Today is to explore Tokyo’s new foodie hub, Toyosu Wholesale Market. I’m a bit nervous since it’s my first time there, but excited too. The old Tsukiji Market had a lot of great folks, and I’m curious about the new place—are the people there just as friendly? The buildings and facilities are all updated, so I’m a little worried if any of that old charm has been lost.
To catch the famous tuna auction, I’ve got to wake up early, so I’m feeling a bit sleepy already.
A. Start Walking from Shijo-Mae Station
The waking starts from Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line (marked as A on the map). The easy way is to transfer from JR Shimbashi Station to the Shimbashi Station on the Yurikamome Line. It’s about a 30-minute ride from Shimbashi to Shijo-mae.
Be sure to check out the view outside the window on your way to Shijo-mae Station! The Yurikamome Line runs along Tokyo Bay, offering some of the city’s best futuristic sights.
C. Tuna Auction, Fisheries Wholesale Area
The tuna auction runs from 5:30 to 6:30 in the morning, so you’ll need to wake up pretty early. But check it out—the viewing area gets crowded from the crack of dawn!
You can hear the voices of the auctioneers from the viewing area above, adding to the live experience!
To get to the viewing area (marked as C on the map), head into the management facility building (marked as B on the map) next door, go across the walkway, and you’ll find it inside the fisheries wholesale area.
If you want an even closer look, you’ll need to sign up through the official site. Applications open about a month in advance, but since there’s a lot of interest, spots are decided by lottery. If you’ve entered the lottery for a closer view of the tuna auction and won, this is where you’ll need to check in.
PR
If you’d rather avoid the early morning commute, there’s a hotel called Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club inside Toyosu Market.
PR
If you’d rather avoid the early morning commute, there’s a hotel called Hotel JAL City Tokyo Toyosu near Toyosu Market.
D. Fruit and Vegetable Auction, Fruit and Vegetable Market Area (marked as D on the map)
Since you’ve made it to Toyosu Market, let’s check out the vegetable and fruit auctions after the tuna auction. The auctions start at 6:30, so it works out perfectly!
You can see inside the market from the hallway on the way to the observation deck. It’s pretty amazing to think that all sorts of vegetables and fruits from not just Japan, but from around the world, come together to fill such a vast space, right?
The auction moves along pretty calmly, so it’s no surprise that it doesn’t have the same excitement as the tuna auction. But from tiny green vegetables to super premium Matsutake Mushrooms, over a hundred dollars for something the size of a thumb, without this place, the people of Tokyo would really be in trouble!
A photo of a trolley hard at work transporting goods at the market. Doesn’t watching those trolleys zipping around the market make you want to try driving one yourself? It is super useful for carrying loads in markets and has been electric since twenty-five years ago! Looks like it’s a real eco-friendly champion!
Detore Point ❶ Restaurant Area
After watching the tuna and vegetable auctions since early morning, it’s probably around that time when you start feeling hungry. It’s just after 7 AM, so most regular shops aren’t open yet, but here it’s different! These places cater to the market workers, opening early to satisfy their appetites, and you can count on high quality and generous portions, perfect for food professionals.
On the way to Uogashi Yokocho (marked as ❹ on the map), you’ll pass a spot (marked as ❶ on the map) just like in the photo. Head to the right, and you’ll reach Restaurant Area.
Detore Point ❷ Enjoy both Yakitori and Grilled Eel (Unagi Kabayaki) together, Fukusen
If you’re feeling too hungry, it is recommended to try the rice bowls at Fukuen (marked as ❷ on the map). How wonderful is it to enjoy both Yakitori (the left side bowl in the photo) and Grilled Eel (Unagi Kabayaki) (the right side bowl in the photo) together? Of course, they also offer bowls featuring just Yakitori or just Unagi Kabayaki!
Just a friendly reminder: this place has a charming, traditional vibe, so they only accept cash for payments.
Detore Point ❸ Enjoy Great Sushi Bowl (Kaisendon), Ooedo
Now that you’re at Toyosu Market, you absolutely have to try a seafood rice bowl! For a delicious option, check out Ooedo, a popular specialty shop that has been serving up these bowls since the days of Tsukiji Market.
