Everything You Need to Know About Tsukiji Fish Market Japan

Traveloka Team
18 Mar 2024 - 5 min read

It's a known fact that Japanese people love both processed and raw fish. It can be seen from a number of Japanese specialties that use fish, such as sushi, sashimi, and others. This is because Japan is an archipelago so fish is very abundant in the country.

No wonder there are many fish markets. In fact, Japan has the largest fish market in the world, called Tsukiji, located in Ginza, Tokyo. There are various types of fish that you can find at Tsukiji fish market Japan. For those of you who want to know more about this fish market, you can read the Tsukiji fish market Japan guide below.

Brief History About Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market is a wholesale market located in Tsukiji, Chio, Tokyo, Japan. It is the wholesale centre for seafood and agricultural products in Tokyo and is open every morning, except Sundays and public holidays. Before it became the huge fish market like nowadays, there was a fish market near Nihonbashi bridge that served Tokyo's needs since the Edo era.

In 1923, there was a great Kanto earthquake that burned down all the fish markets and other traditional markets in Tokyo. Then, the city council decided to build wholesale markets in Tokyo, one of which was Tsukiji Fish Market.

Construction of this market began in March 1928 by creating land reclamation for 3 years and 3 months. The market with a total area of more than 100 thousand square metres finally stands on land reclamation. Then, from 1930 to 1933, buildings and supporting facilities began to be built, such as refrigerators, ice factories, auction sites, and others.

Until, in 1934, sellers began selling at Tsukiji Fish Market, they were sellers from the Nihonbashi freshwater fish market and egg. Then came sellers of seafood, vegetables, fruit, and more. Now, every day there is a lot of seafood auctioned off, reaching 2,080 tons which makes Tsukiji Fish Market the largest fish market in Japan.

Best Time to Visit Tsukiji Fish Market

Most shops and restaurants in Tsukiji fish market open in the morning and close in the afternoon from Monday to Saturday. Meanwhile, the market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. To maximise your visit, you can come in the morning, before 09.00 AM. You can see Tsukiji Uogashi wholesale for wholesalers and professionals. However, if you have a specific purpose to visit, you can go anytime, but you have to check when the stalls in the Tsukiji fish market you want to visit are open. Each stall in the market has different opening hours.

Things to Do in Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market is a great destination for tourists who want to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere. For those of you who visit this fish market, don't miss out on doing some of these fun activities.

1. Breakfast at Tsukiji

Before exploring Tsukiji Fish Market, make sure you have breakfast first. There are several recommended places to visit as they offer delicious Japanese-style food. Some of the restaurants in the market open at 06:00 AM so you can easily find a place to have breakfast.

Some recommended places to eat that you can choose from: Sushizanmai which offers fresh sushi and sushi bowls, Kitsuneya with horumon-ni as its specialty, Yonemoto Coffee for an early morning coffee, and Marutoyo with the best onigiri.

2. Getting to The Wholesale Market

Tsukiji Uogashi is a shopping complex with two large buildings housing around 60 wholesale and retail stores. You can visit the place to buy seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables.

3. Visit Namiyoke Temple

Although Tsukiji is a reclaimed island, there is a much-visited and revered temple called Namiyoke. This temple is said to have saved people suffering from the damage caused by the sea.

4. Walk to Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Another temple that can be visited is the Tsukiji Honganji Temple. This temple has exotic and unique architecture. Tsukiji Honganji Temple was first established in 1617, but was destroyed twice, then rebuilt in 1934. Here, you can feel the mysterious atmosphere, don't forget to take photos with the background of this ancient Indian Buddhist-style temple.

5. Learn How to Make Sushi

Not only can you eat sushi, you can also learn how to make sushi at this market, from cutting tuna with a large knife, arranging sushi fillings, and rolling them. Professional sushi chefs will teach you how to make the perfect sushi.

Hotels Near Tsukiji Fish Market

Here are some hotels you can book near Tsukiji Fish Market:

1. Tosei Hotel COCONE Tsukiji Ginza Premier

Tosei Hotel COCONE Tsukiji Ginza Premier is a great place to stay when visiting Tsukiji Fish Market. With a simple and modern interior design, this hotel offers a range of facilities for guests' convenience. There are various room options to choose from to suit your needs and budget. Most interestingly, Tosei Hotel COCONE Tsukiji Ginza Premier has spa services that can make your body relax after touring the fish market.

Address: 6-chome-23-8 Tsukiji, Tokyo, Chuo, Kanto, Japan, 104-0045 (343 m from Tsukiji Fish Market)

Tosei Hotel COCONE Tsukiji Ginza Premier

6-chome-23-8 Tsukiji

SGD 259

SGD 244

2. Ban Hotel Tsukiji Ginza

The next recommendation is Ban Hotel Tsukiji Ginza, which is located near Tsukijishijo Station, making it easy for you to visit places of interest in Tsukiji. It's also not far from some of Tsukiji's popular spots. Ban Hotel Tsukiji Ginza has an old and authentic building, but inside it is very clean and tidy, making anyone who stays here feel comfortable.

Address: 3-17-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Chuo, Kanto, Japan, 104-0045 (474 m from Tsukiji Fish Market)

BAN HOTEL TSUKIJI GINZA

3-17-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku

SGD 74

SGD 70

3. Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs

Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs features a variety of facilities that can enhance the comfort of guests. One of the hotel's top facilities is the spa, which guests can take to relax after getting around the neighbourhood or visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market. This hotel is located just 3 minutes from Higashi Ginza Station.

Address: 6-16-8 Ginza, Ginza, Tokyo, Chuo, Japan, 104-0061 (620 m from Tsukiji Fish Market)

Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs

6-16-8 Ginza

SGD 233

SGD 220

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest fish market in Japan built on land reclamation. This fish market can be considered to be included in your itinerary if you are planning a vacation to Japan. There are various exciting activities you can do in this largest fish market, from tasting Japanese specialties, shopping, and visiting some temples.

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