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.

You are prepaid for the tour and for several tastings associated with the itinerary stops.