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After I first visited Japan in 2014, attending a tuna public sale (which then befell on the Tokyo‘s now-defunct Tsukiji Internal Market) was excessive on my listing. This was unusual—I’ve by no means had an enormous curiosity in face—however I nonetheless discovered myself in a taxi at 3 AM, which acquired me into line in simply sufficient time to make the cut-off.
Clearly, when the market closed in 2018, the tuna auctions stopped occurring there. However you possibly can nonetheless go to Tsukiji Market, along with (or, I’d argue, as an alternative of) Toyosu.
I’m getting forward of myself, nonetheless, however don’t fear. I’ll dive deeper into the Tsukiji vs Toyosu debate in only a second.
Why the 2018 “Transition” Was a Nothing-burger
When deciding between Tsukiji or Toyosu, you little question realized that Tsukiji “closed” in 2018, at which level the auctions had been moved to the purpose-built Toyosu. That is true, but it surely’s not the entire story. For starters, when you used to have the ability to observe the auctions from mere ft away, Toyosu’s are solely viewable from a platform excessive above the market ground (and thru extraordinarily glare-y glass).
Certainly, Tsukiji as a complete (which additionally has an Outer Market, and past that’s a complete industrial neighborhood, which even has lodges) didn’t shut. If something, the lack of the Internal Market has made the Outer one much more attention-grabbing and dynamic; today, it’s way more crowded than it ever appeared within the days previous to the closure (which I consult with, extra precisely, as a “transition”).


Toyosu
Evaluating Tsukiji with Toyosu
Tuna public sale
Attending the Tsukiji tuna public sale in 2014 was cool, but it surely didn’t change my life—and it actually wasn’t price waking up at 3 AM and paying virtually ¥5,000 for a taxi journey. The one silver lining was how atmospheric the outdated market was! Toyosu is even farther (that means a costlier taxi journey from most of Tokyo, particularly from Shinjuku and Shibuya), and because it’s sterile and soulless, I don’t see any cause to go.
Eating places
One other strategy to examine Tsukiji and Toyosu, clearly, is by way of the meals. Since Tsukiji’s Internal Market closed, its Outer Market has grow to be a foodie hub, with contemporary sushi out there as early as 6 or 7 AM, as effectively different snacks like seafood rice crackers and strawberry daifuku mushy serve all through the day. Toyosu can be dwelling to some eating places, however none which are terribly inspiring.
Retail
Tsukiji isn’t simply nice for consuming—it’s additionally nice for buying. Whether or not you’re trying to find seasonings like dashi or furikake, and even Japanese knives, Tsukiji is an incredible place to have interaction in some retail remedy. As is the case with eating places, retail at Toyosu is just like what you discover at Tsukiji. The difficulty is that rather than decades-old outlets and workers that actually stay above them, Toyosu looks like a shopping center.
Environment and ambiance
I haven’t been delicate about how I regard Toyosu vs Tsukiji on this sense. Certainly, whereas Tsukiji’s Outer Market stays extremely picturesque and actually offers you a way of being in Japan, the constructing for Toyosu (although ostensibly well-designed) might actually be anyplace on the earth. It’s not inviting or attention-grabbing; you received’t need to grasp on the market after you see the tuna public sale (assuming you do).
Different issues to do
In fact, the information for Toyosu shouldn’t be all unhealthy. The Toyosu neighborhood (and, extra broadly, Obaiba island) is dwelling to some unbelievable actions. Some vacationers will stroll into digital artwork at teamLab Planets, whereas others will take to the streets of Tokyo in go-karts. You too can take pleasure in an incredible view of Tokyo from the Fuji TV Sphere. Tsukiji, in contrast, is usually in regards to the market; upmarket Ginza is correct up the road, nonetheless.


Tsukiji
Different Wonderful Fish Markets in Japan
Don’t get slowed down deciding between Toyosu or Tsukiji! As a substitute, go to each, in addition to any of those different wonderful Japanese seafood markets:
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Different FAQ About Toyosu and Tsukiji
Is the Tsukiji Fish Market nonetheless price visiting?
If something, Tsukiji Fish Market (which, today, contains solely the “Outer Market”) is much more price visiting now that the Internal Market has closed. You may’t see tuna auctions (and also you don’t should get up at 3 AM), however you possibly can eat sushi for breakfast, store for cookware and knives or just people-watch and take photos.
Which fish market is finest to go to in Tokyo?
I personally desire Tsukiji Market over Toyosu Market, even when Tsukiji’s “Internal Market” (the place the well-known tuna auctions as soon as befell) is now closed. Toyosu, in contrast, is sterile—which is sensible, on condition that it was objective in-built 2018.
Is Toyosu Market price visiting?
As a seafood expertise, Toyosu Market isn’t thrilling. The aim-built market lacks character or architectural benefit; you must view the “tuna public sale” from a number of tales within the air. Alternatively, the Toyosu neighborhood (and, extra broadly than that, Odaiba island) may be very price visiting, whether or not you drive go-karts, go to a digital artwork museum or take pleasure in certainly one of Tokyo’s finest views.
The Backside Line
Evaluating Tsukiji vs Toyosu, solely by way of fish markets anyway, is a idiot’s errand. Whereas Toyosu technically now hosts the tuna auctions, the market is sterile and soulless, and not likely price a go to. Tsukiji Outer Market, in contrast, is that if something extra attention-grabbing and thrilling than it was pre-2018. The place Toyosu (and Odaiba island extra broadly) shines is in different expertise, such because the teamLab Planets digital artwork museum and Tokyo road karts; you possibly can benefit from the space with out setting foot available in the market. Want customized assist placing your Tokyo journey collectively? Contemplate hiring me to plan it!
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