The world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, once the beating heart of Tokyo’s culinary scene, has undergone a dramatic transformation. While the original market in the Tsukiji district of central Tokyo has closed its doors to wholesale operations, its legacy lives on in a new location—more spacious, more advanced, and just as vibrant. If you’re wondering where the New Tsukiji Fish Market is located, why it moved, and what you can expect when you visit, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the history, relocation, location details, and visitor experience of the New Tsukiji Fish Market—now officially known as the Toyosu Market.
Understanding the Move: From Tsukiji to Toyosu
For decades, the Tsukiji Fish Market was synonymous with fresh seafood in Japan and a must-visit destination for food lovers worldwide. Despite its fame, the aging infrastructure, cramped alleyways, and sanitation concerns compelled the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to plan a relocation. In 2018, after 83 years of operation, the wholesale functions of Tsukiji Market officially moved to the newly developed Toyosu Market.
Why Was the Original Tsukiji Market Relocated?
Several key reasons led to the closure and relocation of the original market:
- Outdated Facilities: Built in 1935, the Tsukiji Market’s infrastructure struggled to meet modern food safety and hygiene standards.
- Limited Space: The narrow alleys hindered logistics and posed safety risks, especially for refrigerated trucks and workers handling heavy loads.
- Contamination Risks: Previous soil contamination issues from an old gas plant on the Tsukiji site raised public health concerns, though many doubted the validity of their urgency.
- Urban Development: The City of Tokyo viewed the relocation as an opportunity to redevelop the prime Tsukiji area, potentially for commercial and Olympic-related purposes.
After years of planning and delays, the new facility in Toyosu opened on October 11, 2018, marking a new era in Japan’s seafood industry.
Where is the New Tsukiji Fish Market Located?
The New Tsukiji Fish Market, officially named Toyosu Market (豊洲市場, Toyosu Shijō), is located in the Toyosu district of Kōtō Ward in eastern Tokyo. This modern replacement is only about 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) east of the old Tsukiji Market, making it relatively accessible from the original site.
Exact Address and Access Details
Toyosu Market Address:
5-chōme-2-1 Toyosu, Kōtō City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
It’s important to note that “New Tsukiji” is not an official name—it’s a nickname used by locals and tourists to refer to the relocated market, maintaining the cultural continuity associated with Tsukiji. The proper name is Toyosu Wholesale Market, and it houses the functions formerly located at Tsukiji.
How to Get to Toyosu Market
The Toyosu Market is well-connected by public transportation, particularly subway lines. Here are the main access options:
| Transportation Method | Route | Approximate Time from Central Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Yūrakuchō Line (Subway) | Transfer at Shinbashi to the Yūrakuchō Line → Direct to Toyosu Station | 10 minutes from Shinbashi |
| Yurikamome Line (Automated Transit) | From Shimbashi → Shijo-mae Station (closest stop) | 15 minutes |
| Bus | Tokyo Metropolitan Bus from Tokyo Station (limited services) | Approx. 30 minutes |
| Car | Parking available on-site, but strongly discouraged due to traffic | Depends on traffic; not recommended |
Visitor Tip: The Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line is only a two-minute walk from the market’s public viewing areas and retail shops. The high-tech, elevated transit line also offers breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge—making the journey part of the experience.
Layout and Zones of the Toyosu Market
Toyosu Market is built on reclaimed land along Tokyo Bay and spans over 40 hectares—nearly three times the size of the old Tsukiji Market. It’s designed with efficiency, hygiene, and public safety in mind, featuring temperature-controlled environments, automated systems, and strict visitor protocols.
The market is divided into several main buildings:
- Tuna Auction Building: Houses the famed early morning tuna auctions, now accessible via a designated observation deck.
- Fish & Seafood Wholesale Building: Where dealers and restaurants source everything from squid to sea urchin.
- Fruit and Vegetable Building: Supplies fresh produce from across Japan and abroad.
- Restaurant & Retail Area: A food court and marketplace open to tourists and locals alike.
