A Tour Through Tokyo’s Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market)
Tokyo, Japan
From USD 70.20
Office phone number: +81 (0) 803 012 9269
A Tour Through Tokyo’s Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market)
Tokyo, Japan
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights of the world’s largest fish market. Discover new flavour sensations and learn about the people who work here. Round off the morning with an introduction to sake and a spirited tasting to whet your appetite.
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Highlights
- Cross the largest fish market in the world off your bucket list with a local to guide you
- Sample a couple of fresh, tasty snacks in Tsukiji’s pulsing outer markets
- Discover the best craft and souvenir shops and meet the vendors behind the counter
- Enjoy a Japanese sake tasting and learn why sake is still the classic go-to drink for locals
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Higashi-ginza Station, Exit 3, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line, at top of escalator on street level, in front of the little shrine at the Kabukiza Theatre.
View on Google Maps.
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Tsukiji Fish Market.
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tour of outer market, 2 popular snacks, sake tasting.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide. Note this tour does not include the inner market, as guided groups are not permitted. However, your tour leader will give you tips for exploring on your own after the tour has finished.
Spend your morning with us exploring Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest market of its kind in the world.
We will start by wandering through Tsukiji’s outer market, which is brimming with vibrant food stalls and retail shops. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the freshest and dare we say, most delicious sushi breakfast one could ever hope for!
With over 2,500 tons and 450 types of fish coming through the market every day, you’re bound to come across some foods and fish you’ve never seen before. Squid jerky, anyone? Or perhaps scrambled eggs on a stick? No matter what kind of unusual snacks you may encounter, Tsukiji promises to be an experience for all five senses.
Along the way, your tour guide will explain about the history of the market, all the different seafoods on offer, the legendary tuna auction (not included in the tour) and what a typical day is like for all the vendors who work inside the inner markets. We’ll stop to sample a couple of fresh foods, and you’re free to try any additional snacks at your own expense that may catch your eye or make you drool. Of course, it can be difficult to know where to start so your guide can point out some recommendations as well.
Once we’re finished snacking, we’ll make our way to a nearby sake shop for a tasting and introduce you to Japan’s beloved beverage of choice. Learn how to taste the difference between different sakes and about the role it has played in Japanese culture. Be sure to tell us your favourite!
As tour groups are prohibited from entering the inner markets, we’ll leave you at the door to Tsukiji’s inner markets where you can go explore on your own and watch the wholesale vendors in action. Watch your step because things can “get a little fishy” as you carefully maneuver through the market’s chaotic, narrow and wet streets. Though visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the inner market, you won’t forget this extraordinary experience!
But before you go off on your own, don’t forget to ask your local guide for tips on where else to visit during your stay in Tokyo.
Please note: The wholesale market is scheduled to move from its current Tsukiji site across the water to Toyosu on the 6th of October 2018. This change has been planned for the past several years and is spearheaded by the government. Clear details of exactly what can be expected after the move have not been forthcoming (i.e. access options to the new site, opening hours, types of businesses, etc). As such, the tour price will increase slightly from October to incorporate a visit to the new site in Toyosu where the tour will end ( exact end point will be the Shijomae Station, Yurikamome line). Thank you for your understanding.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tour of outer market, 2 popular snacks, sake tasting.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide. Note this tour does not include the inner market, as guided groups are not permitted. However, your tour leader will give you tips for exploring on your own after the tour has finished.
Dress standard: Please wear closed-toe shoes, due to wet floors in the inner market. We recommend sneakers.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 8 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Since this tour starts in the early morning during rush hour, we recommend you leave your hotel with plenty of time to make it to the meeting point. Note that as group tours are prohibited in the inner market, this site will not be included in the tour. However, your tour leader will provide all the relevant details for a self-guided visit. Please note: The wholesale market is scheduled to move from its current Tsukiji site across the water to Toyosu on the 6th of October 2018. This change has been planned for the past several years and is spearheaded by the government. Clear details of exactly what can be expected after the move have not been forthcoming (i.e. access options to the new site, opening hours, types of businesses, etc). As such, the tour price will increase slightly from October to incorporate a visit to the new site in Toyosu where the tour will end ( exact end point will be the Shijomae Station, Yurikamome line). Thank you for your understanding.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
The snacks on this tour are not vegan or vegetarian but can be substituted upon request. All snacks are lactose- and gluten-free, but please bring your own gluten-free soy sauce. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions; you can do so in the 'Additional information' box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@tokyourbanadventures.com. Please also let your guide know at the beginning of the tour of any dietary needs.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +81 (0) 803 012 9269
Email address: info@tokyourbanadventures.com
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