Tsukiji Market - Information About Its Relocation To Toyosu

Tsukiji’s Moving? What Do You Mean?

The planned site, Toyosu Market

The issues surrounding the relocation of Tsukiji Market have been a hot topic in Japan and overseas. As a major tourist destination within Tokyo, people want to know when, where and why it’s moving.

We’ve collected basic information about the Tsukiji relocation.

Why Is It Moving?

A “turret truck,” a commonly seen mini-vehicle at Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market opened in 1935, and after more than eight decades of operation, its facilities are deteriorating. Space, or the lack of it, is another issue. The trucks coming and going are constantly backed up, and there is not enough space to store inventory. In these conditions, it is difficult to ensure the safety of workers and the pristine hygiene conditions necessary for dealing with seafood. In addition, in order to keep up with the latest earthquake proofing, a necessity in Japan, either massive upgrades or a total relocation would be necessary. After a long debate, it was decided that a move to the wider Toyosu Market would resolve these issues.

In a related historical note, the market was already relocated before; after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the partially-destroyed Nihonbashi Fish Market moved to Tsukiji.

When Will the Market Move?

Tsukiji Market was originally supposed to move in November 2016. As of now, June 2017, the relocation has still not happened, because the new site is being strictly investigated to ensure that it is safe.

“We want to check out the Japanese fish market!” While the delay is probably very irritating for tourists, at the moment there is nothing to do but wait. Whether the market ends up staying at Tsukiji or moving to Toyosu, it will only happen when measures to guarantee hygiene and safety have been fully taken, so please wait for the day when the market will be reborn.

Really, even Japanese people don’t know when Tsukiji is going to move. When information about the move is confirmed, this page will update. MATCHA will also update its Facebook pages in English, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Easy Japanese and Japanese, as well as on other SNS, so check back periodically.

What Will Happen When Tsukiji Moves?

Tsukiji Market now

Tsukiji Market’s jonai area will be relocated and renovated, but even after the move, the jogai area and all its restaurants will continue operations as usual. While the jonai area’s new facilities have not been yet set in stone, there has been talk of sports grounds and shopping malls. Even after the wholesale market moves, Tsukiji will continue to be Tokyo’s best sightseeing spot!

How Should You Enjoy Tsukiji?

Stay in Tokyo the Day Before If You Want to Check Out the Jonai Area

The jonai area is bustling from sunup through the morning. The popular tuna auctions run from 5 to 6 AM. Since most Japanese trains start running from 4, if you want to be certain you’ll be able to enjoy the jonai area at Tsukiji, stay at a nearby hotel. Of course, if you just want to eat in the jogai area, it’s fine to show up in the afternoon. Be advised that the market is closed on Sundays and holidays, and sometimes closes on Wednesdays. Check the homepage for details.

Manners for Enjoying Tsukiji

Plat Tsukiji - The Visitors' Guide To Tsukiji Market, source

If you’re going to go sightseeing in Tsukiji and you need some information, make Plat Ginza your first stop. Check out our Plat Tsukiji article for more.

Also, Tsukiji Market is a professional workplace. Don’t forget that you are visiting a place where people are working, and remember the points below.

・Trucks and turret trucks will be coming and going, and they have priority. Keep an eye on your surroundings so as to avoid accidents.

・As a general rule, there is no smoking in the jonai area, so go to designated spots if you want to smoke.

・No photography is allowed in the fish wholesalers area.

・Wear light clothing that is easy to move in, and avoid bringing in cumbersome luggage.

・Try to travel in as small a group as possible. Tour groups are prohibited.

Follow the rules and enjoy looking around the market!

*This information is current as of May 2017.