Ultimate Itinerary for 1-Day trip to Tsukiji Market in Tokyo!

Tsukiji is a very famous fish market in Tokyo. It used to consist of the two main areas, inner market and outer market until 2018. The former part of the market has moved to another area called Toyosu, and only the outer area still remains as it was. Some might think it is now less attractive and there are few things to see but actually the market itself is as attractive as it was!
In this article, we will give you the best suggestions for a 1-day trip to Tsukiji.

1. Have a fresh, great breakfast in Tsukiji

It is said that breakfast is the most important meal which helps you get ready for the day. Isn’t it a great idea to have some fresh fishes for breakfast before you start exploring the Tsukiji area? In order to make the most of your limited time in Tsukiji, you should be an early bird and get to the fish market before it gets crowded with other tourists! Some shops open at 6:00 am or earlier, and they offer reasonable, amazing Japanese-style breakfast!

2. Walk around the market to get some exercise

After enjoying early breakfast, taking an easy, relaxing stroll around the market might be a good option to get some exercise. You can enjoy watching the energetic, friendly people working there. They sell a large variety of stuff including fish, seafood, fruit, and other well-selected domestic foodstuff. The market is full of small shops and restaurants, and it is the perfect place for trying many Japanese food and learning Japanese culinary culture.

【Suggestions and tips for walking around Tsukiji Fish Market】

・Finish your breakfast before you start strolling around the market

・Check out the small, vibrant shops that sell unique and tasty food!

・Perfect place to learn Japanese culinary culture!

3. Want something for lunch? Let’s learn how to make Sushi on your own!

Have you ever imagined it before? You can learn how to make Sushi, one of the most amazing Japanese food, from a professional Sushi chief! Of course, you need no special experience for the Sushi cooking lesson. All you need is a passion and interest in Japanese traditional cuisine!

(Note: Some Sushi restaurants offer similar Sushi making experiences, but they are very popular. We strongly recommend you should make a reservation online in advance, or you can just book our special Tsukiji tour at our website! For more information, please visit the website below!)

【Tokyo Sushi Making Experience+ Tsukiji Fish Market Explore Tour】 

4. Visit Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Only a couple of minutes’ walk takes you to the exotic, unique temple called Tsukiji Honganji Temple. It was originally established in 1617, and has been destroyed by fire twice in its long history. In 1934, it was rebuilt with the current unique design which incorporated ancient Buddhist architecture style in India. Just taking a glance at it, you can feel the mysterious atmosphere. Make sure to bring your camera with you and take some pictures of the entire building!

【Suggestions and tips for Tsukiji Honganji Temple】

・Enjoy the incomparable design of the building representing a mixture of several culture

・Bring your camera, but follow the rules as photos might be prohibited inside the building

・It could be a great help if you learn how to pray at temple in advance

5. Namiyoke Inari Shrine

Did you know that Tsukiji area was once under the sea, and reclaimed from the Tokyo bay later in Edo era? Namiyoke Inari Shrine has been visited and respected by many people since its opening. The name of the shine consists of two words: “Nami” means Waves, and “Yoke” means Prevention. Altogether, it means the shrine saved the people who were suffering from the damage and problems caused by the sea. Even today, it is loved and visited by many people who wish to go through difficulties in their lives with the power of the historic shrine.

【Suggestions and tips for Namiyoke Inari Shrine】

・Accessible from both Tsukiji Fish Market and Tsukiji Honganji Temple

・Great spot to experience Japanese Traditional architecture and know its history

・Peaceful surroundings offering a relaxing break for visitors

6. Do you want to see what it looks like on Tuna auction? Check it out in Toyosu !

Inner market has been replaced to Toyosu market and the popular sightseeing spot, Tuna auction is held in Toyosu market since then.
If you win the lottery ticket, you can get a special access to the observation space to have a closer look at the auction, but don’t worry. You can still watch the auction without ticket from the second floor big window.

Check these articles for more information about Toyosu!
Ultimate Guide for Toyosu “New Tsukiji” Market
How to Apply Special Tuna Auction Tour in Toyosu market in Tokyo

Since the auction starts early in the morning around 5:30am, we recommend you to stay at the hotel nearby. Here is the list of the hotels you can stay close to the market and get ready for the early morning auction!

• Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu BAYSIDE CROSS Tokyo
• Hotel Livemax Toyosu-Ekimae
• Hotel JAL City Tokyo Toyosu
• hotel MONday TOYOSU

7.Extra: Place to get some good souvenirs near Tsukiji Market

Do you want to know what could be the best, memorable souvenir for your family or friends from Japan? If you have no idea, here is our suggestion for you! “Senjyafuda” is a wooden name tag with your name translated into Kanji on it! Some people carry them as a lucky charm, wishing for a good luck in their future. The name of the shop is “STOCKPLUS”, and they are located right next to Higashi-Ginza station (Exit6). For more details, please visit their website! (English is available)

【Website】https://senjafuda.com/langs/en

Don’t forget to check out our private tour!

If you need some help to organize your trip to Tsukiji you should definitely check out our private tour including English guide. We’re glad to help you make your trip to Tsukiji a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memory!

【1. Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink】

→Enjoy great food and drink at Tsukiji Fish Market with our friendly guide.

【2. Toyosu & Tsukiji Tokyo Fish Market Food and Drink Tour】

→Want to compare both markets on the same day? Check out our exiting tour above!

【3. Tokyo Food and Drink Tour @ Tsukiji and Asakusa】

→Satisfying tour including a visit to Asakusa, famous tourists spot!

Conclusion

Tsukiji is a small area, but there are many things to see or enjoy. It is quite easy to walk around the area and takes time for each spot. Even after some functions as a fish market were replaced to Toyosu, it is still worth visiting, and people working there know how to welcome tourists with a warm heart.