Tokyo: Tsukiji Market — Guide Toru
February, 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.
Tour Itinerary
- 05:00 Meet in front of the Toyosu Market main gate
- 05:00-05:30 Advance explanation of 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 Travel to Tsukiji
- 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji Market
- 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji
What Is a Private Tsukiji and Tuna Auction Morning Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests was less comfortable with English, so whenever I gave a more detailed explanation, the other would kindly translate it into another language, and it was clear how close and warm they were together.
At the tuna auction, they observed, "Everything proceeds so systematically and smoothly. This must be because they are Japanese," showing their appreciation for the Japanese temperament. Next to us was another group from Europe who had just been told at the last minute that their guide had fallen ill and could not join their tour, and they were stunned. Seeing this, my guests kindly said, "Let's listen to Toru's explanation together," and the two groups enjoyed a lively conversation while watching the auction. I stood behind the four of them and gave a live commentary of the auction from the back — a new experience that I thoroughly enjoyed as a guide.
I had made a reservation at a sushi restaurant after the auction, but my guests requested that we invite the other group to join us as well, so I quickly called the restaurant to arrange two more seats, and a total of five of us enjoyed a sushi breakfast. The two groups exchanged information about sightseeing in Japan and enjoyed their conversation, and by listening, I was able to learn what kinds of things guests find interesting.
At Tsukiji, a wholesaler at the Tsukiji Uogashi happened to be cutting up tuna, so I bought a little of the nakaochi and negotiated, saying, "It's fine to take a photo if we buy something, right?" The wholesaler allowed it, saying, "Just two or three shots," which delighted my guests. After visiting several shops in the outer market, since the guests liked raw oysters, I took them to a seafood shop that shucks and serves fresh oysters on the spot, and they enjoyed Akkeshi oysters. The Akkeshi oysters had a natural sweetness, and they were delighted, saying it was a flavor they could not find back home.
By chance, we came across tourists who were at a loss after being suddenly abandoned by their guide, and it made me realize once again how much trouble I could cause my guests if I were to suddenly fall ill. Keeping in mind the faces of those guests who were at a loss, and the beaming smiles they showed when my guests reached out to them, I was reminded that my duty is simply to make my guests smile.
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!
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a tour booked with Toru…
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a tour booked with Toru yesterday. He was extremely prompt and detailed with the meeting spot well in advance and he was precisely on time at 450 am to meet us at the designated site. He was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and easy to interact with. He took us to have sushi after the auction and then we took a bus to the outer Tsukiji market and we saw all the things that we typically like to explore at markets. Toru we would recommend as a superb guide, without reservation, and in the highest possible terms. Great morning!
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our travel date for this tour…
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our travel date for this tour came during Silver Week so sites were definitely crowded, but our guide, Toru, created an itinerary that allowed us to see the places we wanted to experience in an enjoyable way. We had no problems communicating with Toru during the lead up to the trip and he was so considerate of our wishes. Toru also shared a wealth of information about Japan and the spots we visited. The personal attention on this tour was such a welcomed change from the packed bus tours we had been on with our cruise excursions and the cost wasn’t any different! Thank you, Toru, for a wonderful, enlightening experience in Tokyo!
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Outstanding experience at the…
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Outstanding experience at the Toyosu tuna auction with Toru as our guide! From the start, Toru was incredibly clear with his instructions, making sure we arrived at exactly the right spots at the right times and giving us all the accurate details we needed to take part in the first-floor viewing lottery. As an English speaker, I really appreciated how easy he made the whole process — navigating the auction logistics on your own could be confusing, but Toru unlocked the full experience for us.
After the auction, we sat down for a sushi breakfast where we got to try every part of the tuna. It was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had, and having Toru explain each piece as we went made it so much more than just a meal — it was a genuine education in tuna and how the market works. His knowledge of Toyosu (and Tsukiji, which we explored together afterward) was clearly deep and came from real passion for the subject.
Toru was kind, patient, and generous with his expertise the entire time. This tour ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants a real, insider look at the tuna auction and market culture. Five stars, without hesitation.
Sep 7, 2026
Victor_G
All the temples and…
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All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…
Sep 7, 2026
Victor_G
All the temples and…
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All the temples and shrines were fantastic. Our guide Toru, was excellent, very knowledgeable and his love of Japanese culture shone through.