Toyosu Market, Tokyo

Early mornings at the Tsukiji Market have long been a staple of any trip to Tokyo, but since 2018, Toyosu has taken over as the fish market of the capital, and remains the biggest in the world. Despite doubling in size, the purpose-built Toyosu has managed to retain the morning market feel but with a cleaner, sharper edge. Offering a gourmet dining experience, viewing decks for the auctions and a market alley for shoppers, it’s well worth the early morning start.

For those with a real interest in the depths of Tokyo’s fish market history, they may be keen to know that before Tsukiji, which opened in 1935, Tokyo’s wholesalers gathered at Nihonbashi. As the commercial heart of the city, the area hosted a fish market as far back as the 17th century, with 34 fishermen from Osaka summoned by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu himself. Given exclusive rights to fish in Tokyo Bay, they served the growing needs of Edo, the capital of the time, until the market was forced to relocate following the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

Now settling into its third iteration, Tokyo’s fish market has moved with the times but kept its bustling energy that draws in buyers and visitors alike. There are four connected buildings: fisheries wholesale market building, fisheries intermediate wholesale market building, management facilities building, and the fruit and vegetables building.

Tuna lined up and ready for morning auction (Photo by PIXTA)

Known for the early morning Tuna Auction, it is also home to a lesser-known fresh produce market which is held directly after. The market is open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and while certain areas are accessible to visitors, the best way to gain real insight into the workings of Toyosu Market is to join the free tour. Tickets are highly sought after, however, and with only 100 spots available each day and a lottery system is in place to make sure the allocations are fair. The tour runs from 5:45 a.m. to 6:25 a.m. and offers a glimpse of the famous tuna auction. For those wanting to apply, applications are released in advance and a nominated representative can apply for a small group (five in total), providing some simple details and selecting three optional dates they would like to apply for. If notified that they have been successful, the group can follow the instructions sent and attend the tour, meeting at 5:30 a.m. on the allocated day and heading straight to the auction viewing point.

Seafood bowl made with market-fresh ingredients

While watching the seafood and competing bidders is exciting, the true highlight of any visit has to be sampling the goods. Toyosu has dedicated gourmet areas in each of the three buildings, with the majority 22 in the wholesale fisheries building, another 13 in management facilities and 4 in the fruit and vegetable building. Of course, there are multiple sushi options, seafood bowls and specialty stores focusing on eel and monkfish to try. Those seeking a vegetarian option can head to the fruit and vegetable building for tempura or soba, where their fresh produce is served straight from the market.

Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai (Photo by PIXTA)

Given the sunrise start, visitors may be wondering what to do after they’ve toured the auction and feasted on the freshest seafood: the answer is Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai. Opened in 2024, this open-air mall is designed to transport visitors back to Edo-era Tokyo, with restaurants, shops and the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club—a hot spring resort to relax in. Using water from the Hakone and Yugawara hot springs, it has a free footbath garden with eighth-floor views, as well as the full hot spring facilities for those looking to rejuvenate for the rest of the day.

With a lively auction, ultra-fresh seafood breakfasts, souvenir shopping and a relaxing hot spring soak overlooking Tokyo, Toyosu has it all—and you can experience it all before midday, making it perfect even for the busiest sightseers.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas, locations and rates.
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