Tsukiji fish market
Market Historic Tokyo fish market known for tuna auctions
Tsukiji’s outer market remains a draw for sushi restaurants, seafood stalls and lively wholesale-style retail; note that the former inner wholesale auction moved to Toyosu in 2018.
Tsukiji fish market in central Tokyo is best known for its long history as Tokyo’s major fish and seafood market; since October 2018 the former wholesale auction functions moved to Toyosu, while the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a busy retail and restaurant quarter. The site sits in Chuo ward, near Ginza and the Sumida River.
Shoppers and food visitors find narrow lanes of stalls and small restaurants selling fresh seafood, sushi, kitchenware and produce, with many businesses opening early in the morning and closing by early afternoon. The area is compact and walkable, with dozens of specialist shops packed into a few city blocks.
The modern wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018 after decades of operation at Tsukiji; Tsukiji itself originated in the post-1923 Great Kanto Earthquake relocation of Tokyo’s central fish market. The Tsukiji Outer Market retains much of the traditional retail character and remains a major destination for food-focused visitors.
Tsukiji lies in central Tokyo, a short walk or subway ride from Ginza and roughly 2 kilometres southeast of Tokyo Station. The nearest stations are Tsukiji and Tsukijishijo, and the area is easily incorporated into central-Tokyo sightseeing routes.
- Best time to visit: Most shops in the Outer Market are busiest in the early morning; arrive before 10:00 for the freshest seafood and to avoid crowds.
- Tuna auctions moved: The well-known tuna auctions were moved to Toyosu Market in October 2018; auction viewing and wholesale access are now at Toyosu, while Tsukiji's retail and restaurant streets remain active.
What to See #
- Tsukiji Outer Market: The Outer Market (jōgai-shijō) - a labyrinth of retail stalls, small wholesalers and restaurants that continues to operate in Tsukiji, specialising in fresh seafood, produce and sushi-grade fish.
- Former Inner Wholesale Market (moved): The former Inner Wholesale Market - the wholesale functions and early-morning tuna auctions were relocated to Toyosu Market in October 2018; the original auction site in Tsukiji no longer operates for wholesale trading.
How to Get to Tsukiji fish market #
Tsukiji is a short walk from Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) and also accessible from Higashi-Ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line). From central Tokyo it is a 10-15 minute subway ride.
Tips for Visiting Tsukiji fish market #
- For the tuna auction atmosphere, arrive before dawn and look for authorised visits - the inner wholesale market moved in 2018 but outer market stalls and restaurants retain the fish-market energy.
- Try the small sushi shops around the outer market for fresh sashimi that follows market rhythms.
Best Time to Visit Tsukiji fish market #
Visit early in the morning on weekdays to see the market atmosphere and to secure seats at popular sushi stalls; the inner wholesale auction moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the outer market remains lively.
Weather & Climate near Tsukiji fish market #
Tsukiji fish market's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1479 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
