About Tsukiji Outer Market
While the wholesale tuna auctions moved to Toyosu in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a vibrant food destination with hundreds of shops and restaurants. This is where Tokyo comes for the freshest seafood, sushi breakfast, street food, kitchen supplies, and culinary treasures. The narrow lanes buzz with activity from dawn as chefs, locals, and visitors explore this essential Tokyo food experience. Pair this stop with the Tokyo guide and the wider Japan overview.
⏰ Hours & Best Times
- Market: Monday-Saturday 5 AM - 2 PM
- Most restaurants: 6 AM - 1 PM (many close early)
- Best: 7-9 AM for breakfast and full energy
- Closed: Sundays, some Wednesdays, and holidays
💰 Costs
- Sushi breakfast: ¥2,000-4,000 at restaurant
- Street food snacks: ¥300-800 each
- Fresh seafood to go: ¥500-2,000
- Kitchen tools: ¥1,000+ for knives, cookware
✨ Highlights
- 🍣 Sushi breakfast: Ultra-fresh sushi at tiny counters
- 🦪 Grilled seafood: Oysters, scallops, crab on skewers
- 🍜 Street food: Tamagoyaki, tempura, sashimi, onigiri
- 🔪 Kitchen supplies: Professional chef knives and tools
- 🍶 Specialty shops: Dried seafood, seaweed, wasabi, sake
- 🥢 Market atmosphere: Authentic working food market energy
📝 Tips
- Arrive early: 7-8 AM for best experience, many close by noon
- Come hungry: Eat a proper sushi breakfast, then graze on street food
- Cash only: Most stalls and restaurants don't accept cards
- Narrow lanes: Watch for small trucks and carts moving through
- No eating while walking: Stand aside to eat purchases