Tuna Auctions: The Crown Jewel of the Market
One of the most sought-after experiences at Toyosu is witnessing the tuna auctions—once held in the shadowy early hours at Tsukiji. Today, auctions take place in a controlled environment at the Auction Building (Kaichiba), primarily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM on weekdays.
Important Notes for Visitors:
- The observation deck for tuna auctions has a limited capacity and requires advance registration.
- Access is free, but you must apply online or through a voucher system released monthly.
- Auction days are Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays and certain fishery off-season periods.
The viewing area is climate-controlled and features informative displays in Japanese and English, explaining the bidding process, how tuna is graded, and what factors influence price—such as fat content, size, and origin.
What to Expect When You Visit Toyosu Market
Visiting the New Tsukiji Fish Market is not just about buying fish—it’s a full sensory experience blending commerce, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie, a photographer, or simply curious, Toyosu offers something for everyone.
Wholesale vs. Retail Areas
It’s crucial to understand that Toyosu Market operates in two distinct spheres:
Wholesale Zone: Open only to licensed buyers, wholesalers, and restaurant distributors. Access is restricted and requires credentials.
Public Market Area: Located on the first floors of several buildings, this area features restaurants, food stalls, gift shops, and limited retail sales for visitors.
Don’t expect the bustling, maze-like alleyways of the old Tsukiji outer market here. Toyosu is cleaner, quieter, and more orderly—but some argue it lacks the chaotic charm of its predecessor.
Must-Visit Spots in the Visitor Zones
Despite the shift to a more modern, controlled environment, there are several highlights that draw crowds to Toyosu:
Sushi Restaurants at the Market
The food hall on the first floor of the Fish Building is home to nearly a dozen top-tier sushi restaurants. These eateries serve ultra-fresh seafood sourced directly from the morning’s shipments, offering everything from tuna belly (otoro) to golden eye snapper (kinmedai) and uni (sea urchin).
Popular spots include:
– Daiwa Sushi: A legendary name, now relocated from Tsukiji.
– Sushi Zanmai: Known for its variety and quick service.
– Jukusei Sushi Morimoto: Specializes in aged (jukusei) fish for enhanced flavor.
Reservations are not typically accepted, so plan to arrive early—many people line up by 6:00 or 7:00 AM to avoid long waits.
Shop & Souvenir District
Adjacent to the dining area, visitors can explore small shops selling:
– Dried seafood and seasonings
– Japanese kitchen knives and ceramics
– Specialty salt and sauces
– Local crafts and market-themed souvenirs
These stores are ideal for picking up authentic gifts and culinary items that reflect Japan’s deep connection to the sea.
Hands-On Experiences and Exhibits
For a more educational experience, check out:
– The Toyosu Market Information Center: Features interactive displays about the seafood supply chain, fish anatomy, and sustainability efforts.
– Live Demonstrations: Occasional knife skills workshops or tuna dissection shows.
– Kitchen Gardens & Green Spaces: Unique for a market, Toyosu includes rooftop gardens and water features symbolizing ecological balance.
Challenges and Changes Faced by the New Market
Despite its state-of-the-art facilities, the move to Toyosu was not without controversy.
Public Perception and Sentimental Value
For many, Tsukiji was more than a market—it was a cultural institution. The shift to Toyosu felt like losing a piece of Tokyo’s identity. While the new facility is functional, it lacks the organic atmosphere, narrow alleys, and street-level interactions that defined the old market.
Local fish vendors, shop owners, and longtime employees expressed concern about reduced foot traffic and the loss of the community feel.
Decreased Tourism Numbers Initially
When Toyosu first opened, tourism was lower than expected. Reasons included:
– Complex visitor registration for the tuna auction
– Less visibility and word-of-mouth appeal compared to Tsukiji
– Lack of street food and informal vendors around the immediate area
However, over time, tourism has grown, especially as travel influencers and media spotlight the modern amenities and hygiene standards.
Competition with the Tsukiji Outer Market
An important distinction: The Outer Market (Jōgai Shijō) in Tsukiji still operates. This area, filled with small restaurants, street food vendors, and specialty shops, remained open after the wholesale move. Many tourists now split their visits, going first to the original Tsukiji Outer Market for snacks and souvenirs, then heading to Toyosu for the auctions and sushi.
