Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Fish Market is the largest wholesale seafood market in the world and the successor to the legendary Tsukiji inner market, which relocated here in October 2018. Situated on a modern waterfront site in Tokyo's Koto ward, Toyosu handles over 480 different types of seafood from across Japan and around the globe, with daily transactions worth billions of yen. For visitors, the market offers a fascinating glimpse into the scale of Japan's seafood industry, the chance to witness the famous tuna auctions, and access to some of the freshest sushi and seafood you will find anywhere on the planet.

The highlight for many visitors is the tuna auction, which takes place between approximately 5:30 and 6:30 each morning. Massive frozen bluefin tuna, some weighing over 200 kilograms, are lined up on the market floor while buyers inspect and bid on each fish. There are two ways to watch: a free observation gallery on an upper-floor walkway that opens at 5:00 AM with no reservation required, and a closer reserved observation deck limited to 100 visitors per morning, allocated by lottery — applications open online during a roughly ten-day window in the middle of the preceding month. If you want the reserved deck, plan ahead and apply as soon as the window opens.

Beyond the auction, Toyosu Market is home to approximately 37 restaurants clustered in designated dining areas within the market buildings. Many of these evolved from the beloved Tsukiji sushi stalls and offer exceptional quality sashimi, sushi, kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), and grilled seafood at reasonable prices. Arrive early for the shortest waits — by 7:00 AM, the most popular sushi counters already have lines forming.

Toyosu Market is open from 5:00 to 17:00, but note that the market is closed on Sundays, most Wednesdays, and Japanese public holidays. Check the official market calendar before your visit. There is no admission fee to enter the market or use the free observation galleries.

This is a must-visit for food lovers, early risers, and anyone fascinated by Japanese culinary culture. Plan to spend one to two hours, including breakfast. The market surrounds Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line, which connects from Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line. After your visit, the outer Tsukiji Market area (which still operates as a street food and kitchen goods district) is accessible by heading back toward Tsukiji Station, and Odaiba's attractions are just a few Yurikamome stops further along the line.