Tsukiji vs. Toyosu: The Fish Market Move Explained
The 2018 move: inner market to Toyosu
For over 80 years, Tsukiji was one place — both the wholesale auction (where fish wholesalers bid on giant tuna) and the outer market (where tourists ate). In October 2018, Tokyo moved the inner wholesale market to Toyosu, a new purpose-built facility in waterfront Tokyo, to free up the historic Tsukiji land (which is now being redeveloped).
The outer market — the 400+ stalls and shops where tourists eat — stayed at Tsukiji. That is the market tourists care about. When people ask, "Is Tsukiji still worth visiting?", the answer is yes, because the eating destination is still there.
Tsukiji Outer Market: where tourists eat
The Tsukiji Outer Market is the street-food destination. You arrive 7:00–10:00 am (see best times to visit), walk the aisles, stop at tamagoyaki (egg cake) stalls, buy fresh tuna or uni bowls, eat at sit-down sushi counters, and graze for 2–3 hours. Most items cost ¥300–1,000 (tamagoyaki, skewers, onigiri, taiyaki). Carry ¥8,000 in cash. Many stalls are cash-only. This is what the Tsukiji market tour covers.
Toyosu: the auction, but not for tourists
Toyosu is a modern wholesale facility where the daily tuna auction happens. There is an auction viewing deck where tourists can watch auctioneers, wholesalers, and refrigerated tuna trucks for about 30 minutes. But:
Hours are early: 5:00–11:00 am (and closed Sundays and some holidays).
No eating: Toyosu is a working warehouse. There are a small café and a gift shop, but nothing like the food stalls of Tsukiji.
Not a substitute for Tsukiji: you are watching an auction, not eating real food.
Should I visit both Tsukiji and Toyosu?
Most tourists should skip Toyosu. The auction is brief, the hours are brutal (5:00 am), and you cannot eat. If you have time and wake up at 4:00 am, it is interesting to watch (authenticity), but it is not a food experience.
A food tour keeps you at Tsukiji, where the real eating happens. The Tsukiji market tour ($25, 2 h) is timed 8:00–10:00 am for the sweet spot, and the guide knows every stall.
Go to Tsukiji to eat. Go to Toyosu only if you are obsessed with auctions and have a 5:00 am wake-up in you. For most travelers, Tsukiji is the Tokyo fish market experience.
Frequently asked questions
Did Tsukiji market close in 2018?
The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu in October 2018. The Outer Market (where tourists eat) stayed at Tsukiji. Tsukiji is still the food destination.
What is at Toyosu now?
The inner wholesale market and tuna auction. There is a viewing deck where you watch auctioneers for ~30 min. No eating. Hours are 5:00–11:00 am.
Should I visit Toyosu or Tsukiji?
Tsukiji, unless you are a hardcore auction geek. Tsukiji has food; Toyosu has an auction deck and a café. A Tsukiji food tour ($25) covers the real experience.
Can I eat at Toyosu?
Barely. There is a small café and a gift shop, but Toyosu is a working warehouse. Tsukiji is where the food is. The two are not comparable.
What time should I visit Toyosu?
5:00–11:00 am (closed Sundays, some holidays). The auction happens 5:00–7:00 am. Go very early or do not go.
Are Tsukiji and Toyosu the same place?
No. Tsukiji = outer market, food stalls, where tourists eat (7:00–14:00). Toyosu = wholesale auction, viewing deck, no eating (5:00–11:00 am). Different experiences, different purposes.