Buzz
Tsukiji in Tokyo is one of the largest fish markets in Japan and the world. So, what should you eat and buy at the market? Let's find out with Mytour!
If you're visiting Tokyo, don't miss the chance to experience the refined flavors of Japan. Among the must-visit places is the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, a food haven known for its tempting dishes.
The market is not only Japan's largest seafood hub but also a cultural tourism spot. Here, you can savor fresh tuna sashimi, traditional sushi, and enjoy a cup of sake while immersing in the vibrant atmosphere.
Discover Tsukiji Market and explore the delicious food options and unique souvenirs to buy for your loved ones with Mytour Vietnam!
Where is Tsukiji Fish Market?
- Address: 4-16-2-1F Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market is one of Japan's largest fish markets, located between the vibrant Ginza district and the picturesque Sumida River in central Tokyo. Once a major seafood trading hub, it was divided into two areas: Jonai (the inner market) and Jogai (the outer market). The "inner market" became famous for its tuna auctions, attracting many international visitors. Meanwhile, the "outer market" is known for its high-quality seafood restaurants.
In 2018, the "inner market" moved to the new Toyosu Fish Market, while the "outer market" remains at its original location, now referred to as Tsukiji Outer Market or simply Tsukiji Fish Market. Though the market is no longer as large as before, the lively atmosphere of the "outer market" remains unchanged, with active traders and tempting food options. The shops here still work closely with wholesalers at Toyosu to ensure a daily supply of fresh seafood.
How to Get to Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market is easily accessible by public transport, including subway and bus. Check out a few travel options below to prepare for your trip:
1. Taking the Subway to Tsukiji Fish Market
- From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line (heading towards Shinagawa, Shibuya) to Yurakucho Station. Then, walk to Hibiya Station and board the Hibiya Subway Line (towards Kita-Senju) to Tsukiji Station.
- From Shinjuku Station: Take the Oedo Subway Line (heading towards Roppongi, Daimon) to Tsukiji Market Station (Tsukiji-Shijo).
- From Shinagawa Station: Take the Keikyu Line (heading towards Sengakuji) to Higashi-Ginza Station. Walk about 5 minutes to the market. Alternatively, you can transfer at Higashi-Ginza Station to the Hibiya Subway Line, travel one stop to Tsukiji, and walk 1 minute to the market.
- From Shibuya Station: Take the Ginza Subway Line (heading towards Asakusa) to Ginza Station, then transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line (towards Kita-Senju) to Tsukiji Station.
2. Getting to Tsukiji Fish Market by Bus
- From Tokyo Station: Take Toei Bus [都04], [都05-1], [都05-2] to the stop "Tsukiji-Sanchome".
- From Shimi Station: Take Toei Bus [業10] to the stop "Tsukiji-Sanchome" or bus [市01] to the stop "Kokuritsu-Gan-Kenkyū Center".
- From Kinshicho Station: Take Toei Bus [錦11] to the stop "Tsukiji Sta".
(*) Besides the above options, taxis and rental cars are also convenient ways to quickly get to this famous Tokyo fish market. This is a perfect choice for large groups of tourists or families with children or elderly members (but it's not exactly the most "budget-friendly").
Best Time to Shop at Tsukiji Fish Market - Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market is a popular spot for those wanting to experience Japan's food culture. The market is usually open from 8 AM to around 2 PM on weekdays, but on Sundays, public holidays, and some Wednesdays, it opens at 10 AM. Additionally, during the year-end and New Year period, the market is closed, so make sure to check the schedule before your visit.
Before 9 AM, the market prioritizes wholesale buyers and experts over tourists. To fully enjoy your visit, it's best to arrive after 9 AM. Additionally, as many shops open at different times, make sure to check the opening hours before heading to the market.
Must-Try Delicacies at Tsukiji Fish Market - Tokyo
1. Iconic Japanese Sushi
When thinking of Japan, sushi is an absolute must-try dish. At Tsukiji Fish Market, you can enjoy the freshest sushi made with tuna, salmon, swordfish, and sea urchin. Some famous sushi restaurants at the market worth visiting include Sushi Zanmai, Harenohi Shokudo, and Sushi Dai.
2. Fresh and Delicious Sashimi
After tasting sushi, you can't miss the high-quality sashimi at Tsukiji Fish Market. Tsukiji Maguroya Tokyo Honten is a spot known for serving fresh tuna sashimi at reasonable prices. You can choose between thin or thick slices of sashimi, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yen.
