Tsukiji, located in the heart of Tokyo, is an area that continues to bustle with many tourists and locals alike, retaining remnants of the former Tsukiji Market. Here, we will introduce sightseeing spots around Tsukiji and gourmet foods for strolling, and share how to enjoy your visit.
Overview of Tsukiji
Tsukiji is conveniently located within walking distance from Ginza, making it a popular tourist spot. It was once known as the “Tsukiji Market,” a central wholesale market beloved as Japan’s kitchen, but it moved to Toyosu Market in 2018. However, the Tsukiji Outer Market is still in operation, with stores selling fresh fish, processed foods, cooking utensils, and more. In Tsukiji, both professional chefs and general tourists visit to seek ingredients and enjoy fresh produce and exquisite gourmet foods.
Location and Access to Tsukiji
Tsukiji is conveniently located within walking distance from Ginza. It is accessible from “Tsukiji Station” on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line in about 5 minutes on foot, and from “Tsukiji Shijo Station” on the Toei Oedo Line in about 3 minutes on foot. There are many tourist spots such as the Tsukiji Outer Market, “Tsukiji Hongan-ji”, and “Hama-rikyu Gardens”, making it enjoyable as part of Tokyo sightseeing.
Sightseeing Spots Around Tsukiji
Tsukiji in Tokyo is a popular spot visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Even after the market’s relocation, its charm remains unchanged, offering various sightseeing spots such as food culture, history, and urban oases.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market is a wholesale district with about 460 stores selling fresh fish and produce. Not only professional chefs but also general tourists visit to enjoy fresh ingredients and exquisite gourmet foods. Visiting after 9 AM is recommended, and starting your stroll with a market map from the general information center “Plat Tsukiji” is convenient.
Tsukiji Uogashi
“Tsukiji Uogashi” is a fresh market established to maintain the vibrancy after the relocation of Tsukiji Market. Here, you can buy sushi and side dishes to enjoy at the rooftop plaza on the third floor. There are also many restaurants where you can savor “market meals” unique to Tsukiji.
Tsukiji Nippon Gyoko Ichiba
At “Tsukiji Nippon Gyoko Ichiba”, you can purchase fresh seafood and processed products provided by fisheries cooperatives and businesses from all over Japan. Especially popular is the Niigata Chuo Suisan Ichiba, offering fresh seafood directly shipped from Niigata. Many fresh fish are lined up, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tsukiji Hongan-ji
“Tsukiji Hongan-ji” is a temple located about a 4-minute walk from the Tsukiji Outer Market, boasting a history of about 400 years since its founding. It features an exterior modeled after ancient Indian and Asian Buddhist styles, and its interior is characterized by stained glass and a pipe organ. A free lunchtime concert is held on the last Friday of every month.
Hama-rikyu Gardens
“Hama-rikyu Gardens” is a representative daimyo garden from the Edo period and is popular as an urban oasis. There are many attractions such as “Shioiri no Ike” (Tidal Pond) and “Sanbyakunen no Matsu” (300-Year-Old Pine), and you can take a break at “Nakajima no Ochaya” to enjoy Japanese sweets and matcha. The entrance fee is 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for those aged 65 and older, and free for elementary school students and younger.
Kachidoki Bridge
“Kachidoki Bridge” is a drawbridge over the Sumida River, illuminated from sunset to 11 PM. The night view is especially beautiful, and it is recommended to enjoy the view from the Sumida River Terrace. You can also take commemorative photos with the illuminated bridge in the background.
Namiyoke Inari Shrine
“Namiyoke Inari Shrine” is close to the Tsukiji Outer Market, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Tsukiji. The shrine features unique mounds, providing a sense of Tsukiji’s history and culture.
St. Luke’s Garden
“St. Luke’s Garden” is a complex facility about an 8-minute walk from Tsukiji Station, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sumida River, Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree from the observation restaurant “RESTAURANT LUKE with SKY LOUNGE”. Dining while enjoying the night view is recommended.
Kachidoki Bridge
“Kachidoki Bridge” was born as a drawbridge with a central section that opens and closes. Although it no longer opens, its technical perfection and scale have led to its designation as an important cultural property of Japan. It is illuminated at night, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sumida River.
Tsukiji Ohashi
“Tsukiji Ohashi” is the newest bridge constructed in 2014. It features an innovative design, offering a panoramic view of the Sumida River. The night view is particularly beautiful, making it a photo-worthy spot.
