Visit Japan: Tsukiji Market

 

If you’re a fan of fresh seafood and delicious Japanese street food, then Tsukiji Outer Market should be at the top of your list when visiting Tokyo. 

The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with a variety of food stalls, and the aroma from them all is absolutely irresistible! 

From the moment we stepped into the market, we knew we were in for an unforgettable culinary experience.

First Stop: Fatty Tuna Nigiri

Our adventure began with a bang—fresh fatty tuna nigiri. We splurged a bit and got 4 pieces for 4000 yen (about $27.43), and let me tell you, it was worth every penny! The tuna was so tender and rich, it practically melted in your mouth. You could taste the ocean’s freshness in every bite. If you visit Tsukiji, don’t skip out on this. It's one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences that you'll never forget.

Next Up: A5 Wagyu Beef

Then, it was time for some serious indulgence with a stick of A5 grade wagyu beef. This was hands-down the best wagyu I’ve ever had. It was grilled right before our eyes and was so tender that it almost melted in our mouths with each bite. There’s just something special about enjoying such high-quality beef while standing at a bustling market stall.

Teppanyaki Wagyu Beef & Crab Legs

After savoring that delicious wagyu, we shared a plate of teppanyaki wagyu steak, which came with grilled onions and garlic. The steak was perfectly seared and incredibly flavorful. To top it off, we also had some steamed crab legs that were so sweet and juicy, they disappeared in no time. We were all in food heaven!

Time for a Break

The boys, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the exciting chaos of the market, wanted to take a break, so we found a quiet sit-down restaurant. We ordered some salmon sushi and a bowl of inure (a traditional Japanese soup) with crab legs. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge before diving back into the market frenzy.

Strawberry Daifuku – A Sweet Ending

After our break, we couldn’t resist exploring a little more, and of course, I had to try a strawberry daifuku from one of the vendors.  I think I ate a strawberry daifuku every day during our Japan trip! They were all delicious!

Tsukiji Uogashi: A Hidden Gem

As we continued to wander, we stumbled upon Tsukiji Uogashi, a part of the market where wholesalers sell raw fish and prepared seafood. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed here (there’s a sign at the entrance), so I can’t share any snaps with you, but trust me, it’s a must-visit spot! If you’re looking for top-tier seafood, this place is the real deal. It was fun Just looking at the different varieties of fresh seafood that's sold here.

Don’t Forget the Food Court!

While you’re exploring Tsukiji, be sure to head upstairs to the third floor, where you’ll find a food court. Locals recommend this spot for a more relaxed, sit-down meal. It’s a great place to unwind after hours of market browsing, and the food is just as amazing as the stalls below.

In case you're wondering, there is soda in this glass, not beer!

You can also get a nice view of the Outer Market from up here!

Tsukiji Fish Market was one of the standout highlights of our trip, food-wise. From the rich, melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna to the best wagyu beef I've ever tasted, every bite was heavenly!