Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour & Street Eats

Summary

Tokyo’s Tsukiji market flavors with local stories and street food

You’ll wander Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market with a local guide who knows every shortcut and snack stand. Taste fresh sushi, sweet omelets, and piping-hot fish cakes as you learn about traditions behind every bite. There’s time for quiet moments at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple too — and plenty of chances to laugh or get lost among the stalls.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought I knew sushi before this morning in Tokyo. But standing in the middle of Tsukiji Fish Market, watching a vendor slice tuna with hands that moved like he was folding origami — it just hit different. Our guide, Emi, waved us over to try tamagoyaki (that sweet omelet thing), and I nearly dropped it when she explained how each stall’s recipe is a family secret. The air smelled like grilled eel and seaweed, which sounds weird but somehow works at 9am.

We’d started at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. It looks nothing like the shrines I’d seen on postcards — more like something out of India or maybe even Europe? Emi told us about its Buddhist roots while we watched old men bow at the entrance. Then we wandered into the outer market, which is basically a maze of tiny stalls and shouting vendors. Someone handed me a fried fish cake so hot it nearly burned my fingers; I still remember that first bite — crunchy outside, soft inside, little bit salty. Emi laughed when I tried to say “arigato” properly (pretty sure I failed).

The whole day trip around Tsukiji was honestly just one surprise after another. There were moments where you had to squeeze past locals shopping for dinner or dodge delivery carts zipping by. At one point I lost track of our group because I got distracted by a display of pickled vegetables in colors I didn’t know existed — pinks and yellows that looked almost neon under the market lights. We ended up sharing fresh sushi at a counter tucked behind some crates; not fancy, but probably the best meal I had in Japan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tsukiji Market and Temple

• Visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
• Tour Tsukiji Fish Market with guide
• Walk through Tsukiji Jogai Market stalls

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Tsukiji Fish Market tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included for this tour.

Does the tour include food tastings?

Yes, you’ll sample sushi, Japanese-style omelets, and fried fish cakes during the tour.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide will speak both Japanese and English fluently.

Are entry fees included for all stops?

Yes, entry to Tsukiji Fish Market, Jogai Market, and Hongwanji Temple are included.

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants can join in strollers or on laps; service animals are also allowed.

How long does the walking part last?

The walking portion covers several hours through markets and temple grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to both Tsukiji Fish Market and Hongwanji Temple, guided walks through Jogai Market with an English-speaking local expert by your side, plus tastings of fresh sushi, Japanese omelets, and fried fish cakes along the way.