Tokyo: Watch the tuna auction & Tsukiji — Guide Toru
January, 2026
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
- 05:00-05:30 In advance, we will explain related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of primary and intermediate wholesalers
- 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
- 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
- 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
- 07:15-08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Inner Market
- 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji
What's a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from North America who joined a private tour focused on Tokyo's fish market. A fishing enthusiast, the guest planned to enjoy sightseeing in Japan before continuing to another destination for several days of fishing. With a deep love of fish, the guest was very interested in Japanese fish markets and joined the tour with great enthusiasm. Since the guest was fond of fishing, I explained longline fishing methods, the on-board bleeding and preservation techniques for tuna, and other details before the tuna auction began. In particular, when I explained that if the longlines are reeled in too quickly the tuna thrash about and their body temperature rises, degrading the quality of the meat, so the fishermen deliberately spend about ten hours reeling them in, the guest said, "Wow, it makes sense!! Incredible," and was moved by the delicate way Japanese fishermen handle their fish. Watching a single tuna auctioned off in about five seconds and then promptly loaded onto a turret truck, the guest was also amazed by the systematic nature of the Japanese auction.
After observing the auction, the guest enjoyed a sushi breakfast at a restaurant within the market. Since the request was to try sushi toppings not seen in North America, I asked the head chef to recommend some, and he prepared ark shell and cod milt. Both offered a texture and flavor new to the guest, who seemed greatly satisfied. Golden eye snapper, which is not eaten as sushi in North America, was also very well received.
At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guest enjoyed strolling among the intermediate wholesalers. Smiling as they looked at all the fresh fish on display, the guest said, "This kind of market atmosphere is wonderful," and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Since the guest also cooks and was interested in Japanese knives, I guided them to my recommended knife shop. After careful consideration while listening to the shop staff's explanations, the guest purchased a kiritsuke knife, which can handle a wide range of ingredients such as sashimi and vegetables and can serve the roles of both a yanagiba and an usuba knife. The attached photos show a beaming smile in front of the knife shop after the purchase, and a delighted smile after being thoroughly satisfied with the sushi. Because the guest repeatedly exclaimed "Oishii" to the head chef of the sushi restaurant, the chef happily cooperated in taking a photo with a smile.
The guest was also moved by the deliciousness of the dashi sampled at a dried goods shop, purchased dashi packs, and said, "I'm looking forward to making dashi back home." The guest also compared fresh oysters from Iwate and Akkeshi, enjoying the different flavors of each.
Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Toyosu Market／Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome／Toei Bus | 210JPY |
| Total | 210JPY | ||
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru…
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru was an AMAZING host and tour guide. He went above and beyond with communication prior, during, and after to make sure my Son and I had an incredible experience. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and catered the tour to what we wanted as well. The sushi breakfast was unreal! Learning all about both Toyosu and Tsukiji markets was an experience we will never forget. 10 out of 10 for sure!!
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
This was our first time visiting a fish market, and from the time we booked the experience, Toru-san has been amazing. He helped us get to Toyosu market, where the tuna auction takes place, at the right time to get the best views and explained everything about how the auction works and made sure we didn’t miss anything. (You will need a knowledgeable tour guide because everything happens so fast and you might miss it!) We learned so much during such a short time about how the delicious tuna you eat at a sushi restaurant ends up in front of you. After the auction Toru-san took us to Okame, a great sushi restaurant, where we got to experience delicious sushi breakfast. Our next stop was Tsukiji market, and again we got to try all sorts of food and learn more about the market and got to meet some of the vendors. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. If you are interested in cooking, Japanese cuisine, or know someone home, this tour will give you the opportunity to do some shopping for unique souvenirs.
We had to get to Toyosu market before 5 am, and while you might think it’s too early, but why not do something fun and delicious with your jetlag? It was so worth it and I’m glad we chose to spend our first morning in Tokyo with Toru-san. The other advantage of being so early was that the market was not as crowded and we got to enjoy our time without having to wait in line.
Thank you, Toru-san!
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
The tour was great. We got to learn a lot about sushi and really enjoyed our time in the
market as well.
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was…
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was a fantastic guide and made our experience one to remember. He picked us up
from the hotel and clearly knew how to be there early to get a good view. He also took us to
a delicious sushi place thereafter which the whole family enjoyed.