Japan has a long-standing culture of consuming fish, with an annual seafood consumption of about 20kg per person, nearly twice the world average. To satisfy Japanese appetites, fish markets play a crucial role.
Tokyo's fish market was located in the Tsukiji area for many years. It developed with an "inner market" for industry professionals and an "outer market" for the general public, becoming known as "Tokyo's Kitchen" and boasting one of the world's largest seafood distribution volumes.
However, in recent decades, the aging of the inner market infrastructure became a problem. After years of debate, the "inner market" functions were relocated to Toyosu in 2018. The "outer market" remains in Tsukiji, where visitors can still enjoy traditional flavors at longstanding eateries and BBQ facilities!
While Toyosu Market primarily serves the industry, it also features souvenir shops, dining areas, and spaces open for public tours, making it an enjoyable tourist destination!
In this article, we'll introduce some recommended sushi restaurants in each area.
Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Shutoku Ganso
source：Tabelog
Our first recommendation in the Tsukiji Market "outer market" area is "Shutoku Ganso." With three locations in Tsukiji, I recommend the original store, which retains the atmosphere from its opening days and offers original flavors.
The tuna used here is of the highest quality, selected each morning by the sushi chefs who personally check the fat content and texture. White fish like flounder and sea bream are directly shipped from around Japan, mainly from the Kyushu area, ensuring top quality. The shari (sushi rice) is made with a secret blend that maximizes the umami of each topping when combined.
Both lunch and dinner are course-only.
Why not try the culmination of artisanal sushi skills at this hidden counter tucked away in a small alley off the outer market's main street?
Name: Tsukiji Shutoku Ganso (Former name: Kinoshige)
Address: 4-14-16 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Outer Market)
Phone: 050-5869-2824 (Reservations accepted for dinner only)
Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 (L.O. 14:30)
17:00 - 22:30 (L.O. 21:30)
URL: https://www.shu-toku.com/ganso
Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
source：Tabelog
The next restaurant we're introducing is "Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan," a counter-style establishment that suddenly appears after walking about 10 minutes down an alley from Tsukiji Station. While many sushi restaurants in Tsukiji only offer set menus or course meals, this place allows you to order individual items.
The recommended menu items are the "toro" series, fatty belly portions. As soon as you put it in your mouth, it melts, spreading a rich, fatty umami. Other toppings are also carefully prepared, and each bite is a delight. At night, you can also enjoy tempura and other dishes, which is a nice touch.
While the building is old, the interior has been renovated in a retro style, creating a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
They open at 7 AM, so you can enjoy sushi or seafood bowls for breakfast!
Name: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
Address: 1F Tsukiji 4-chome Chokai Building, 4-10-16 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Outer Market)
Phone: 03-6228-4694 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 7:00 - 20:00 (except Wednesdays)
7:00 - 15:00 (Wednesdays)
URL: https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/shoplist/cat-d/cat-12/425/
Edo-Jidai
source：Tabelog
At "Edo-Jidai," you can enjoy Edomae-style sushi crafted with the chef's dedication. For lunch, you can savor nigiri sushi sets or seafood bowls. At night, they offer an à la carte menu including sushi. The shari is a bit smaller, but the vinegar is perfectly balanced, creating an excellent combination with the toppings.
One of my recommendations unique to "Edo-Jidai" is the "3 pieces of marinated sushi." Classic toppings like tuna are thoroughly marinated in soy sauce, creating an exquisite umami when combined with the shari.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, with a characteristic decor that reflects the chef's personality and preferences. With relaxing background music, you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. In addition to counter seats, there are also table seats in the back.
Name: Edo-Jidai
Address: 4-4-14 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Outer Market)
Phone: 03-6278-0022 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 11:30 - 14:30
17:30 - 21:00
*Closed on Mondays
URL: https://www.sushi-edojidai.com/blank-2
Sushi Tomi
source：Tabelog
The next restaurant I'd like to introduce is "Sushi Tomi," a hidden gem in Tsukiji. Having just relocated in May 2024, it's still relatively unknown.
Run by "Suzutomi," a tuna specialist wholesaler, this restaurant offers authentic Edomae sushi in a clean, upscale setting. They are committed to serving "seasonal wild-caught fish," offering not only top-quality tuna but also the best seasonal catches at peak freshness. In addition to sushi, they offer numerous side dishes featuring fresh seafood, allowing you to fully enjoy Japanese cuisine.
They also serve lunch, with prices starting from just over 1,000 yen, which is quite a bargain! I recommend the "zuke bara chirashi" (marinated tuna belly scattered sushi). It's filled with generous chunks of fresh, daily-changing toppings, guaranteeing satisfaction in both taste and quantity!
Name: Tsukiji Suzutomi Sushi Tomi
Address: 1F Akimoto Building, 6-23-12 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Outer Market)
Phone: 03-3524-9255 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 17:00 - 21:00
URL: https://sushitomi.net/
Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten
source：Tabelog
The last restaurant I'd like to introduce is "Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten." This long-established shop retains its old atmosphere, giving you a feel of a traditional Japanese izakaya.
Not only is the ambiance great, but you can also enjoy delicious sushi here. Besides fresh toppings, they are particularly particular about their "shari." They not only use carefully selected rice but also insist on using 5-year aged red vinegar. The red shari, mixed with a secret blend, brings out the maximum umami of the toppings.
