Tokyo: Toyosu Tuna Auction &Tsukiji Market Gourmet Adventure

Must Do Experiences

• Watch the high-energy tuna auction from the upper viewing gallery at Toyosu Market.

• Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market to sample ultra-fresh sushi, tamagoyaki, and seasonal street food.

• Learn the intricate grading and bidding techniques of wholesale buyers from your expert local guide.

• Savor a premium seafood breakfast at a traditional Tsukiji eatery using the morning's freshest catch.

Hidden Gems

• Visit the Uogashi Yokocho area within Toyosu to find specialized shops selling rare Japanese kitchen knives and traditional seafood processing tools.

• Look for the small Shinto shrines tucked away in the corners of the market where merchants pray for safe voyages and bountiful catches.

• Discover the lesser-known intermediate wholesale shops in Tsukiji that sell premium dried seafood and specialty kelp not found in standard supermarkets.

What Makes it Special

• Gain rare insider access to the restricted wholesale areas of Toyosu, a side of Tokyo's food supply chain few tourists ever see.

• Enjoy the perfect blend of modern market efficiency at Toyosu and the nostalgic, historic charm of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

• Benefit from the deep culinary knowledge of a local guide who translates the fast-paced auction jargon and market culture.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The tour operates exclusively in the early hours of the morning, typically starting around 4:00 AM to catch the auction at its peak. Autumn and spring offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor sections of Tsukiji, while winter brings the highest quality and fattest tuna to the auction block.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Flash photography is strictly prohibited during the tuna auction to avoid startling the buyers and disrupting the fast-paced bidding process.

• Capture the vibrant, colorful storefronts and steaming street food stalls in Tsukiji during the golden hour just after sunrise.

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action of the market workers zipping by on their motorized turret trucks.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Always ask for permission before taking close-up photographs of the vendors or their specific wares in the Tsukiji Outer Market. It is customary to eat street food near the stall where you purchased it rather than walking while eating, which is considered impolite in Japanese culture.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• New Year's First Auction in early January features the highest-priced premium tuna of the year and a festive, energetic atmosphere.

• Winter months from December to February bring the highly anticipated peak season for fatty bluefin tuna, offering the best culinary experiences.

• Tsukiji Namiyoke Shrine hosts the lively Lion Festival in early June, featuring traditional dances to pray for the safety and prosperity of the market workers.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay alert and step aside quickly when you hear the beeping of motorized carts, as they have the right of way in the narrow market aisles.

• Be cautious of wet floors and stray ice cubes throughout the wholesale and outer market areas to prevent slipping.

• Keep a firm grip on your bags and cameras in crowded areas to avoid accidentally knocking over delicate merchandise or displays.