Blog

#82

Tsukiji Bites : What to Eat Before You Regret It

by Rachel Anne

Tsukiji Market is Tokyo’s OG food paradise — part fish market, part street food heaven, all delicious chaos. It’s where you roll out of bed at 5 AM just to stand in line for sushi so fresh it practically flops onto your plate. Don’t come here with a full stomach — or you’ll cry at every stall you can’t squeeze in.

So, here’s my short-but-sassy cheat sheet to Tsukiji eats you can’t skip, how much to budget, and exactly where to find them. Ready? Let’s ruin your diet in the best way possible.

Image Reference : https://tokyowalkingtours.com/tours/tsukiji-market-tokyo-highlights-6-hours

1. Queue-Worthy Sushi

Your Tsukiji trip isn’t legit without waiting for melt-in-your-mouth sushi.

Must-try : Omakase sets, fatty tuna (toro), sea bream — the classics done right.
Where : Sushi Dai or Sushi Daiwa inside the Inner Market.
Cost : Around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per set.
Extra : Expect to line up before sunrise for the freshest bites. Take it as a badge of honor.

Image Reference : https://pennyandrusty.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/iwasa-sushi-tokyo-2016-omakase-and-chirashizushi-at-tsukiji-fish-market

2. Torched Scallops

Butter, soy sauce, a torch — and you, standing there drooling.

Where : Outer Market food stalls — you’ll smell it before you see it.
Cost : ¥500–¥1,000 each.
Why you need it : They hand it to you sizzling on the shell. Instant happiness.

Image Reference : https://eatingwithkirby.com/2018/06/what-to-eat-at-the-tsukiji-fish-market-tokyo-japan.html

3. Uni Shots

A brave bite for the true seafood fan: creamy sea urchin that tastes like the ocean gave you a hug.

Where : Uni stalls in the Outer Market.
Cost : ¥1,000–¥2,000 per cup.
Pro tip : Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it — just maybe don’t start with a giant portion.

Image Reference : https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/shoplist/cat-d/cat-13/2085

4. Strawberry Mochi

Balance all that savory with a sweet, sticky bite. Tsukiji’s fresh fruit stands do huge strawberries wrapped in chewy mochi.

Where : Near Namiyoke Shrine side of the Outer Market.
Cost : ¥300–¥500 each.
Sweet note : Eat it fast — it’s messy, in the best way.

Image Reference : https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tsukiji/article-a0001829

5. Tamagoyaki on a Stick

A classic — this fluffy, slightly sweet rolled omelette is like a breakfast snack that fits in your pocket.

Where : Yamachō Tamagoyaki, Marutake, or any stall with a long line and golden egg rolls stacked up.
Cost : ¥100–¥150 per stick.
When to grab it : Perfect to nibble while you wait for your sushi slot.

Image Reference : https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tsukiji/article-a0001829

6. Grilled Squid & Seafood Skewers

A smoky snack to keep you energized. Prawns, octopus, scallops — they’ll grill whatever they’ve got.

Where : Outer Market stalls lined up along the main street.
Cost : ¥500–¥700 per skewer.
Pro tip : Try a few — they’re pretty small and you’ll want more.

Image Reference : https://www.youcouldtravel.com/travel-blog/tsukiji-fish-market-is-tokyos-seafood-nirvana

7. Green Tea Soft Serve

Finish your food crawl with a swirl of creamy matcha ice cream. It’s practically a palate cleanser.

Where : Matcha dessert shops near the main street entrance.
Cost : ¥400–¥500 per cone.
Bonus : Snap that pic before it melts!

Image Reference : https://redblackapron.tumblr.com/post/170293839932/matcha-soft-serve-at-tsukiji-fish-market-i-know

Quick Tsukiji Survival Guide

Bring cash : Many stalls don’t take cards.
Come early : Best to arrive before 8–9 AM — after that, it’s tourist gridlock.
Don’t snack and walk : It’s polite to stand to the side to eat.
Pack light : Small bag, comfy shoes — you’ll thank me later.
Trust your nose : If you see a line and smell something amazing, line up. No questions asked.

Final Bite

Tsukiji Market isn’t just about food — it’s about the vibe: the chatter of vendors, the sizzle of torches, and the satisfying moment you say, “I did Tsukiji right.” So go. Eat bravely, queue patiently, and savor every bite.

Got your chopsticks ready? You’re welcome.

Posted : 09 July 2025