Tsukiji Market is the world’s largest seafood market, and it is one of the must-see places when you are in Tokyo. While you might not need any convincing to go there when you are in the city, we still want to share five compelling reasons why you have to visit Tsukiji Market.

Visiting the tuna auction

One of the highlights of Tsukiji Market is definitely visiting the tuna auction. That is, if you can get up early (the queue starts before 5am), and if you are lucky enough to get in – the auction is limited to 120 guests a day.

Sushi Breakfast at Tsukiji Market

A trip to Tokyo will not be complete without having sushi breakfast at Tsukuji Market. Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa are the most popular sushi restaurants at the fish market. However, people wait in line from as early as 6am, and the queue is easily two to three hours. Honestly, I feel that the other sushi restaurants at Tsukiji Market are just as good.

One place you can consider is Ryu Sushi. We had the Kiku Sushi Set (¥2,100) which comes with 7 pieces of sushi, and 6 pieces of sushi rolls, and a beautiful Chirashi (¥3,100). We were blown away by the quality and freshness of the sushi and sashimi.

Ryu Sushi
5-2-1, Building 1
Chuo-ku, Tsukiji Market, Tokyo
Tel: 03 3541 9517

Plenty of things to see and buy at the outer market

The outer market has many stalls selling fresh produce, tea, kitchen utensils and kitchenware, pickles, and food like tamago and unagi.

Tempura at Tenfusa

Another reason to return to Tsukiji Market again and again is to have tempura at Tenfusa. If sushi for breakfast is not your thing, go to Tenfusa, which is located along the same stretch as Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa. The tempura is well-prepared, crisp and not oily. The Tendon (¥1,100), and assorted Tempura Set (¥1,200) are very affordable for the quality.

Tenfusa
5-2-1, Building 6
Chuo-ku, Tsukiji Market, Tokyo
Tel: 03 3547 6766

Tsukiji Market is moving

Tsukiji Market will be moving to Toyosu in March 2015 to make room for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. So, if you have not been to the market before, you must make a trip there before it moves to the new location.

Tsukiji Market is closed on Sundays, holidays and certain Wednesdays. The nearest stations are Tsukiji and Tsukijishijo.

For more recommendations, read our Tokyo Food & Travel Guides.