Tsukiji Outer Market is still going strong
Tsukiji once had one of the largest fish markets in the world. That came to an end in 2018 when it moved to Toyosu. However, the outer market remains a popular destination for locals and tourists. It is still going strong. Tokyo street and food photographers love it.
Many people associate Tsukiji with fish. But there is much more. Anything you need for a restaurant or kitchen can be found there. Need knives? No problem. Need some wasabi? They have that. It might be the ultimate foodie destination.
Why it is an awesome Tokyo photo spot?
Vibrant Atmosphere: Tsukiji Outer Market is energetic. Daily life is the hustle and bustle of fishmongers, shoppers, and vendors. The dynamic atmosphere provides opportunities to capture candid moments and interactions.
Colorful Displays: The market has so many colors. The seafood, fresh produce, and culinary delights are eye-catching. They can be a delight to photograph.
Authentic Japanese Culture: You can see this at Tsukiji Outer Market. You can witness sushi making and stalls serving street food. It is perfect for capturing images that reflect the essence of Japanese life.
Varied Subjects: Tsukiji Outer Market has a wide range of photographic subjects. There are the fishmongers. Local shoppers inspect and buy seafood. Restaurants and food stalls offer various delicacies. The number of things to photograph is almost unlimited.
Alleys: Duck into these. You never know how many photos wait down them. Maybe even some world-class sushi too!
Details and Textures: There are so many at the market. They will add depth and interest to your street photographs. There are intricate fish scales and rough surfaces of wooden stalls. Capture the many visual elements in your images. Just be careful of the no photography signs in some shops!
Highlights of Tsukiji Outer Market
- Tsukiji Honganji – this is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple, over the road. Chuta Ito was the architect. He is the guy who also designed Meiji Shrine. The building is concrete and has many Indian influences.
- Namiyoke Inari Shrine – It is behind the market near the river. The name means “avoid waves.” Fishermen used to pray there before setting out to sea.
- Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan – if you want some great sushi. Check out this place. It is amazing. You can find it down a side alley.
- Kitsuneya – Horumon-don (offal on rice) is the dish to eat at this restaurant. The shop is on the street. Basically, it is a counter with a few seats and benches, but the line of people outside is always long! This is Japanese street food at its best!
Is Tsukiji Outer Market still worth it in 2024 and beyond?
You’d think that with the Toyosu fish market opening in 2018, Tsukiji mightn’t be worth visiting. That’s not the case. It still has much to offer photographers. Judge by the crowds! People go there in droves.
Having said that, Tsukiji Outer Market has one downside. Japan is a world-class tourist destination. Everyone loves its food. That combined with a weak yen has pushed up prices. What used to be cheap, can now be expensive.
Where is Tsukiji Outer Market?
It’s in Chuo City next to the Sumida River and Kachidoki Bridge. You could even walk there from Ginza.
Closest subway stations:
- Tsukiji – Hibiya Line
- Tsukijishijo – Oedo Line
Here it is on a Google map:
Opening hours
Generally speaking, from 5 am to 2 pm. But hours vary from shop to shop.
Closed
Sundays and national holidays
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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