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The Ultimate Tsukiji Market Experience: Exploring, Shopping & Sushi Making at Tokyo’s Original Fish Market

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    1 May - 25 Dec: Monday, Thursday, Friday
    21 Mar - 28 Apr: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

  • Duration

    Approx. four hours

  • Start time

    8:40am

  • Meeting Point

    You’ll find the tour group at the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. The terminal is located inside JR Hamamatsucho Station and Daimon Subway Station. Upon arrival at the station, follow the signs in the station to the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. It can be a little difficult to spot, so arrive early and give yourself some extra time to find your way there.

  • Ending Point

    You’ll finish up in the Ginza/Tsukiji area - there’s plenty to check out around these parts so we recommend having a wander afterwards.

Key Highlights

  • Go fish: Explore the nooks and crannies of Tokyo’s oldest fish market, and learn the tricks of the trade
  • Meet and eat: A fascinating foray into Japan’s colourful food culture
  • Peruse the market’s best-kept secrets: Guides know the area like the back of their hands
  • Soy happy: A local chef teaches you how to prepare Japan’s most iconic meal (and you get to eat it after!)

Overview

Don’t think waking up early and heading to a stinky wet market is your idea of a good time? That’s understandable, but you’d be wrong. After all, it’s not every day you get to see Tokyo’s historic and famous fish market in all its glory. While the wholesale side of the market has recently moved on to Toyosu, there’s still plenty to see and do at the original fish market, and your guide - a local expert well versed in the area - makes sure you witness the lot. One of the tour’s biggest highlights is the sushi workshop, run by a local professional chef in an industry kitchen, where, after honing your craft, you’ll sit down to a fresh sushi lunch you made yourself. From the throng of fresh fish and spice stalls to the stories of local sellers and the intricacies of sushi making, this tour uncovers the beating heart of Japan’s food culture, alive and well among the hustle of Tsukiji’s alleyways.

About your guide

The team at JAPANiCAN.com have one mission and one mission only: to make your trip to Japan unforgettable from start to finish. The array of travel experiences in their portfolio showcase the best of the country’s culture, food and lifestyle.

Here’s the plan…

Meet your guide and group at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. From here you’ll head to the subway for a quick ride with your local guide leading the way. Japan’s subway system can be a little busy sometimes, but that’s part of the fun. You’ll arrive at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market soon after.

The Tsukiji outer market is a smorgasbord of busy sellers and buyers set among a labyrinthe of pokey alleyways. Vendors here sell anything from fresh produce and dried foods to gum boots and street food. Today you’ll be heading straight for the madness, exploring the streets and alleys with the help of your local guide. Unlike it’s newer counterpart over at Toyosu, the Tsukiji market has a history that goes back decades. Since the ‘30s, fishermen, chefs and punters have come here to sell and buy fresh fish. Walking you through the most interesting parts of the outer market and introducing you to the local sellers, your guide will explain the history and importance of this place, speaking of the daily lives of workers and visitors here, and shedding light on the more bizarre discoveries you might make along the way, too.

Of course, a lot of the produce sold here goes on to create some of Japan’s most delicious delicacies, one of the most popular being (you guessed it) sushi. After a good trawl through the markets, it’s time to get hands-on and do some sushi making of your own. Over the next hour and a half, you’ll be in the capable hands of an expert chef well known in the area. While they demonstrate the basics of making sushi, you’ll follow along accordingly. Each guest will learn how to prepare and serve all the bites we know and love - from sashimi to tobiko rolls and more. Afterwards, you and the group will enjoy the fruits of your labour before going your separate ways.

Inclusions

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Sushi making lessons run by a chef in an industry kitchen
  • A fresh sushi lunch prepared by yours truly
  • Transport expenses (your guide will have your train tickets covered)

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses (takeaway fish, anyone?)
  • Additional food and drinks (we doubt you’ll need them)
  • Transfers (we’ll see you there)

Please note

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details. They’re a nice bunch, and will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.

This tour runs rain, hail or shine, so make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.

Kids above the age of 6 are welcome on this tour. 

Unfortunately, allergy-friendly options won’t be available during this cooking class - the menu is set by the chef and can’t be changed, we’re afraid.

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