3. Flavorful Seafood Rice Bowl - Kaisendon
A must-try dish at Tsukiji Market is the Kaisendon seafood rice bowl, generously filled with fresh, raw seafood. Kaisendon is a bowl of hot rice topped with fresh fish like tuna, salmon, white fish, scallops, and many other mouth-watering seafood options. Tsukiji Koromo Sushi is a renowned restaurant serving 18 different varieties of Kaisendon for you to experience.
4. Scallops and Oysters at Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Market is famous not only for its sushi but also as a haven for fresh seafood, especially scallops and oysters. At Saito Fisheries, you can enjoy fresh, meaty oysters for just 500 yen. At Kakigoya, you can savor grilled scallops with butter, soy sauce, and sake, or enjoy steamed oysters that are simply delicious.
5. Fresh Tuna Katsu
Tuna Katsu Curry at Tsukiji Market is a unique dish that blends Japanese and Indian flavors. The tuna is battered and fried until crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, then combined with a rich, sweet, and spicy curry sauce. This dish is served with white rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Be sure to visit East Indian Curry Company to try this flavorful dish.
6. Grilled Tuna Skewers with Rich Flavors
If you want to fully experience the sweet, fatty, and delicious taste of tuna, grilled tuna skewers are the perfect choice. Fresh tuna is grilled over hot coals, releasing an enticing aroma. After grilling, the tuna is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, creating a rich flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fish. Tonboya and Higashi Indo Maguro Shokai are two excellent restaurants that offer mouth-watering grilled tuna skewers at reasonable prices.
7. Sea Urchin (Uni) - A Rare and Nutritious Delicacy
Sea urchin (uni) is a Japanese delicacy known for its creamy richness and the salty taste of the ocean. Guests can enjoy fresh sea urchin served on its own or paired with sushi rice. Although it’s relatively expensive, with a bowl of uni priced around 1,500 yen, sushi with sea urchin is usually more affordable, making it a great way to experience this delicate flavor without spending too much.
8. Grilled Eel Dishes
Japanese cuisine is incomplete without grilled eel, a traditional and flavorful dish that is both delicious and nutritious. At Tsukiji Market, you can try grilled eel, where the eel is cooked over hot coals and coated in a rich, sweet sauce that gives it a distinct flavor. A grilled eel skewer at the market typically costs around 300 yen.
9. Cua Hoàng Đế Và Tôm Hùm
Tsukiji là thiên đường hải sản với đủ loại cua, từ cua hoàng đế Alaska đến cua tuyết, cùng tôm hùm tươi ngon. Hãy thử món cua hoàng đế Alaska nướng, với thịt ngọt và dai, hoặc thưởng thức tôm hùm hấp hoặc nướng thơm lừng được đánh bắt trong ngày.
10. Thịt Bò Wagyu Thượng Hạng
Bên cạnh hải sản, chợ Tsukiji còn nổi tiếng với thịt bò Wagyu, loại thịt bò hảo hạng có thịt mềm, ngọt và thơm. Bạn sẽ tìm được nhiều gian hàng bán thịt bò Wagyu được chế biến tại chỗ theo nhiều cách khác nhau. Hãy thử món Wagyu nướng với Uni (nhím biển) tại Wagyu JyuJyu để trải nghiệm hương vị đặc biệt.
11. Bánh Cá Taiyaki
Người ta thường nói ai cũng sẽ có một cái dạ dày thứ 2 cho các món tráng miệng. Sau khi thưởng thức hết các món thịt, cá thì đó cũng là lúc mà món tráng miệng đặc biệt tại chợ Tsukiji lên ngôi. Bánh cá Taiyaki có tạo hình như cá ngừ chắc chắn là món ăn bạn không nên bỏ qua. Những chiếc bánh gói trọn hương vị truyền thống Nhật với vỏ mềm thơm, nhân đậu đỏ ngọt ngào.
12. Bánh Mochi Dẻo Thơm
Nổi bật với vẻ ngoài đáng yêu, bánh ichigo daifuku là món bánh ngọt vừa ngon vừa đẹp để bạn chụp ảnh đăng lên Instagram. Viên mochi bọc dâu tây, với vỏ mochi mềm dẻo, nhân đậu đỏ ngọt ngào, kết hợp với vị chua ngọt của dâu tây tươi tạo nên một hương vị tuyệt vời. Tại Soratsuki, bạn có thể lựa chọn bánh mochi với nhiều loại nhân khác như đậu đỏ, mugwort, kem, xoài, yuzu, matcha và đậu edamame.
