Tsukiji Market ((築地市場 Tsukiji Shijō) has become one of the places that must be visited while in Tokyo, Japan. This place has been known as a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. According to Japan guide, Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world’s largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to see the tuna auction that usually takes place early morning (around 5 am). However, this place attracts not only foreign tourists, but also visitors from within Japan. It’s why we decided to visit Tsukiji Market on our second trip to Japan in July 2015. Click here to see the Complete Itinerary of our first Japan trip last year (July 23 until 05 August, 2014) for your reference.
I have a few tips for you, especially for girls and women. Make sure you wear clothes that are lightweight and comfortable, casual shoes (without heels) as you may need to survive on the crowds of people and the heat of the sun during summer in Tokyo. So, Tsukiji Market has two different areas; the inner market (opens from 9 am where you can buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables, etc.) and the outer market (adjacent to the inner market). We chose to visit the outer market because there are a large number of shops selling street snacks, small retail shops and restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Well, now you know the reason why I chose the outer market, which is to try some of the famous street snacks in Tsukiji Market! Here I want to share 7 street snacks that you should try when in Tsukiji Market, do not miss it!
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King Crab everywhere at Tsukiji Market, Tokyo – Japan
1. Ramen Shop, ¥700
We spotted a Ramen stall that has a long queue that afternoon, and we immediately joined in line. Ha-ha.. The Ramen was good, served in a big portion with a light soy sauce broth and sliced chasiu meat.
2. Ajino Hamato Tsukiji Honten – Corn Fritter, ¥398
This shop has been established for 80 years, and they sell a variety of fried foods as light snacks made from ocean-based ingredients. I bought one that looks like a corn fritter. At first it tasted like the ordinary corn fritters, but surprisingly it also contained fish paste that added depth of flavor. It was unique, and only available at Tsukiji.
3. Steam Oysters, ¥400
If you like oysters, you can try a different experience at the outer market of Tsukiji. There are some stores that sell oysters, but I chose one of the shops recommended by a friendly Japanese man from the shop that sells many wooden tools. He told me that this shop sells fresh oysters, steamed. So we tried the steam oyster, and it was a perfect one-bite delicacy.
4. Suga Shoten Dimsum, ¥300 for Pork Dumpling and ¥100 for Pork Bun
Unlike the pork dumplings that we usually eat in Jakarta, this shop has been known for its black pork dumplings made of pork shoulder roast from Abel farm pigs in Kagoshima Prefecture. It was really delicious! Not to forget, the pork bun was generously stuffed with pork meat and wrapped in a layer of thin dough.
5. Tsukiji Grilled Eel, ¥200
Grilled eel in Japan also popular, but tend to be more expensive when compared with prices in Jakarta. However, if you are curious about the taste of grilled eel in Japan, you can try this grilled eel skewers. Sweet, rich, creamy and addictive! It was so delicious!!
6. Japanese Rolled Omelette = Tamago, ¥100
Not only that, but Japan is also famous for rolled omelette egg, commonly referred to as Tamago. I’ve tried this in Tsukiji and realized it was very different from the Tamago which made by most Japanese restaurants in Jakarta. The original Japanese Tamago was incredibly soft, fluffy, rich and bursting with a well-balanced sweetness.
7. Japanese Dried Octopus
Dried shredded squid is also popular in Japan. It tasted a bit weird and had a strong fishy smell, but you should give it a try, so at least you know how it felt! It’s mostly used as Otsumami (snack consumed while drinking alcohol) in Japan.
Besides those seven snacks that I’ve mentioned above, you can also take a stroll through the outer market and find lots of interesting shops. We bought some wooden items, fresh Japanese peaches (MOMO), cute Japanese eraser for souvenirs, etc. It was really fun to be in the Tsukiji Market, an exciting and memorable place for us when we’re in Tokyo, Japan.
Fresh Japanese Peaches (MOMO) – A must buy when you visit Japan during summer
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Click Here —> Backpacking Itinerary 2 Weeks in Japan Guide for your reference
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March 9, 2016
Thank you so much for all of your information! My husband and I will be traveling to Japan next month and I am looking forward to trying all this food. Can’t wait!! 🙂