The biggest fish market in the world is always going to be an attraction to locals and visitors. And while Toyosu doesn’t have the same soulful grit and rambling charm that were beloved about its predecessor at Tsukiji, Toyosu offers its own set of attractions.
Toyosu market area feels more like a collection of warehouses mixed with mini-museums than it does a market. It is divided into three major areas of business: The Fisheries Wholesale Market, where seafood arrives daily from Japan and all over the world and then auctioned off to wholesalers; The Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market, where retailers and restaurants come to shop; and the Fruit and Vegetable building, which wheels and deals in fresh produce.
Visitors aren’t allowed down at the market floor but you can take in the view with comfort from the observation galleries above – go early (5am-6:30am) if you want to see the famous tuna auction. The actual tuna auction observation deck, which is on the same floor as the action, will only be open sometime in January 2019.
No visit to Toyosu is complete without enjoying some of the freshest sushi at one of the many excellent restaurants here. Before you leave, make sure you stock up on Japanese homeware and souvenirs at Uogashi Yokocho, and go up to the rooftop garden for a sweeping panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.