Popular Gourmet
Tsukiji is known as “Tokyo’s Kitchen,” where you can enjoy fresh seafood and exquisite sushi. Even after the relocation to Toyosu Market, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains vibrant, with various gourmet spots attracting tourists.
Sushizanmai Main Store
“Sushizanmai Main Store” is a 24-hour sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji Outer Market. Known for its tuna auctions, it offers fresh ingredients. The tuna, in particular, is a must-try dish, allowing you to enjoy delicious sushi at any time.
Tsukiji Sushi Dai
“Tsukiji Sushi Dai” is a popular sushi restaurant that always has a line. The standard omakase menu includes 10 pieces of nigiri, a roll, and tamago, allowing you to enjoy fresh ingredients at a reasonable price of 4,000 yen. It is a famous store worth lining up for from early in the morning.
Tomina
“Tomina” is an Italian restaurant that uses fresh seafood from Tsukiji Market. Its specialty, crab carbonara, offers a luxurious taste. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy Italian food in Tsukiji.
Kaisen-don Restaurant “Tsukiji Kuro-mon Maguroya Kurogin”
If you visit Tsukiji, you should first try a fresh seafood bowl. “Tsukiji Kuro-mon Maguroya Kurogin” is particularly popular in Tsukiji. The highly recommended dish is the O-toro Kaisen-don. This bowl, topped with plenty of fresh tuna, will surprise you with its deliciousness from the first bite.
Strolling Gourmet Spots
Tsukiji is known as a treasure trove of food, offering a variety of strolling gourmet options. From fresh seafood to sweets, we will introduce Tsukiji’s strolling gourmet spots.
Tamagoyaki Shop “Marutake”
“Marutake” is a place where you can enjoy fluffy and perfectly sweet tamagoyaki. This shop is so popular that it has been featured on TV, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. It is also the family business of Terry Ito, and the freshly made tamagoyaki is exquisite.
Onigiri Shop “Marutoyo”
The onigiri specialty shop “Marutoyo” in Tsukiji sells about 1,000 onigiri a day. The highly recommended onigiri is “Salmon Harasu”. Made with fresh salmon, it is a voluminous and satisfying item.
Sashimi Shop “Miyake Suisan”
“Miyake Suisan” has a history of over 70 years in the Tsukiji Outer Market and offers standing drinking along with fresh sashimi. You can enjoy fresh sashimi on the spot, and it is especially recommended to pair it with beer.
Fruit Juice Shop “Tsukiji Market Fruit Direct Sales Shop”
The fresh fruit juice from the “Tsukiji Market Fruit Direct Sales Shop,” where fresh fruit is squeezed on the spot, is perfect for a dessert after a meal. Juices made from seasonal fruits are refreshing and delicious.
Croissant Shop “Pan Kobo Le Pan”
“Pan Kobo Le Pan” is famous for its “Anko Croissant”. This shop is so highly praised by Jun Matsumoto and is a great item to bring as a souvenir. The combination of the crispy croissant and sweet red bean paste is exquisite.
Horumon-don Shop “Kitsuneya”
“Kitsuneya” is a shop frequently featured in the media, and its “Horumon-don” is particularly popular. The long lines are a testament to its popularity, and once you taste it, you won’t forget its deliciousness.
Beef Skewer Shop “Yoshizawa Shoten”
“Yoshizawa Shoten” is a beef skewer shop that is very popular with customers from overseas. The skewers made with “Kuroge Wagyu” (Japanese Black beef) are freshly grilled and juicy. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh Wagyu in Tsukiji.
Chinese Restaurant “Tsukiji Koken”
“Tsukiji Koken” is very popular among Tsukiji workers. Here, you can enjoy ramen and shumai filled with thick slices of char siu. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine unique to Tsukiji.
Maguro-yaki Shop “Tsukiji Sanokiya”
At “Tsukiji Sanokiya,” you can enjoy “Maguro-yaki” instead of taiyaki. This sweet, containing sweet maguro chūtoro, is a unique item in Tsukiji and is a must-try.
Ice Cream Monaka Shop “Kochou”
The hidden shop “Kochou” in Tsukiji offers ice cream monaka. The crispy monaka and cold ice cream combination is perfect as a snack.
Sake Shop “Tsukiji Kakuchi Tabitebako”
At “Tsukiji Kakuchi Tabitebako,” you can enjoy standing drinking of sake and beer. You can savor sake along with the ingredients you bought at the Tsukiji Outer Market, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of Tsukiji.