# Tsukiji Outer Market: food, mornings and old Tsukiji

The wholesale fish market left Tsukiji for Toyosu in 2018, but the [Outer Market](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%A0%B4%E5%A4%96%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B04%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) around it stayed, and it is still the best place in central Tokyo to eat your way through a morning. Around 460 shops sell seafood, knives, dried goods and tea, with sushi counters and snack stalls in between, and an unusual Indian-style temple stands at the edge. The list below is updated daily with events in and around Tsukiji.

## What Tsukiji is

Tsukiji means "built land". The area was reclaimed from Tokyo Bay after the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. Tokyo's fish market moved here after the 1923 earthquake destroyed the old market in Nihonbashi, and the Tsukiji market opened in 1935. For decades its tuna auctions drew visitors from all over the world.

In 2018 the inner wholesale market, with the auctions, moved to Toyosu across the bay. The Outer Market, the streets of shops that grew up around it to serve chefs and buyers, stayed where it was. Some of its buildings are more than 80 years old, and many owners still run the shop downstairs and live upstairs.

- → [Toyosu Market: tuna auction, sushi and visiting tips](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/toyosu-market.md)
- → [What to eat in Tokyo and how to order it](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/what-to-eat.md)
- → [Events in Chuo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chuo.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)

## What to see and eat

Coming from Tsukiji Station, the first thing you see is [Tsukiji Hongwanji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E6%9C%AC%E9%A1%98%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B03-15-1), a Buddhist temple whose main hall, finished in 1934 by the architect Ito Chuta, looks like a stone temple from ancient India. Inside it is a traditional Jodo Shinshu hall, with a German pipe organ given in 1970 that plays at a lunchtime concert on the last Friday of each month. The grounds are free, and the hall is lit up after dark.

Across the road the Outer Market begins: narrow lanes of fishmongers, tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette) stalls, shops for dried bonito, kombu, pickles and green tea, and knife shops, many of which will engrave your name on the blade. Small counters serve sushi and seafood rice bowls from early morning. The [Tsukiji Uogashi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E9%AD%9A%E6%B2%B3%E5%B2%B8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B06-26-1) building has a food court that opens early, a good place to sit down with what you have bought.

At the edge of the market stands [Namiyoke Inari Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B3%A2%E9%99%A4%E7%A8%B2%E8%8D%B7%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B06-20-37), which is said to have protected the workers reclaiming the land from the waves. Look for its giant carved lion heads, carried through the streets during its June festival.

- [Plat Tsukiji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%B7%E3%82%89%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A8%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B04-16-2&query_place_id=ChIJS5T50N6LGGARf_PX1YPBk8c), the market's information centre, has maps and can hold a stroller for a small fee.
- Bought too much? The market offers tax-free refunds and delivery through a partner service; ask at Plat Tsukiji.

- → [What to eat at a Japanese festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/festival-food.md)
- → [Traditional culture experiences in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/culture-experiences.md)

## The year in Tsukiji

In early April Tsukiji Hongwanji marks the Buddha's birthday with its Hana Matsuri. In June Namiyoke Inari holds the Tsukiji Lion Festival, when the huge lion heads and a portable shrine go out into the market streets; the full festival with the largest parade comes every three years, with a smaller one in between.

Late July or early August brings the Tsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori, one of central Tokyo's best-loved summer dances, where locals and visitors dance around a tower in the temple courtyard and stalls run by Outer Market shops sell food. It is free and runs over several evenings. In November the temple holds its main memorial service, Ho-onko.

Late December is the Outer Market's busiest stretch, when Tokyo households come to buy seafood and New Year foods. The streets are packed and the mood is lively, but it is not the time for a slow browse, and the market asks people to come in small groups, not tours.

- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Summer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/summer-festivals.md)
- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## Timing, closed days and market manners

Go in the morning. The market asks visitors to give professional buyers priority until 9am, and it is busiest from about 9am to 1pm. Many shops close by early afternoon, and by mid-afternoon the lanes are shutting. Many shops are closed on Sundays, public holidays and the Wednesdays when the wholesale market rests; the official site has a calendar, and some shops open on those days anyway.

The market publishes a short set of manners. Eat inside the shop or in a space set aside for eating, not while walking. Ask before photographing a shop, and do not touch the food, especially raw fish. Prices are not for bargaining, smoking is only allowed in marked areas, and large bags should go into coin lockers because the lanes are narrow. Move in small groups and hold children's hands. Some shops take cards, but cash is still handy at small stalls.

At Tsukiji Hongwanji, the main hall is open from early morning until late afternoon. Take off your hat, keep your voice low and sit quietly if a service is on.