This has created an interesting duality—old and new coexisting, each offering a different flavor of the Tsukiji legacy.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Planning a trip to the New Tsukiji Fish Market? Here’s how to get the best experience:
Plan Your Visit Around Auction Times
- Arrive early: The tuna auction viewing window is brief and popular. Pre-register and arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Check the schedule: Auctions don’t occur every day. Visit the official Toyosu Market website for updates.
- Dress warmly: The auction building is kept cold to preserve fish, so bring a jacket.
Best Time to Eat Sushi
- Morning (6:00 AM–10:00 AM): Freshness is peak, and the atmosphere is vibrant.
- Midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): Expect crowds, but all restaurants are open.
- Afternoon: Some restaurants close by 2:00 PM, so avoid late visits.
Navigate Like a Pro
– Use the Yurikamome Line for a scenic, hassle-free route.
– Download the Toyosu Market floor map from their official website.
– Bring cash—many smaller vendors do not accept credit cards.
Cultural and Economic Significance of Toyosu Market
Toyosu isn’t just a fish market; it’s a crucial node in Japan’s food supply chain. It handles over 70% of Tokyo’s seafood supply and plays a key role in setting national and even international prices for premium fish like bluefin tuna.
The market also reflects Japan’s commitment to food safety and technological innovation. Features like:
– Air-conditioned auction halls
– Digital bidding systems
– Automated delivery tracks
– Real-time temperature monitoring
… show how Japan is adapting tradition to meet 21st-century demands.
A Global Influence on Fish Markets
The transition to Toyosu has inspired other cities—such as Seoul and Singapore—to consider modernizing their own wholesale markets with improved hygiene, sustainability, and public access features. The New Tsukiji (Toyosu) model may well become a benchmark for the future of urban food markets.
Preserving Tradition in a Modern Space
Despite its futuristic design, Toyosu Market maintains crucial elements of Japanese tradition:
– Daily rituals before tuna auctions, including prayers for safety
– Respect for the fish and the sea, reflected in handling practices
– Generational knowledge passed down among fishmongers and chefs
The market continues to attract celebrity chefs, food critics, and cultural documentarians who view it as both a culinary shrine and a testament to Japan’s reverence for freshness and precision.
Conclusion: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
So, where is the New Tsukiji Fish Market? It resides in **Toyosu, Kōtō City, Tokyo**, a modern waterfront district that now carries the torch of one of the world’s most famous fish markets. While it may not have the gritty charm of the old Tsukiji, it brings a new level of cleanliness, efficiency, and accessibility that ensures Japan’s seafood heritage will thrive for generations to come.
Whether you’re marveling at a 400-kilo bluefin tuna being dissected, savoring melt-in-your-mouth uni sushi, or simply walking through a space where tradition and technology intersect, Toyosu Market is more than just a relocation—it’s an evolution.
For travelers, food lovers, and curious minds, a visit to the New Tsukiji Fish Market (Toyosu Market) offers a unique window into Japan’s deep relationship with the sea—a relationship that remains as fresh and vital as the fish it serves every morning.
Where is New Tsukiji Fish Market located?
The New Tsukiji Fish Market, officially known as Toyosu Market, is located in the Toyosu district of Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It lies on the site of a former gas plant that underwent extensive decontamination and redevelopment before becoming the new home for Tokyo’s famed seafood market. The market occupies a large plot of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, designed with modern infrastructure to support one of the largest and most advanced fish markets in the world.
It is easily accessible via public transportation, particularly the Yurikamome Line, with the nearest station being Shijo-mae Station, just steps from the market entrance. The location was chosen as a long-term solution to replace the aging Tsukiji site and to accommodate growing demands for hygiene, logistics, and visitor experience. Unlike the old Tsukiji Market in central Tokyo, Toyosu offers ample space, better ventilation, and state-of-the-art refrigeration and handling facilities.
Why did Tsukiji Fish Market move to Toyosu?
