Tsukiji Outer Market★★★
Although the famous tuna wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market (Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) remains — and is now Tokyo's best culinary experience. Over 400 stalls and restaurants line up on a few hundred meters, offering fresh seafood, sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), Wagyu skewers, and sweet specialties.
The market is best early in the morning (7:00–10:00 a.m.). Start with a sushi breakfast at one of the legendary counters — Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi (both now in Toyosu) were famous, but there are dozens of excellent alternatives in the Outer Market. An Omakase set (chef's selection) costs ¥2,000–4,000 (~€12–25) — unthinkable for sushi of this quality in Europe.
While strolling, try: freshly grilled scallops (¥500), uni (sea urchin, ¥600–1,000), tamagoyaki (sweet omelet on a stick, ¥100), Wagyu skewers (¥800–1,500), matcha mochi, and fresh oysters (¥400). Eat your way from stall to stall — that's the point of Tsukiji.
For the tuna auction: This now takes place at the new Toyosu Market (visitor area with glass windows, from 5:30 a.m., free). Toyosu is hyper-modern but clinical — Tsukiji has retained its soul.
💡 Tipp
Come between 7 and 9 AM — the fish is freshest then, and the worst crowds haven't arrived yet. Bring cash, many stalls don't accept cards. Some stalls are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — check online beforehand.
