Tsukiji Fish Market

Main street of Tsukiji’s outer market

Tsukiji Fish Market, was biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, is full of energy and delicious food. However, it can be overwhelming and possibly dangerous for those with disabilities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The first market in Tokyo was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 – 1616) during the Edo period to provide food for Edo castle. The food that castle didn’t buy was sold at a market called uogashi near Nihonbashi Bridge. The 1923 Great Kantō earthquake devastated most of Tokyo, including the fish markets. During reconstruction, the market was moved to its present location in Tsukiji and the current building was completed in 1935.

Tsukiji Fish Market is said to be the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market was made of an outer and inner section.

The inner wholesaler market was the area where the tuna auctions happen and wholesalers worked but has moved to nearby Toyosu Fish Market.

Tourists are encouraged to visit Tsukiji’s outer market, which is located on the outside of the wholesale market and focused on selling to the public. The outer market features numerous merchants selling everything from fish to meat, and all things related. Most offer free samples, and there are a number of stores that have seats out front for 2-5 people to enjoy a meal. The market is open from around 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

GETTING THERE

Tsukiji Fish Market can be accessed by Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line, or Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line. Both stations are wheelchair accessible. Click on the station name to see the station layout.

ACCESSIBILITY

The outer market has no steps and is, in a sense, wheelchair accessible. The biggest challenge to those with disabilities is that the streets are narrow and absolutely packed with shoppers and tourists. It is impossible to enter most, if not all, of the shops. However, most have their wares on tables in front of the store and at wheelchair eye-level, so those braving the crowds can still see most of what is available for sale and try the samples. The restaurants that are basically counters with a few seats are accessible to those in wheelchairs.

While the main street of Tsukiji’s outer market is packed, the market takes up most of a city block, so there are less crowded streets to explore as well.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are available at Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market as well as the nearby Tsukiji Honganji Temple. The toilet in the temple is a bit harder to find (enter the temple via the ramp next to the main steps), but is far cleaner.

CONCLUSION

The outer market welcomes visitors and encourages them to buy goods at the stores. Unfortunately this means there are masses of people filling up the already narrow streets. You can still enjoy the market without seeing every stall and store, though, so it can be worth it to enjoy the atmosphere from the outer perimeter.