The relocation of the Tsukiji Fish Market from its historic location to Toyosu was primarily driven by aging infrastructure and sanitation concerns. The original Tsukiji Market, operating since 1935, faced limitations in space, outdated facilities, and mounting challenges in meeting modern food safety standards. Additionally, the narrow streets and lack of refrigerated storage posed risks for both workers and seafood quality.
To address these issues and ensure the market’s sustainability, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government began planning the move in the early 2000s. The new Toyosu site, completed in 2018, offers larger, cleaner, and technologically advanced facilities with improved logistics, better hygiene controls, and greater capacity for seafood handling. The relocation was part of Tokyo’s larger urban modernization efforts in preparation for international visitors and major events like the Olympics.
What are the main sections of Toyosu Market?
Toyosu Market is divided into three primary buildings: the First Wholesale Market, the Second Wholesale Market, and the Administrative Building. The First Wholesale Market houses the tuna and other large fish auctions, along with stalls for general seafood wholesalers. This is where visitors can observe the famous tuna auctions from an elevated viewing gallery with strict hygiene protocols in place.
The Second Wholesale Market focuses on processed foods, vegetables, and smaller seafood vendors, supporting diverse supply chains. This building also includes logistics zones for deliveries and temperature-controlled storage. Together, these sections ensure efficient operations, from auction to distribution, while maintaining separation between different product categories to prevent cross-contamination and preserve freshness.
Can visitors tour Toyosu Market and watch the tuna auctions?
Yes, visitors are welcome to tour parts of Toyosu Market, including designated observation areas for the tuna auctions. These viewing galleries allow guests to witness the early-morning auction process without interfering with operations. Access is free, but spots are limited and reservations are required in advance, especially during peak times or holidays, to manage crowd control and maintain hygiene standards.
Tours are conducted in Japanese, but informational signage is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Visitors are typically allowed entry between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. for the tuna auctions, which begin around 5:30 a.m. on auction days (not held on weekends or holidays). Outside of auction times, guests can explore the outer market areas, visit restaurants, and shop at specialty seafood and kitchenware stores.
What are the opening hours of Toyosu Market?
The operating hours of Toyosu Market vary depending on the section and day of the week. Wholesale operations, such as tuna auctions, begin as early as 5:00 a.m. and conclude around 6:30 a.m. on auction days, which are typically from Tuesday to Sunday (Monday is usually a closed day unless it’s a holiday). General wholesale trading in seafood and produce follows similar early schedules, ending by 10:00 a.m.
The outer market areas, including restaurants, retail shops, and information centers, open later, usually around 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and remain open until 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. These areas are accessible to the public every day except for certain holidays and during maintenance closures. Visitors are advised to check the official Toyosu Market website for specific dates and hours.
How do I get to Toyosu Market using public transportation?
The most convenient way to reach Toyosu Market is via the Yurikamome Line, an automated transit system offering scenic views of Tokyo Bay. Travelers should take the line to Shijo-mae Station (Y12), which is directly adjacent to the market complex. Alternatively, the Tozai Subway Line stops at Toyosu Station (T-12), about a 10-minute walk from the market entrance, accessible via covered walkways.
From central Tokyo locations like Ginza or Shimbashi, the trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Visitors arriving from Haneda or Narita Airports can connect via the Tokyo Metro or express trains to access either line. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but public transit is strongly recommended due to ease of access, cost efficiency, and limited parking in the area.
Are there dining options available at Toyosu Market?
Yes, Toyosu Market features numerous dining options across its complex, particularly in the outer market areas. Visitors can enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood bowls, and traditional Japanese breakfast sets at a variety of restaurants and food stalls. Many of these eateries source their ingredients directly from the market, ensuring exceptional freshness and quality.
The market includes both high-end sushi restaurants and casual lunch counters, catering to budget-conscious travelers and food enthusiasts alike. Notable spots include Uogashi Yokocho, a vibrant food alley modeled after the old Tsukiji market’s dining culture, offering everything from tuna tataki to sea urchin bowls. Dining areas are open from early morning until early evening, aligning with the market’s operating hours.