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
- 4:30 Meet at the hotel and head to Toyosu Market
- 5:00 Arrive at Toyosu Market, explain the auction procedures until the auction begins
- 5:30 Auction starts. Watch the auction.
- 6:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
- 7:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market
- 8:30 Disband at Tsukiji Outer Market
What Is a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were visitors from North America. One of them had a professional interest in cooking and was very interested in Japanese ingredients, cooking methods, and Japanese cuisine, actively asking many questions. At the tuna auction, the guests were amazed to see large quantities of tuna being auctioned off skillfully and everything proceeding calmly and exactly on schedule. They were also moved by the beauty of the fresh tuna. At the sushi restaurant, the guests asked the chef many questions, and the chef was surprised by the specialized questions, saying, "You really know a lot." They noted that tuna is also eaten back home, but they were impressed that the flavor differs depending on the cooking method and the cut of the fish. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guests were full of curiosity and delighted, saying, "I'd love to stay here for another three hours and explore more." They purchased ingredients such as wasabi salt, tamari soy sauce, and miso, and at a Japanese knife shop they listened intently to the staff's explanation and purchased a kiritsuke knife and a nakiri knife. They mentioned that similar Japanese knives can be purchased back home, but they are expensive and not as high in quality as those in Japan, so they were very happy.
2. Other comments, special notes, and requests This tour was booked through a travel agency and was incorporated as part of a tour arranged by that agency. As a result, the advance coordination took a great deal of time, and all arrangements were only finalized the night before. It was a rather tough tour to coordinate, but the guests were very friendly, and the tour was filled with laughter from beginning to end, which made the earlier difficulties worthwhile. Since the guests were very knowledgeable about cooking and ingredients, they taught me about the differences in food culture between Japan and their home region, which was very educational. As noted in the section explaining the reason for the one-hour extension, I would kindly request that the guide extension fee of 4,000 yen be granted.
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 | 420JPY |
| Total | 420JPY | ||
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.