Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights one of the world’s most famous fish markets. Discover new flavor sensations and learn about the people who work here with an introduction to a sake tasting.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Cross the most famous fish market in the world off your bucket list with a local to guide you
- Sample a couple of fresh, tasty snacks in Tsukiji’s pulsing outer markets
- Discover the best craft and souvenir shops and meet the vendors behind the counter
- Enjoy a Japanese sake tasting and learn why sake is still the classic go-to drink for locals
Full description
Experience the best travel stories for yourself! Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this Lonely Planet Experience.
Spend your morning exploring Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest market of its kind in the world. The wholesale portion of the market where the famous tuna auction takes place has moved from the original Tsukiji site, a few kilometers across the water to Toyosu, but Tsukiji still is the best place to check and try all the products sold in Toyosu.
Start by wandering through Tsukiji’s outer market brimming with vibrant food stalls and retail shops. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the freshest and dare say, most delicious sushi breakfast one could ever hope for. With over 2,500 tons and 450 types of fish coming through the market every day, you’re bound to come across some foods and fish you’ve never seen before. Squid jerky, anyone? Or perhaps scrambled eggs on a stick? No matter what kind of unusual snacks you may encounter, Tsukiji promises to be an experience for all five senses.
Along the way, your tour guide will explain about the history of the market, all the different seafoods on offer, the legendary tuna auction (not included in the tour) and what a typical day is like for all the vendors who work inside the inner markets. Stop to sample a couple of fresh foods and you’re free to try any additional snacks at your own expense that may catch your eye or make you drool. Of course, it can be difficult to know where to start so your guide will point out some recommendations as well. Once you’re finished snacking, make your way to a nearby sake shop for a tasting and be introduced to Japan’s beloved beverage of choice. Learn how to taste the difference between different sakes and about the role it has played in Japanese culture. Be sure to make your favorite known.
As tour groups are prohibited from entering the inner markets, you’ll be left at the door to Tsukiji’s inner markets, where you can go explore on your own. Watch your step because things can “get a little fishy” as you carefully maneuver through the market’s chaotic, narrow and wet streets. Though visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the inner market, you won’t forget this extraordinary experience. But before you go off on your own, don’t forget to ask your local guide for tips on where else to visit during your stay in Tokyo.
Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Tour of the outer market
- 2 popular snacks
- Sake tasting
- Additional food and drinks
- Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
- Tips/ gratuities for your guide
- Note this tour does not include the inner market, as guided groups are not permitted. However, your tour leader will give you tips for exploring on your own after the tour has finished
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Higashi-ginza Station, Exit 3, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line, at top of escalator on street level, in front of the little shrine at the Kabukiza Theatre.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6
- The snacks on this tour are not vegan or vegetarian but can be substituted upon request. All snacks are lactose- and gluten-free, but please bring your own gluten-free soy sauce. Please notify in advance if you have any dietary restrictions
- Small group of a maximum of 8 persons
- Please wear closed-toe shoes, due to wet floors in the inner market
- The wholesale portion of the market where the tuna auction takes place has moved from the original Tsukiji site, across the water to Toyosu but Tsukiji still is the best place to check and try all the products sold in Toyosu. A visit to the new wholesale market is not included on this tour your guide will give you directions to get there.
