The Toyosu Fish Market, located in Tokyo Bay, is an iconic place for lovers of Japanese gastronomy and maritime culture. Successor of the famous Tsukiji market, Toyosu is now one of the largest seafood markets in the world. With its modern infrastructure and unique attractions, it attracts professionals as well as curious visitors.
Toyosu Market History
The Toyosu market opened in 2018 to replace the former Tsukiji market, which had served Tokyo for more than eight decades. This relocation was intended to modernize infrastructure while providing better sanitary control for handling fresh products.
Located on the artificial island of Toyosu, the market occupies an impressive area and is equipped with the latest technologies to guarantee the quality and freshness of the products. It is also designed to accommodate visitors in specially designed areas for observing activities.
Main market activities
The Toyosu market is primarily a place of commerce. Daily, tons of fish, crustaceans and other seafood are transported to restaurants, hotels and grocery stores in Japan and around the world.
One of the most famous attractions is the tuna auction, which takes place early in the morning. This fascinating show sees buyers carefully inspect giant tuna before participating in an animated auction. Visitors can observe this activity from specially designed glass galleries, offering an overview while respecting hygiene and safety rules.
Tuna auction: a unique experience
Tuna auctions are at the heart of Toyosu’s identity. This auction, which starts around 5 a.m., highlights the expertise of traders and buyers. Tunas are inspected carefully, their quality assessed according to their colour, texture and fat content.
To attend the show, it is recommended to visit the venue early and consult the schedules in advance. The observation galleries allow to see the whole process while being separated from the work area.
Restaurants and shops of the market
The Toyosu market is also a top destination for Japanese food lovers. Several restaurants on the site offer sushi and sashimi prepared with the coolest fish of the day. Among the must-see establishments, some chefs have inherited Tsukiji’s tradition and continue to serve exceptional cuisine.
Visitors can also explore boutiques offering a variety of products, ranging from seaweeds and sauces to professional Japanese knives. It is the perfect place to buy culinary souvenirs or tools to reproduce Japanese gastronomy at home.
A market designed for visitors
Unlike its predecessor, Toyosu was designed from the start to welcome tourists while protecting commercial activities. The observation galleries are equipped with multilingual explanatory panels, allowing visitors to understand the sales and processing processes of the products.
Guided tours are also offered for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the market and its functioning. These tours allow you to discover behind the scenes, learn more about Toyosu’s history and interact with local experts.
Toyosu and sustainability
The Toyosu market is also an example of commitment to sustainability. Recognizing the importance of marine resources, it adopted respectful practices to reduce waste and preserve ecosystems. Some educational programs on sustainable seafood management are offered to visitors, including children, to raise awareness of these issues among future generations.
Togosu Market
The market is easily accessible from central Tokyo via public transport. Shijo-mae Metro Station, served by the Yurikamome Line, is located close to the site. Travellers can also take advantage of buses or taxis to get there.
It is advisable to visit the market early in the morning to fully enjoy the experience, especially to attend the tuna auction and explore the restaurants before the arrival of the crowds.
Comparison with the former Tsukiji market
Although Toyosu replaced Tsukiji, it remains an emblematic place for food lovers. The streets adjacent to the former Tsukiji Market are still active, offering street food stands and small shops.
Toyosu, with its modern infrastructure, places more emphasis on security and organization. Both venues offer complementary experiences, and many visitors choose to discover both for a complete immersion in Tokyo’s culinary culture.
Why visit the Toyosu Market?
The Toyosu market is much more than just a maritime shopping centre. It represents a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where Japanese fishing history meets state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Whether you are passionate about cooking, curious to discover behind the scenes of a market of this size or simply looking for an authentic experience in Tokyo, Toyosu will impress you.
The Toyosu fish market embodies Japan’s dynamism and innovation while preserving Japan’s culinary heritage. By exploring its galleries, tasting sushi prepared from the freshest fish, or observing the fascinating auction, each visitor returns with an unforgettable memory of this unique place.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of the sea and Japanese gastronomy, a visit to the Toyosu market is an essential step on a trip to Tokyo.
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