Cool Japan in Tsukiji: 4 Unique Places to Visit

Located near the popular Ginza district, Tsukiji is famous for its vibrant market, visited by people from all around the world.

In this article, we would like to introduce must-visit places along with hidden gems in the Tsukiji area. Our selection includes a sushi restaurant, a green tea shop, and a shop offering tasty traditional sweets!

1. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple is a marvel of Buddhist architecture located in the heart of Tsukiji. The main hall, completed in 1940, was designed by architect Chuta Ito and is influenced by Indian Buddhist architecture and ancient Greece and Rome. It features a dome resembling a stupa, carvings of elephants and lotus flowers, and other decorative details.

A less known fact about Tsukiji Hongwanji is that its grounds are home to graves of famous people. Many historical figures are laid to rest here, including Shinsengumi member Shinpachi Nagakura, writer Futaro Yamada, and poet Akiko Yosano.

Recent renovations have made Tsukiji Honganji a fusion of tradition and modernity. For example, the modern design of the cafe, Tsukiji Hongwanji Cafe Tsumugi, is popular for its traditional Japanese and Western cuisine. Especially recommended are the cold seiro soba noodles, green tea parfait, and other foods with a Japanese flavor.

In addition, seasonal events such as the lighting up of the temple at night called “Joyo-e" and the summer Bon Odori dance festival are also held at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.

2. Tsukiji Sushiko

If you visit Tsukiji, then trying some of the local sushi is a must! You can enjoy the most delicious sushi in Japan in a cozy atmosphere at a restaurant called Tsukiji Sushiko.

The lunch menu includes 10 pieces of sushi and miso soup for 1,100 yen. Moreover, the sushi toppings are generous, offering better value compared to other sushi restaurants.

Being located outside Tsukiji Market, this restaurant is less crowded than those inside the market, making it an accessible choice for everyone, whether you're a sushi lover or not!

Our recommended topping is tuna – it is incredibly soft, fatty, and boasts an elegant taste. Make sure to take a break here and savor your trip!

3. Matcha Stand Maruni TOKYO TSUKIJI: Green Tea and Ice Cream

If walking around Tsukiji makes you feel thirsty, stop by Matcha Stand Maruni TOKYO TSUKIJI, a green tea shop and cafe where you can enjoy tea tasting.

We tried the genmaicha (green tea mixed with roasted rice), which was refreshing and went down smoothly!

You can also savor ice cream at the shop. They offer a variety of flavors such as matcha green tea, salted milk made with salt boiled for 13 hours, jet-black vanilla made with bamboo charcoal, and a limited-time white peach sorbet.

It's hard to decide which one to choose! After indulging in the ice cream, we were all feeling refreshed and full of energy again.

4. Tsukiji Soratsuki: Strawberry Daifuku Sweets

Heading to the station after a Tsukiji adventure? Don't miss this strawberry daifuku haven (*1)!

*1 Daifuku: Traditional confection made with sweet bean paste wrapped in a layer of mochi (glutinous rice).

As you unwind from the bustling streets of Tokyo's Tsukiji, a hidden gem awaits just off the beaten path—a specialty shop dedicated to strawberry daifuku sweets called Tsukiji Soratsuki.

When your tired feet crave something sweet, this is the place to indulge in everything from traditional red bean and strawberry to innovative twists like salted red bean or creamy whipped cream with strawberries.

The showcase dazzles with meticulously crafted strawberry daifuku sweets—each bite featuring locally grown, sweet, juicy strawberries nestled in melt-in-your-mouth mochi, delivering a perfect balance of flavors. The shop itself is cozy with a laid-back vibe, perfect for grabbing your treats to go.

Feeling sweaty? Try the salted red bean for a unique twist. For a refreshing delight, we highly recommend the whipped cream and strawberry combo. Its creamy sweetness and fruity freshness are a match made in heaven, especially on a hot day.

Whether you're a first-timer or a sweet tooth veteran, this spot promises a delightful experience exploring the best of Japanese confectionery. For those craving authentic Japanese sweets in Tsukiji, this strawberry daifuku shop is a must-visit. It's the perfect place to wrap up your journey with a sweet flourish!

Enjoy Exploring Tsukiji!

We hope our selection made you curious and that you will explore the hidden gems of Tsukiji. There are so many individually owned, cool shops in this area!