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Tokyo Tuna Auction & Toyosu Fish Market Tour: Honest Review
What pops into your head when you think of Japan? Mount Fuji? Bullet trains? Sakura blooms? And, of course – sushi!
In Japan, sushi-making is almost a sacred ritual, and they’re extremely particular about the freshness and quality of fish.
That’s why the tuna auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market is such a big deal. Now, we all know Japan isn’t the cheapest destination, and Tokyo tops the list for pricy spots.
So, is it really worth paying for Tuna Auction Tokyo tour watch people bid for fish
That’s exactly what we asked ourselves when we saw the auction prices – Anyways we gave it a try during our 7 days trip to Tokyo
In this post, we’ll help you figure out if the Tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market Tour is worth your time and money. Then, we’ll also show you how to do it– It isn’t as simple as just booking a ticket and going.
Is the Tuna Auction Tour in Tokyo Worth It?
Yes! If you love sushi or seafood, this tour is basically a backstage pass to Japan’s most important fish market. There’s a reason sushi in Japan tastes incredible, and it all starts with how insanely picky they are about their tuna—next level stuff.
Watching people bid on massive tuna at 5 AM might sound odd, but it’s pretty wild! Think of it like a high-speed auction game, with giant frozen fish as the prize.
And it’s not just ‘watch and leave.’ Once the auction’s over, the fun really begins.
Your guide (who knows this place like the back of their hand) takes you into the secret parts of the market where only chefs and insiders go.
Watching them slice up frozen tuna with ninja-style knives? It’s basically “Fish Surgery 101”—pure art!
And it gets better. You’ll explore the market, tasting all kinds of Japanese goodies—miso, sake, sushi—while learning cool stuff about sushi etiquette, why umami is king, and how they age their fish to perfection. No queues at the sushi spots either—VIP treatment!
Oh, and the shopping? You can grab everything from kitchen knives (feeling like a pro, anyone?) to super fresh fruits and snacks.
I even picked up some killer soy sauce and sake. Bonus: the rooftop has an epic view of Tokyo’s skyline, perfect for chilling after all that fishy action.
This tour’s got everything—tuna drama, sushi secrets, and some of the best Tokyo sightseeing. Worth it? No doubt.
Whom does the tour suit for?
This tour isn’t just for chefs or hardcore seafood fans—it’s for anyone curious about Japan’s seafood scene, even if you don’t speak Japanese. It is like a food tour+cultural experience.
I’m a big sushi fan, so I loved diving into the details, but Sahana, who’s a vegetarian, still enjoyed learning how the fish are caught.
The good news? Most tours have English-speaking guides who explain everything, so you won’t feel lost. Plus, many vendors at the market can chat in basic English too.
Vegetarians, don’t worry—it’s not all fishy business. The guide pointed out plenty of veggie-friendly snacks around the market.
Sahana, a vegetarian traveller in Japan found some top-notch veggie sushi at Sushi Bun.
Downside of Toyosu Fish Market plus Tuna auction Tour
Pricey but worth it: Tours cost around 25,000 yen per person. If you’re two in a group, it drops to 18,000 yen each—still not cheap!
Early bird grind: The auction kicks off at 5:30 AM, which means you’ve gotta be there by 5 AM. That’s a 4:30 AM wake-up call, minimum!
Morning magic only: Toyosu Fish Market is all about those early hours. If you show up around noon, most restaurants will be closed, and forget about seeing the tuna! Only the veggie market and a few small seafood shops will still be open.
Taxi time: The only way to get there early is by private taxi since Tokyo’s public transport doesn’t run until 5:30 AM—yep, more yen added to the bill.
Not for the squeamish: No gore or brutal scenes, but the fishy business might be tough to stomach for sensitive souls.
How to watch the tuna auction in Tokyo?
You’ve got three ways to catch the tuna auction at Toyosu seafood market : show up early to the upper deck (Free), apply for the lower deck lottery (3 months in advance), or book a guided tour
Free Upper Gallery Visit
The easiest and cheapest way to see the tuna auction is by arriving at the market by 4:45 a.m. with an ID, then grabbing a spot on the upper deck.
But here’s the catch: the view is limited, and you’ll only hear the auction through loudspeakers. Without a guide, you’ll be clueless about what’s going on. Plus, you can’t explore the lower market afterward—so it’s like watching the auction on TV!
Win Lottery to Lower Deck
Apply online 3 months ahead on their official website for the best view.
Only 100 people are selected daily from 5,000 applicants. If you get in, you’ll have an up-close seat to the action, but without a guide, understanding the process can be tricky.
Go on a Guided Tour
The easiest but pricier option. The tour covers everything—lottery application, market access. Sushi eating charges are not included, guide takes you to the best one.
Even if you don’t win the lower deck spot, the guide explains it all: from bidder signals to how they haul the tuna. Plus, you’ll get an awesome market tour after.
Going on a guided tour of Toyosu Fish Market and watching the tuna fish auction really opened our eyes to Japanese culture.
We learned about many Japanese etiquettes we weren’t aware of! The guide even showed us the proper way to hold sushi and talked about traditional Japanese desserts like Daifuku.
The downside? These tours aren’t cheap, and there’s no guarantee you’ll win the lower deck spot—it’s all about luck and early applications.
We booked a tour a month in advance but didn’t win the lottery, so we had to watch from the upper deck. But honestly, it wasn’t bad!