When you come here, don't miss the aburi (lightly seared) menu items. The surface is slightly seared with fire, bringing out a different umami and sweetness compared to raw fish. It's exquisite, especially when combined with the red shari. I often enjoy comparing regular nigiri with aburi versions. It's a great way to experience different preparations of the same topping!
Name: Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten
Address: 4-14-13 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Outer Market)
Phone: 03-3541-4180 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
*Closed on Mondays
URL: https://tukijikagura.jp/store/kagura-sushi-honten
Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Toyosu Market
Now, let's introduce some recommended restaurants in Toyosu Market!
Ichiba Sushi
source：Tabelog
First is "Ichiba Sushi." Among the restaurants in Toyosu, it's characterized by its calm, modern interior with a warm wooden feel.
Did you know that almost every part of tuna can be eaten? However, there are very few restaurants where you can eat all parts. "Ichiba Sushi" is one of those rare places that serve whole tuna. You can even enjoy the difficult-to-handle "kama" (collar) and the rare "nouten" (brain) part from the head. Try comparing the different parts!
Their anago (conger eel) is also popular. Prepared with a secret sauce and cooking method, it melts in your mouth and is addictively delicious.
While most items are available in set menus, you can order individual pieces if you order at least 6 pieces.
Name: Ichiba Sushi
Address: 315, 3F Management Facility Building, 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6633-0003 (Reservations not accepted)
Hours: 06:30 - 15:00
*Closed on Sundays and holidays
URL: https://ichibasushi.com/
Sushi Dokoro Yamazaki
source：Tabelog
Next is "Sushi Dokoro Yamazaki." With over 90 years of history as a restaurant and over 40 years in Tsukiji, this well-established shop moved to Toyosu Market in 2018. Experienced staff with extensive connections source the best fish daily.
The fat content of Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) is perfectly balanced, delivering a shocking umami when you taste them. The Aburi menu items are seared with a blowtorch right in front of you, adding to the excitement!
Depending on the timing, you might even get to taste items not on the regular menu! They also offer a service where you can exchange items you don't like, making it easy for foreign tourists to enjoy their favorite sushi without worry.
Name: Sushi Dokoro Yamazaki
Address: 3F Management Facility Building, 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6633-0215 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 7:00 - 13:30 *Closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, and holidays
URL: https://www.sushi-yamazaki.com/
Ryu Sushi
source：Toyosu Gourmet
Next is another long-established shop that moved from Tsukiji, "Ryu Sushi," which specializes in wild-caught fish. While their raw nigiri is certainly delicious, they excel in preparing each topping to maximize its umami, whether by searing or firming up the texture with vinegar.
Their specialty is the "exquisite Edomae anago (conger eel)." Simmered over low heat for over 3 hours and glazed with a secret sauce, enjoying this anago with red shari is an unforgettable experience! It's also available as an anago don (eel rice bowl), which leaves you feeling incredibly satisfied.
They're open from early morning until early afternoon, but because they only serve fresh, high-quality items, some may sell out around noon. I recommend going early!
Name: Ryu Sushi
Address: 3F Management Facility Building, Block 7, 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6633-0053 (Reservations accepted)
Hours: 6:30 - 14:00 (Until 14:30 on Saturdays and holidays)
Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays
URL: http://toyosu.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/shop/7-ryuzushi/index.html
Daiwazushi
source：Toyosu Gourmet
Located on the 1F of the fruit and vegetable market directly connected to the new market, "Daiwazushi" takes advantage of its proximity to offer supremely fresh toppings. In pursuit of freshness, they start preparations at 2 AM and open for business at 6:00 AM. Even at 6:30, there's often a line.
The menu offers a choice between the "omakase" set featuring the day's recommendations or "okonomi" where you can choose your favorite toppings. Personally, I often have the "omakase" set first, then order a few pieces of "okonomi" based on my mood! Starting your day by enjoying freshly sourced toppings first thing in the morning is sure to put you in a happy mood all day!
You might find it less crowded around 10 AM on weekdays, but be aware that some items might be sold out!
Name: Daiwazushi
Address: 1F Fruit and Vegetable Building, Block 5, 6-3-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6633-0220 (Reservations not accepted)
Hours: 6:00 - 13:00
Closed on Sundays and holidays
URL: https://www.instagram.com/daiwazushi/
Sushi Dai
source：Toyosu Gourmet
"Sushi Dai," which was known for 4-5 hour waits in its Tsukiji days, has also moved to Toyosu.
"Sushi Dai" is strongly committed to "always serving the best fish," and their basic offering is the "omakase set" featuring the day's recommendations. The system allows you to choose 9 pieces of omakase plus 1 piece of your choice. The daily specials listed on the blackboard are also menu items that are particularly delicious on that day, so be sure to try them!
Many fans start lining up before 5 AM, so expect to wait. They start taking reservations at the storefront at 5 AM, so I usually spend the time until my reservation watching the auctions or touring Tsukiji market. While getting in might be challenging, you're guaranteed to encounter sushi that will move you!
Name: Sushi Dai
Address: 3F Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market Building, Block 6, 6-5-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6633-0042 (Reservations only accepted at the storefront)
Hours: 6:00 - 14:00
Closed on Sundays and holidays
URL: http://toyosu.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/shop/6-sushidai/index.html