Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

※closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, and occasionally on other irregular days. Many shops in Tsukiji are also closed due to the closure of Toyosu. Toyosu Market (豊洲市場, Toyosu Shijō) opened on October 11, 2018 on the man-made island of Toyosu in the Bay of Tokyo. It took over the wholesale business from the aging Tsukiji Market and provides tourists with an opportunity to observe the market action and to dine at restaurants across its large, modern premises. The huge wholesale market consists of three main buildings: two buildings for seafood and one for fruits and vegetables. All buildings are connected with each other and Shijo-mae Station via walkways. This tour is available at 8AM onwards. If you are interested to see the Tuna auction, please book Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour which can be booked at 5AM.

Tsukiji is the old fish market of Japan! It is full of delicious and unique foods. Locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the great selection here! Be sure to purchase something while you are here to support the local business! Tsukiji may not be available in December/start of January due to requests from the market to not have tours during the holidays. We thank you for your understanding in advance. Many shops in Tsukiji are closed due to the closure of Toyosu. ※closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, national holidays, new years and occasionally on other irregular days.

One of the favorite pastimes of many a visitor to Japan is going on a souvenir shopping spree, hauling in as many amazing goods and deals as possible. In Ginza, people shop for high-end and trendy fashion in its many department stores and high-class duty free shops, while Shinjuku is known for its abundance of massive electronics retailers – Tokyo offers many a shopping spree hot spot.

Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It looks back on a 1,300 year-long history and is also famous for its entrance gate called Kaminarimon which stands out through its large red lantern. Sensoji itself is not the only reason why you should visit the area. The oldest shopping street in Japan, called Nakamise Dori is located beyond Kaminarimon and leads to the temple's main hall. On Nakamise Dori you can buy traditional Japanese craft items as well as delicious snacks such as fried mochi (glutinous rice cakes).

Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. This street is actually on temple property and so it starts and ends with a temple gate: at the southern end is the outer gate of Kaminarimon, and at the northern end is the inner gate of Hozomon. Between these two gates are 89 shops, with 54 shops on the east side, and 35 shops on the west. “Nakamise” is a traditional name given to shopping streets on the grounds of temples or shrines, so this is not the only “Nakamise” in Japan, but it is one of the oldest and most famous.

Kappabashi Street (かっぱ橋道具街, Kappabashi Dōgugai) is a shopping street between Ueno and Asakusa, which is lined with several dozens of stores selling everything needed by restaurant operators, with the exception of fresh food. You will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and more. There are also a few stores which sell plastic and wax food samples, used by many restaurants in their show windows.

Monjayaki is a liquid-y, hot, admittedly unattractive dish—but, once you get over looks and into substance, you’ll forgive its appearance and dive in. A thin batter made with flour and dashi (Japanese stock) forms the base, and with myriad combinations of toppings there’s something for everyone. If you’ve never tried it—either intentionally like me, or through not knowing it existed—there’s only one place to go in Tokyo, and it’s literally called Monja Street.

One of best shopping streets in Tokyo, with the well-remained old town “Shitamachi” atmosphere. Explore the nostalgic side of Tokyo through Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street! Yanaka (谷中) is a quiet neighbourhood in Taito ward, east Tokyo. The area is known as old-town district (Shitamachi in Japanese) where nostalgic and rustic vibes are well remained. Yanaka can be accessed from Ueno easily and it’s in a walking distance from Ueno Park. Yanaka is a residential and low-key commercial district where many locals live, and old shops and buildings gather. Yanaka Ginza (谷中銀座) is locals’ favourite place to shop, eat and hang out with neighbours. It’s the most lively part of the district where visitors can feel the true vibes of local activities.