How to book Tokyo Tuna Auction Tour
Booking Toyosu Fish Market+ Auction tour is easy on Viator or Rakuten Travel Experiences—just use your international credit or debit card.
We chose Rakuten since they’re local experts, but Viator is another solid option for international tourists.
The process with Rakuten was simple: pick a date, enter your details and passport numbers, and pay. About 10 days before the tour, the guide reached out to let us know if we won the lower deck lottery (we didn’t—applied too late!).
Prices range from 18,000 to 25,000 yen, depending on the provider and group size. Pro tip: Check if the tour handles the lower deck lottery application—that’s a real bonus.
How does Auction Takes place
Picture excited buyers crowding around giant tuna, with auctioneers firing off rapid bids in Japanese—it’s like a high-energy sports match, but with fish! The buzz starts the moment the bell rings at 5:30 AM.
Speed Round or Marathon? – The auction can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how much fish is on deck.
Organised Chaos – Multiple auctions run at once, with buyers darting around, and market workers slapping “sold” stickers on the fish—it’s like a high-stakes game of tag.
Fresh or Frozen? – Both are up for grabs, so there’s something for everyone.
Wrap-Up by 6:30 AM – he whole auction wraps up by 6:30 AM, so if you want to see the action.
Things to know before going to Toyosu Fish Market
Modern Market – Toyosu is a fancy, high-rise market—so don’t expect the old-school vibe of Tsukiji market.
Serious Buyers – Michelin-star chefs and exporters are there for business, especially on the lower deck. Stay out of their way; it’s all about the tuna!
No Photos, Please – Once the auction ends, workers slice the tuna downstairs where you will be taken as apart of Market. It’s considered rude to take pictures, so keep the camera off.
Footwear Alert – The floor can be wet, so stick to comfy shoes—no heels or sandals unless you enjoy slipping around.
Clothing: Wear comfortable outfits depending on the weather. We were there in winter, so layering was necessary for Japan’s cold weather.
Toilet Tip – Good news: the market’s restrooms are super clean and well-maintained, so no worries there!
Shop Smart – Plenty of authentic goods—soy sauce, vinegars, even tuna knives! Google Translate or your guide can help chat with vendors.
Other Things to see in Toyosu Fish Market Building
Shop at Uogashi Yokocho Market:
This spot is great for buying authentic Japanese goodies, like Tuna knives and pickles. We scored some incredible soy sauce and local sake here.
The vendors are super friendly, and Google Translate was a lifesaver for chatting with them. Totally worth a wander!
Rooftop Garden:
Need a break? The rooftop deck is perfect for chilling out and taking in views of Tokyo Bay. It’s a hidden gem—ideal for catching your breath after all the market action.
I loved just sitting back, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the silhouette of the man-made island.
I realised Tokyo isn’t just about shrines and skyscrapers. But also a beautiful bay with city silhouette. Surely, it would be magical to have this view from your hotel window- Think, you may want to book a hotel in Koto city near Toyosu for the bay view.
Restaurant Area (3rd Floor)
Restaurant Area (3rd Floor)If you love sushi, this area is paradise. Some of the best spots from Tsukiji have relocated here.
I tried the omakase, and it was insanely fresh. Just make sure you get there early—before 10 a.m.—or you’ll be stuck in those dreaded long lines.
Where to eat at Toyosu Market
According to the local guide Fumi, the best restaurants in Toyosu Fish Market are Izo Sushi and Sushi Bun, both around since the 1800s.
Izo Sushi definitely won my heart! I had sushi and nigiri for breakfast, with ginger and wasabi—it was absolutely kickass.
Sahana also found her vegetarian sushi fix at Sushi Bun, and trust me, it’s legit, not some tourist gimmick!
Things to do Around Toyosu Fish Market
Toyosu is located on the man-made island of Odaiba, so there’s plenty to do beyond the fish market and tuna auction.
The best thing to do in Odaiba is head straight to TeamLab Planets for an immersive experience in digital art, illuminations, and illusions—you’ll need at least 2 hours.
Then, hop on the Tokyo Monorail (yep, it’s driverless!) and get off at Daiba Station to see the Statue of Liberty in the heart of Japan.
If you’re a Ghibli fan, make a stop at Shiodome to check out the giant Ghibli Clock.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, any day’s good, but if you want to avoid the busiest crowds, aim for a weekday. Auctions happen year-round, so you’re not tied to any particular season.
Just make sure you book in advance, especially during peak tourist times like cherry blossom season, when Tokyo’s packed.
How to get to Toyosu Fish Market?
Getting to Toyosu Fish Market in time for the auction is only possible by private taxi, as Tokyo’s public transport doesn’t start until after 5:30 a.m.
For later visits or heading back to Tokyo, you can easily take the train or bus.
Closest Station to Toyosu Fish Market
Shijo-mae Station is conveniently located right at the market, so no matter where you are in Tokyo, aim to get there.
Use the Japan Transit Planner to find the best routes because you might need to change lines two or three times, depending on your starting point.
It’s super handy for figuring out the perfect connections!
Found our review on Tokyo Tuna Auction + Toyosu Fish Market Tour review useful? Let us know in the comment section below.
Thank you so much for all the great ideas and information!! My wife and I did the fish market, we won the lottery and had such an amazing experience!!!!
Hi Nader. I am glad and a lil jealous that you won lottery to fish market 🙂