This shop accepts credit cards for payment!
Detore Point ❹ Uogashi Yokocho, Intermedia Wholesalers Area
After exploring the market in the early morning, why not hunt for some interesting souvenirs? Uogashi Yokocho (4th Floor of Intermedia Wholesalers Area ) (marked as ❹ on the map) is a great spot for that—it’s filled with shops that sell specialized goods used by people who work in the market.
Once you reach Uogashi Yokocho on the 4th floor, take a leisurely stroll around. You’re sure to spot something that catches your eye!
Karaimono-Ya Takanashi;
If you’re looking for some nice little souvenirs, check out Karaimono-Ya Takanashi, a shop that specializes in spices!
Like the Shichimi Togarashi in the photo!
Shichimi Togarashi; known as “seven spice chili pepper,” is a traditional Japanese spice blend that typically consists of seven ingredients. It usually includes ground red chili pepper for heat, along with other spices. This vibrant and aromatic seasoning is often sprinkled over dishes like Soba Noodles, Ramen, Yakitori, and Tempura.
Wadahisa
If you want to bring home a taste of Japan, check out Wadahisa, which specializes in Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)!
Katsuobushi; a traditional Japanese ingredient made from dried and fermented bonito fish. The fish is first cooked, then smoked, and finally dried until it becomes hard and has a rich, umami flavor.
Katsuobushi is used in thin slices, and of course, freshly shaved flakes are the most delicious. As shown in the photo, you can find freshly shaved katsuobushi sold right at the shop front, making it a great souvenir option!
Ito Uroko
You might discover some fun and interesting clothing or fabric products at Ito Uroko! It’s a great place to explore for unique finds.
Actually, it’s a store specializing in professional-grade rubber boots! If you’re ever looking for a pair of rubber boots, this might just be the place to find a pair that’ll last you a lifetime!
Hirosawa Shoten
You’ll find some interesting goods at the front of Hirosawa Shoten, so take a little time to browse!
This store specializes in packaging materials. If you’re looking for super practical packaging materials, this might just be the place!
Detore Point ❺ Toyosu Outer Market – Delicious Food Comes Together, Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
At the end of your Toyosu Market tour, you can explore Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai (marked as ❺ on the map) to find delicious treats and some cute souvenirs. It’s like a new version of Tsukiji Outer Market!
The best part here is strolling through the streets and tasting a variety of delicious Japanese foods along the way!
One thing to note: most of the shops here open at 10 AM, so if you come early in the morning for the tuna auctions, you might have to wait until the stores open. But hey, it’s also nice to stroll around the market and find a spot to sit back and enjoy the Japanese morning atmosphere!
Detore Point ❻ Foot Bath Garden and Panoramic Views, Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club
When you explore Toyosu Market, you’ll be amazed by its size, and you might end up walking quite a distance, which could leave your feet aching. So, at the end of your visit, take a break at the Foot Bath Garden on the 8th floor of the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club (marked as ❻ on the map) located in the back of Toyosu Outer Market. Soak your feet in the hot spring and relax to soothe the day’s fatigue!
Just a heads-up: this spot also opens at 10 AM, so keep that in mind!
The charm here isn’t just the foot bath. It’s one of the highest spots in the area, offering an amazing view. You can take in the whole market and enjoy the stunning Tokyo Bay scenery. It’s open until 8 PM, so if you can, try to visit after dark for an even better experience!
PR
If you’d like to stay near Shinbashi Station, Park Hotel Tokyo is available:
PR
If you’d like to stay near Shinbashi Station, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Shimbashi could be a convenient option:
Markets are such a thrill! There are things I’ve never seen before, and even the usual stuff piled up in those huge quantities can be a little dizzying. Just thinking about the sheer amount that Tokyoites—and of course travelers from all over the world—actually eat makes me realize humans are pretty incredible creatures.
It really brings a sense of gratitude for food, and maybe it’s time to think more about earth-friendly ways of producing it. I may not be human, but that’s how I see it.