Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market — Guide Toru
April, 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
- 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!
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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Sep 7, 2026
Victor_G
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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.