Toyosu Fish Market

The Basics

A visit to the Toyosu Fish Market is a highlight of many Tokyo trips and the tuna auction remains the biggest draw. Watch for free from a gallery above the action (arrive early to secure your spot) or an observation deck on the auction floor. For the latter, you need to apply for access and spaces are limited, assigned by lottery system. The entire registration process is in Japanese, so hiring a local guide or attending as part of an organized auction tour is the ideal way to overcome the language barrier.

Alternatively, visit independently or as part of a small-group or private Tokyo city or food tour to explore the Toyosu Fish Market stalls and restaurants with a local. Some tours combine Toyosu and Tsujiki into one convenient half- or full-day excursion and some also include a sushi-making workshop.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Toyosu Fish Market is the place to be if you want to experience the atmosphere of a live tuna auction; it’s free to enter the second-floor viewing gallery.

• To access the observation deck, apply in advance; spaces are limited, assigned at random, and you’ll need to bring your ID if selected.

• Wear layers and comfy shoes with good grip, as the market is cool, vast, and the floors are often slippery.

• Expect to spend around two hours enjoying the Toyosu Fish Market.

• Signage at the Toyosu Fish Market is in English and Japanese; there are also language volunteers on hand to help translate the auction experience.

• Toyosu Fish Market is accessible for wheelchair users, although those with limited mobility may struggle with long walking distances.

How to Get There

Toyosu Fish Market is situated in the Koto ward of Tokyo, in Tokyo Bay. Well-connected by road and rail, the closest station is Shijomae and trains typically start running to the market around 5:30am. To catch the tuna auction without an organized tour, it’s worth spending the night in a nearby hotel and arriving by taxi in the morning.

When to Get There

Toyosu Fish Market is typically open from 5am to 5pm year-round, with the exception of Sundays and national holidays. The tuna auctions generally run from 5:30am to 6:30am, with the market activity wrapping up by around 8am. Most shops and restaurants (situated on the fourth floor) don’t open until 7am, though, so plan to stay a little longer if you want to experience both the early-morning auctions and grab some food.

Should I Buy Bluefin Tuna at Toyosu?

While the tuna auction is a key part of the Toyosu experience, bluefin tuna is also extremely vulnerable and at risk of extinction from overfishing. While visitors cannot buy cuts of fresh fish at the Toyosu Fish Market anyway, it’s worth reconsidering ordering bluefin tuna in your omakase and sushi dishes at the market’s on-site restaurants and eateries. Instead, look for scallops, skipjack, mackerel, or sustainably caught salmon and squid.

Ways to explore

A visit to the Toyosu Fish Market is a highlight of many Tokyo trips. The tuna auction is the biggest draw for travelers; watch for free from a gallery above the action—arrive early to secure your spot—or an observation deck on the auction floor. For the latter, you need to apply for access: spaces are limited and assigned by a lottery system. Hiring a local guide or attending with an auction tour are ideal options for overcoming any language barriers.

Alternatively, visit independently or as part of a tour group. A variety of tour options are available, including food tours, city sightseeing walks, small-group trips, or private excursions. Some tours combine Toyosu and Tsukiji (where an outside market remains) into one convenient half- or full-day excursion, or you can book packages that include a sushi-making workshop, too.

Accessibility

Toyosu Fish Market is accessible to wheelchairs, and there are elevators between the different levels.

Age limits

None, though the crowds and super-early start might not appeal to younger kids.

What to pack

Not all of the restaurants in Toyosu Fish Market accept cards, so be sure to carry some yen.

What to wear

It can feel cold inside the market—which helps keep the fish refrigerated—so pack a sweater or coat.

Not allowed

Access to the wholesale market floor

Amenities

Rooftop terrace, restaurants, restrooms

Address

There is no parking for the public at Toyosu Fish Market, so it's best to travel via public transportation. Alternatively, tours often included convenient round-trip transportation to save you the stress of navigating buses or the metro in the early morning.

Driving

The market encourages visitors to arrive by public transportation, as it doesn’t offer on-site parking to the public.

Public transportation

The market is right beside Shin-toyosu station, served by the Yurikamome line, and Shijō-mae station via the Yurikamome line. Alternatively, board the Tokyo BRT bus from Shimbashi station on the Yamanote line, which takes you directly to the market in around 10 minutes.

Best times to visit

The tuna auction typically starts at 5:45am; arrive early to secure a spot from the viewing deck, which opens at 5am.

Best days to visit

The market typically is closed on Sundays and some Wednesdays, so plan your visit outside of these days.

Best months to visit

Regardless of which month you’re visiting, you’ll need to apply for a spot on the viewing deck for the tuna auction online a month in advance of your visit. Applications typically open in the first week of the month.

Special events

In July, the Toyosu Summer Festival sees street food stalls and festival games in full swing surrounding the market.