Feasting at Toyosu Market and Exploring The Nearby Attractions – Japan’s Statue of Liberty and A Rainbow-Coloured Ferris Wheel

The Tsukiji Market was the largest fish and seafood market in the world, but it closed its doors last October and shifted to the new Toyosu Market. It’s a huge pity I didn’t get to visit the Tsukiji Market before it moved, but I managed to learn about Japan’s fish and seafood industry at the Toyosu Market. Toyosu spans across 3 blocks handling different fresh foods (2 for seafood and 1 for fruits and vegetables) and functions within the market.

The market is so modernised now, and due to hygiene issues, you can only view the auction and action from the wholesale halls from observation windows. You can still witness the popular tuna auction from the Tsukuji Market at the new Toyosu Market, but no longer from a close proximity. If you’ve watched the tuna auction from the old market, I guess it’s an entirely different experience at the new market because the new market has lost its traditional local charm. Regular visitors like me, are also not permitted to visit the wholesale market, so there’s no fun visiting a fish and seafood market anymore, is there?

That being said, you should still visit the Toyosu Market at least once, to try the fresh and high quality seafood served at the restaurants. Despite arriving there around 10.30am, I still had to queue for almost an hour for a bowl of Chirashi Don. The queue was super worthwhile! The 7-kinds Chirashi bowl (¥3,600) features sea urchin, salmon roe, salmon, negitoro (tuna), squid, scallop, raw shrimp and crab claw. It’s on the pricier side, but you are paying for the freshness and the quality. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind returning to the Toyosu Market when I revisit Tokyo again – just for a good bowl of Chirashi Don.

Toyosu Market
Address: 6-Chome, Toyosu, Koto, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Opening Hours: 5am to 5pm. Closed on some Wednesdays, national holidays, and Sundays. Please check their website for more details before your visit.
Website: http://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.jp/english/

To make your visit to the Toyosu Market more interesting, you can stop by at nearby attractions such as the Odaiba Waterfront for the Statue of Liberty and the Daikanransha Ferris Wheel. You can take a leisurely stroll and gaze upon the Tokyo Tower from the Symbol promenade park, enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and the high-rise buildings on the opposite shore, explore the remains of a fortress that was set up there 150 years ago, and view the cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring.

Statue of Liberty
Address: 4-Chome, Daiba, Minato, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan

Daikanransha
Address: 1-Chome, Aomi, Koto, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan

Many of you have been asking how I managed to capture the pictures without a single soul photo-bombing. Well, I was diligent (if not, crazy) enough to get up at 5.30am and start my adventures the moment the sun rises up. I recommend combining your visit to the Toyosu Market with the Odaiba Waterfront to make the best out of the trip. If you prefer not to be photobombed, you can head to the waterfront before having lunch at the market.