Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Tsukiji Outer Market
Photos & Highlights
- Learn about the history of Japanese cuisine
- Led by a culinary expert
Select a date
Tour Description
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's world-famous Tsukiji Market on this 3-hour Tokyo food tour led by a local expert who is deeply knowledgeable about the market and Japanese food more generally. Together, you'll visit the outer market and look at how the country's cuisine is heavily influenced by the seasons and geography, the central role that seafood plays in the Japanese diet, and — of course — taste some amazing Tsukiji sushi.
The Tsukiji district was built from land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay; tsukiji translates to “reclaimed land.” To see what the area looked like before the market was built in 1935, we'll start our tour at an exhibition of historical woodblock prints and of photographs of the market’s famous tuna auctions. We'll then begin our market visit, starting at a handful of small shops that sell restaurant-quality kitchen supplies like hand-forged knives. From there we will head into the main market itself, which — as tourism has boomed — has become an ever-growing maze of food stalls and small restaurants. It can get busy but your expert will help you navigate this and select some delicious food for you to try which will not include the more obvious tourist traps.
Japanese food really plays to the senses. As you taste your way along the walk, you'll see how impeccably presented the meals are, from a hearty selection of humble rice balls to delicate sashimi. You'll sample a variety of key ingredients, such as a rainbow of pickled things (tsukemono), Japanese plums (ume), or authentic miso soup broth ingredients.
You'll continue eating your way through the outer market, where you may make stops for tamagoyaki, the rolled, slightly sweet omelet, pomegranate vinegar, meat dumplings, or gluten in assorted forms. Your expert will plan a broad and diverse taste of Japan and its capital city.
After a delicious walking tour of Tokyo’s Tsukiji outer market, you'll leave with all five senses satisfied and with a better understanding of the influences, seasonal, cultural, and beyond, on Japanese cuisine.
Choose this tour if...
- You're a food lover eager to indulge in a culinary adventure and taste local specialties.
- You’re hoping to discover the Tsukiji Market through the eyes of a local expert.
- You like to discover history and culture through food.
- Tsukiji Outer Market - A mixture of wholesale and retail shops, along with numerous restaurants, line the streets, and where new culinary trends are born.
You are prepaid for the tour and for several tastings associated with the itinerary stops.
Where do we meet? Where does it end? Generally speaking, the walk begins near Tsukiji Market. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The walk typically ends at a restaurant nearby.
How much food will I be tasting on this tour?
While exact tastings vary by guide and your tastes, we can guarantee that you will not leave this experience hungry. The tour through the market culminates in a sit-down stop for either a filling bowl of kaisendon, a plate of tempura, or a variety of sushi.
How much food will I be tasting on this tour?
While exact tastings vary by guide and your tastes, we can guarantee that you will not leave this experience hungry. The tour through the market culminates in a sit-down stop for either a filling bowl of kaisendon, a plate of tempura, or a variety of sushi.
Can the tour accommodate those with allergies or dietary restrictions? We do our best to accommodate everyone. If you have severe allergies to seafood or nuts, there will be items you can eat during the tasting, but cross-contamination may be a problem. The best thing to do is to let us know when you book if anyone in your party has allergies or dietary restrictions. We can check in on dishes, order ahead, and do everything possible to ensure you enjoy your tasting and meal. Vegetarians can join, but there will be fewer samples available as the vast majority of the market is seafood. Gluten-free diets are easy to accommodate; there are sometimes trace amounts of wheat in soy sauce, but it can be avoided.
Is there a maximum on group size? Yes, we strongly recommend a max of 6 per group. Tsukiji Market is busy and the pathways are narrow.
Does the tour include the tuna auction? No, unfortunately, the wholesale market section of Tsukiji Market (also known as the 'inner market') where the famous tuna auctions took place closed in October 2018 and moved to a different site.
Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
–
375 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Manami did a great job leading our food tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market. She provided great context before we went in and was a great guide, providing interesting back story throughout the market. We all loved this tour. Thank you!
Victoria
Reviewed on:
Jan 3, 2026
Great guide
Kevin
Reviewed on:
Dec 22, 2025
Rafael was terrific. He provided great background on Japanese culture and how it intersected with food. We enjoyed his insights and all the places he brought us to taste food. He’s an excellent guide. This is a highlight of our trip.
Deirdre
Reviewed on:
Dec 22, 2025
