneda Airport, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes by train (Keikyu Line + Toei Asakusa/Oedo Line, etc.), and from Narita Airport, it is common to take the Narita Express via Tokyo Station.
- Car/Taxi: Public transportation is convenient as the roads around Tsukiji are narrow and parking is limited. However, please be careful when visiting by car as there are many delivery vehicles and the area can get crowded.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for eating around or eating at one sushi restaurant
- Take your time: 2-3 hours if you want to eat at multiple stores and enjoy shopping.
- Morning activity: If you visit early in the morning and want to have breakfast and do some shopping, you should aim for around 2 hours.
Nearby spots
- Ginza (Shopping/Cafes): Many luxury shops and department stores are within walking distance.
- Kabukiza (Ginza): Watch a Kabuki performance and visit the Kabukiza Gallery.
- Hama-rikyu Gardens: A feudal lord's garden from the Edo period. Facing the sea, it is perfect for a stroll.
- Toyosu Market: If you would like to see the tuna auction (viewing areas must be confirmed in advance) or tour the new market.
- Odaiba area: A tourist spot in the bay area (a little far away but easily accessible).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds and queues: It gets especially crowded on weekends, during peak morning hours (9am-11am), and on long holidays. Popular stores tend to have long queues, so be prepared to wait in line.
- Check opening hours and closing days: Opening and closing times and closing days vary depending on the store. Many stores close in the morning or early afternoon, and some are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Please check social media or official information before visiting.
- Cash/Cashless: Many food stalls and retail stores only accept cash, and some do not accept cards. It's a good idea to have some coins on hand.
- Photography etiquette: It is polite to ask permission before taking photos of products or store staff. Please refrain from taking photos of cooking scenes or workers. Please be considerate so as not to interfere with business.
- Eating while standing/walking around: Eating while walking around is common, but please be considerate of those around you and avoid eating while standing in narrow aisles or leaving trash behind. Eat in designated areas of the store.
- Beware of delivery vehicles: In the morning, delivery vehicles and carts will be coming and going. If you are traveling with children or carrying a lot of luggage, please be careful.
- Handling of knives and perishable items: Knife shops offer take-out and delivery services, but please handle them with care. Perishable items must be kept refrigerated when taken home (especially in the summer).
- Clothing and heat precautions: You will be walking through narrow alleys and it will get hot in the summer, so we recommend wearing a hat, staying hydrated, and comfortable shoes.
- Coexistence of tourism and local use: This is a place that is visited by many local shoppers and professional chefs. Please be mindful of your behavior as a tourist.
(Note) Events that were held "inside the market," such as viewing the tuna auction, have been moved to Toyosu Market. If you want to see the auction or learn more about the wholesale market, please check the Toyosu Market tour information. Meanwhile, Tsukiji Outer Market remains the perfect spot for "buying, eating, and experiencing food culture."
