Origin & Construction
- Toyosu Market was built as a modern replacement for the historic Tsukiji Fish Market, addressing space constraints, sanitation issues, and evolving business needs.
- Construction began in 2012, and the market officially opened on October 11, 2018.
- The complex consists of three massive buildings connected by sky bridges and underground tunnels.
Location
- Address: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
- Located on the waterfront of Tokyo Bay, Toyosu is a reclaimed area designed for modern commercial activity.
- Accessible via Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Monorail.
Market Layout & Building Functions
1. Wholesale Market Building (Water Building)
- Home to the famous tuna auctions.
- Includes high-tech cold storage, automated ice makers, and seafood handling systems.
2. Intermediate Wholesale Market Building
- This is where intermediate wholesalers operate.
- Houses hundreds of vendors who distribute to restaurants and retailers.
3. Management & Office Building
- Hosts administration offices, a tourist information center, viewing galleries, and a rooftop garden with views over Tokyo Bay.
Seafood Sold
- Over 480 types of seafood are traded daily—ranging from tuna, squid, and octopus to crab, clams, and imported marine products.
- Both domestic and international seafood items are available.
Auction System
Tuna Auctions
- Begin around 5:30 AM every morning.
- Tourists can observe the auction from a glass-enclosed viewing gallery (direct floor access is restricted).
- Bidders inspect tuna for fat content, size, and freshness before making offers.
- Premium bluefin tuna can sell for over ¥10 million (USD 65,000+).
Dining & Tourism Features
Restaurants
- Famous sushi bars include Sushi Dai, Daiwa Sushi, and Iwasa Sushi.
- These restaurants use seafood sourced directly from the market.
Tourist Facilities
- Free Observation Decks with glass panels for viewing auctions
- English-language information centers for visitors
- A Rooftop Garden offering scenic views of Tokyo Bay
- Souvenir shops selling seafood-themed products
Economic Importance
- Handles 1,600–2,000 tons of seafood per day
- Annual throughput of over 600,000 metric tons
- Essential to Japan’s culinary, hotel, and seafood export industries
- Contributes to global tourism by attracting food lovers and chefs worldwide
Hygiene & Security
- The market follows HACCP safety standards (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- Controlled temperatures, automated waste handling, and water recycling systems are in place
- Equipped with surveillance cameras, fire safety systems, and restricted access zones
Toyosu Market is more than just a fish market—it’s a global symbol of modern seafood trade, Japanese culinary heritage, and innovative urban planning. Whether you’re a chef, seafood buyer, or tourist, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Tokyo.