- Arrive around 8 or 9am on a weekday for the best mix of open shops and space to move.
- If a stall has a bench or standing counter, eat there and hand the stick or plate back.

- → [Tokyo etiquette for visitors: the rules that matter](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/etiquette.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Money in Tokyo: cash, cards, IC cards and ATMs](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/money.md)

## Getting there and nearby

[Tsukiji Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B03-15-1) on the Hibiya Line and [Tsukijishijo Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%83%BD%E5%96%B6%E5%A4%A7%E6%B1%9F%E6%88%B8%E7%B7%9A%20%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B05-1-2) on the Toei Oedo Line are each about a minute's walk from the market, and [Higashi-ginza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%E7%B7%9A%20%E6%9D%B1%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A74-12-15) (Hibiya and Asakusa lines) is about three minutes. Ginza is a short walk west, and the [Kabukiza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E5%BA%A7%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A74-12-15) theatre stands at Higashi-ginza.

[Hama-rikyu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%9C%E9%9B%A2%E5%AE%AE%E6%81%A9%E8%B3%9C%E5%BA%AD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%9C%E9%9B%A2%E5%AE%AE%E5%BA%AD%E5%9C%921-1), a former shogun's garden on the water with a teahouse on a pond, is a short walk away, and from its pier water buses run up the Sumida River toward Asakusa. The tuna auction is now at [Toyosu Market](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%B1%8A%E6%B4%B2%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%B1%8A%E6%B4%B26-6-1), a separate early trip on the Yurikamome Line. You can watch it from the upper walkway without booking; the closer observation deck takes about 100 people a day by [online lottery](https://www.english.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/w/016-101-003992), applied for in the month before your visit, with photo ID checked on the day. The auction starts around 5:30am and Toyosu is closed on Sundays, holidays and some Wednesdays.

- → [Ginza, Yurakucho and Hibiya: events and tips](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ginza.md)
- → [Hama-rikyu Gardens: the shoguns' garden on Tokyo Bay](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/hama-rikyu.md)
- → [Toyosu Market: tuna auction, sushi and visiting tips](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/toyosu-market.md)
- → [Kabuki, noh and rakugo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kabuki.md)
- → [Events in Chuo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chuo.md)
- → [Events in Koto](https://eventstokyo.com/en/koto.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2026 (Hamarikyu Gardens)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-grand-tea-ceremony-2026-hamarikyu-gardens)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Hama-rikyu Gardens (Chuo) · ¥800
- **[Troupe☆Shinkansen 46th Anniversary 2026 Winter Performance Inoue Kabuki: 'Seven Souls at Skull Castle LAST STAND' (e+ Exclusive Performance)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/202646-last-stand-e)** — Thu, Nov 26, 2026 14:00 (JST) · Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre · ¥3,500〜
- **[YouTube Medical University 1 Million Subscribers Special: One-Day Real-World Medical University — 'Living True to Yourself 10 Years from Now'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/youtube10010)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 12:15 (JST) · My Best Office (Sumitomo Realty Tsukiji Building 6F) (Chuo) · ¥4,980
- **[3rd International Conference on Breast Cancer in Young Women (YWBCH 2026)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/3-ywbch-2026)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Omura Susumu & Mieko Memorial St. Luke's Clinical Academic Center, Hinohara Hall (Chuo) · ¥3,000〜
- **[A Unique Experience: Discover Your Own Pearl](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/a-unique-experience-discover-your-own-pearl)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 10:00 (JST) · Tsukiji Social Education Center, Chuo Ward (Chuo) · Free entry

## Questions people ask

**Is the Tsukiji fish market still open?**
The Outer Market is, with hundreds of shops and restaurants. The inner wholesale market and the tuna auction moved to Toyosu in 2018.

**What time should I go to Tsukiji?**
Around 8 to 10am is ideal. Professional buyers have priority until 9am, the lanes are busiest until about 1pm, and many shops close by early afternoon.

**Is Tsukiji Outer Market open on Sundays?**
Partly. Many shops close on Sundays, public holidays and some Wednesdays, but a fair number stay open. Check the calendar on the official site.

**Can you eat while walking at Tsukiji?**
No. The market asks you to eat inside the shop or in a designated eating space, and many stalls have a bench or counter for this.

**Can I still see the tuna auction?**
Yes, at Toyosu Market. The upper walkway needs no booking, and the closer observation deck is allocated by an online lottery.

**Is Tsukiji Hongwanji free?**
Yes, entry to the grounds and main hall is free, and the hall is lit up after dark.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tsukiji