13. Bánh Trứng Tamago
Bánh trứng là món ăn nhẹ tuyệt vời đặc biệt được các bạn nhỏ yêu thích. Món bánh trứng tamago vàng ươm, mềm mịn, có thể ăn như xiên que, hoặc ăn cùng với bánh sandwich. Nếu bạn muốn tìm kiếm một cửa hàng bán bánh trứng Tamago nổi tiếng có lịch sử lâu đời tại chợ Tsukiji thì hãy tìm đến cửa hàng Shouro nhé!
14. Thức Uống Được Làm Từ Matcha
Thưởng thức một ly matcha tại chợ Tsukiji sẽ khiến cho hành trình khám phá ẩm thực Nhật Bản của bạn thêm phần trọn vẹn. Matcha không chỉ là món uống giải khát tuyệt ngon mà còn chứa chứa các chất chống oxy hóa với vô vàn lợi ích cho sức khỏe. Matcha Stand Maruni là cửa hàng bán matcha latte pha chế theo kỹ thuật truyền thống từ nguyên liệu tự nhiên, không chứa chất bảo quản, và được thêm đường mía thiên nhiên.
Các Mặt Hàng Phổ Biến Ở Chợ Cá Tsukiji Có Thể Mua Về Làm Quà
1. Các Loại Dao Làm Bếp
Chợ cá Tsukiji không chỉ là nơi cung cấp hải sản tươi ngon, mà còn là địa điểm lý tưởng để tìm kiếm dao làm bếp Nhật Bản chất lượng cao. Các loại dao tại đây được chế tác thủ công bởi các nghệ nhân tài hoa, nổi tiếng với độ sắc bén và bền bỉ, trở thành niềm tự hào của các đầu bếp chuyên nghiệp.
Bạn sẽ tìm thấy đủ loại dao, từ dao lọc cá ngừ, cá thu, cá bơn cho đến dao cắt sashimi, và nhiều loại dao gia dụng khác. Hãy ghé thăm Tsukiji Masamoto, một cửa hàng lâu đời được thành lập vào đầu thời kỳ Showa (1926-1989), để lựa chọn chiếc dao phù hợp nhất với nhu cầu của bạn.
2. Bộ Đồ Nấu Ăn Truyền Thống
Đối với người Nhật, việc bày trí bữa ăn đẹp mắt rất quan trọng và vì vây bộ đồ ăn tinh xảo là một phần không thể thiếu. Tham quan chợ Tsukiji, bạn sẽ bắt gặp vô số những bộ đồ ăn được trang trí cầu kỳ, với đủ loại màu sắc và họa tiết theo mùa.
Ichifuji là một cửa hàng đồ ăn truyền thống nổi tiếng, được thành lập từ năm 1951, chuyên cung cấp đồ sơn mài và gốm sứ tại Tsukiji. Cửa hàng nhỏ nhắn này luôn thu hút du khách bởi sự đa dạng của các bộ đồ ăn bình dân đến những bộ đồ ăn thủ công truyền thống như Mino-yaki và Aizu-nuri.
3. Các Món Ăn Quý Hiếm: Nhím Biển Muối, Trứng Cá Đối Muối, Nội Tạng Hải Sâm Ngâm
Nếu muốn tìm kiếm những trải nghiệm ẩm thực khác biệt tại Nhật Bản, thì bạn đừng bỏ qua các món ăn quý hiếm, hay chinmi. Ba món chinmi nổi tiếng nhất là nhím biển muối (uni), trứng cá đối muối (karasumi) và nội tạng hải sâm ngâm (konowata).
Uni, món ăn nổi tiếng với hương vị béo ngậy, thường xuất hiện trong các món donburi hay sushi gunkan. Karasumi thường được thưởng thức cùng sake hoặc chế biến thành món ăn đa dạng thu hút thực khách bởi vị umami đặc trưng. Konowata lại mang vị mặn và cay nồng, rất hợp khi kết hợp với sake.
4. Cá Ngừ Bào Dành Riêng Cho Người Sành Ăn
Một mặt hàng phổ biến tại chợ cá Tsukiji đóng vai trò quan trọng trong ẩm thực Nhật Bản là cá ngừ bào. Cá ngừ bào giàu vitamin B và axit inosinic, mang đến hương vị umami tự nhiên, là thành phần chính trong nước dùng dashi, nền tảng cho nhiều món ăn Nhật Bản.
Fresh tuna undergoes a complex process that involves boiling, smoking, fermenting, and drying until it becomes as hard as wood. Afterward, thin slices are shaved off from the dried tuna using a special tool.
5. Dried Seafood: Salmon, Scallops, Squid
In addition to fresh seafood, Tsukiji Market is also renowned for its dried seafood offerings, such as salmon, scallops, and squid. Dried seafood provides a natural umami flavor, enhancing the taste of various dishes. These items are preserved through drying or salting, offering rich flavors and convenient storage and transportation options.
At Tsukiji, you can find a variety of dried seafood like salmon, scallops, and squid, processed in various ways including drying, salting, and seasoning.
Tourist Destinations Near Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan
1. Tsukiji Uogashi Wholesale Market
Tsukiji Uogashi is a vibrant wholesale market located within the outer market of Tsukiji. With over 60 shops, it specializes in fresh seafood and other food products, all managed by intermediary wholesalers. The ground floor is dedicated to fresh produce, characterized by a lively and bustling atmosphere. Here, you can experience a 'food city' with activities like outdoor banquets or cooking traditional Japanese Washoku at a studio.
2. Prayers at Namiyoke Shrine
Nestled between industrial zones and Tsukiji Fish Market, Namiyoke Inari Shrine symbolizes gratitude and faith. According to legend, when Tsukiji was still submerged under the sea and destructive waves repeatedly damaged the structures, Shinto priests prayed and placed a statue of a deity into the ocean, calming the waves.
The shrine was built to commemorate this event, with two large lion statues standing guard to ward off storms. To this day, locals visit the shrine to pray for peace, good fortune, and safe travels. Every three years in June, a festival takes place, involving the procession of the two giant lion heads through the streets of Tsukiji.
3. Tsukiji Honganji Temple with Unique Architecture
Tsukiji Honganji Temple stands out with its South Asian-inspired architecture blended delicately with traditional Japanese elements, situated right within the Tsukiji Fish Market area. The temple is part of the Jodo Shinshu sect, one of the most popular Buddhist schools in Japan. Visitors can admire intricate paintings and a pipe organ from Germany. The temple also serves as a memorial to Hideto Matsumoto, the legendary guitarist from the rock band X Japan.
4. Toyosu Vegetable Market
As is well known, Tsukiji Market now only consists of the outer market, while the inner market has moved to a new location, Toyosu Market. Toyosu consists of three main buildings: two for seafood and one for fruits and vegetables. Visiting Toyosu, you can explore the wholesale areas, and particularly watch the tuna auction that takes place early in the morning. Additionally, the market features numerous restaurants, shopping areas, and a rooftop garden offering beautiful views of Tokyo Bay.
5. Hama Rikyu Garden in Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Hama Rikyu stands out as a spacious, traditional landscape garden, beautifully contrasting with the surrounding skyscrapers of the Shiodome area. Its refreshing atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax, admire the tidal pond, and discover historical landmarks. Enjoying an afternoon tea at the garden's teahouse adds to the tranquility, making it a serene escape from the city's hustle.
Handy Tips for Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan
To make the most of your visit to Tsukiji Fish Market, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Before 9:00 AM, prioritize giving way to professional shoppers, as they need to visit multiple stores and purchase fresh products.
- Avoid eating while walking through the market; only consume food in designated areas or restaurants.
- If you're carrying luggage, please store it in lockers or at the Plat Tsukiji information center to avoid obstructing walkways.
- Due to narrow and crowded walkways, it's recommended to move in small groups and avoid walking side by side.
- Items at the market are often high-value, so refrain from touching them and instead ask the vendors for assistance when making selections.
- Most goods at Tsukiji are sold at wholesale prices, so please refrain from bargaining.
- Before taking photos of shops, always ask the vendors for permission as some places may have rules prohibiting photography.
Tsukiji Fish Market is a must-visit destination for those passionate about Japanese cuisine. Here, you'll explore vibrant stalls, savor the fresh flavors of sashimi, sushi, and other traditional Japanese dishes. Additionally, you can gain insight into the culture, fishing techniques, and meticulous seafood preparation that Japan is renowned for.
Don't forget to check out the Mytour Blog for more useful travel information about Tokyo, Japan: 13 Winter Travel Suggestions in Japan Welcoming the White Snow, 16 Fresh Ways to Enjoy Japan's Winter, 24 Exciting Experiences at the Harry Potter Tour in Tokyo, 3-Day 2-Night Self-Guided Tokyo Itinerary on a Budget, What is Omakase? 10 Famous Omakase Restaurants in Japan,...
Are all food lovers ready for a trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market?
