Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour with Tuna Cutting and Sushi Making

Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour with Tuna Cutting and Sushi Making
Price: $303 per person
Location: Honshu, Japan

Combining a behind-the-scenes look at Tokyo’s largest fish market with a practical sushi-making workshop, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s seafood industry. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll witness the exclusive tuna processing process and then craft your own sushi with a professional chef, making it perfect for curious food lovers who want more than just eating sushi.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances educational insight with interactive fun. You’ll get to see over 500 fish buyers at Toyosu, which is normally off-limits to travelers, and learn about where the tuna in your favorite sushi actually comes from. Plus, the chance to cut and prepare your own tuna — a skill most sushi chefs are forbidden to do until they’re very advanced — makes this experience feel genuinely special.

One thing to keep in mind is that photography inside Toyosu Market is prohibited, so you’ll want to focus on your observations and enjoy the atmosphere through your own eyes. This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable walking and standing for a bit, as it involves some movement through busy market areas.

Overall, if you’re a food enthusiast, a culture seeker, or someone who appreciates authentic, hands-on experiences, this tour offers a memorable slice of Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: You visit Toyosu Market, which is normally closed to travelers, and see the bustling activity of over 500 fish buyers.
• Educational Focus: Learn the process of cutting a tuna into individual portions — a task usually reserved for seasoned professionals.
• Interactive Experience: Work closely with a sushi chef to buy, cut, and prepare your own sushi, gaining practical skills.
• Authentic Insight: Discover where the tuna at Japanese restaurants is sourced and understand the journey from market to plate.
• Sightseeing Bonus: Enjoy time at Tsukiji Outside Market, where you can shop and soak in local food culture.
• Value for Money: The price includes a guided tour, a tuna and sushi lunch, and a lecture from a sushi chef, making it a well-rounded culinary adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Visiting Toyosu Market: A Peek into Japan’s Seafood Heartbeat

The tour begins at a meeting point in front of Shijomae Station, where you’ll meet your guide, a friendly and knowledgeable host who is eager to share the secrets of Tokyo’s seafood industry. From there, we carpooled or strolled (depending on your transport arrangements) to Toyosu Market, a site that replaced the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in 2018. This is arguably the largest fish market in the world, and its scale is impressive: over 500 fish buyers bustling around with their sharp eyes and swift hands.

As you walk through, you won’t be able to take photos inside — a strict rule meant to preserve market operations — but you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the sights, sounds, and smells that make this place unique. Witnessing the speed and precision of the fish buyers is fascinating, especially as they handle some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever see.

The Tuna Cutting Demonstration: A Rare Glimpse

One of the most captivating moments is watching the tuna being sliced into manageable portions. According to reviews, this is no ordinary demonstration: it’s a rare opportunity to see the process up close, performed by a skilled professional. It’s a task that even many young sushi chefs are not allowed to do until well advanced in their training, making it a real privilege.

Your guide will explain the techniques and tools used, giving you insight into why tuna is such a prized ingredient and how its quality is assessed. The process isn’t just about splitting the fish; it’s about preserving the meat’s texture and flavor — a skill perfected over years.

Shopping and Selecting Your Tuna

After the demonstration, you’ll get to pick out your own tuna — an experience that feels like a mini treasure hunt. The guide will help you choose a piece, explaining what to look for in terms of color, texture, and marbling. This part of the tour turns a simple purchase into an educational moment, revealing how the market’s buyers decide what makes a good tuna.

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Sushi Making with a Professional Chef

Next, we move to the hands-on sushi-making segment. Working with a seasoned sushi chef, you’ll learn how to prepare and assemble your own sushi using the tuna you just bought. The chef will guide you through correct knife techniques, rice preparation, and presentation, emphasizing the importance of balance and freshness.

If you’re worried about making sushi from scratch, don’t be — the chef is friendly and patient, and the process is designed to be accessible. The result is both delicious and satisfying, especially knowing that you played a part in its creation.

Tasting and Reflection

At the end of the workshop, you’ll enjoy tasting your own sushi as well as various ways of eating tuna. Getting to sample your own work adds a layer of pride and authenticity that typical restaurant meals lack. Many reviews mention that the quality of the tuna is exceptional — you’re eating some of the freshest fish possible.

Sightseeing at Tsukiji Outside Market

The tour wraps up with free time at Tsukiji Outside Market, which is lively and full of local shops selling everything from seafood to traditional snacks. Here, you can browse for souvenirs, try street food, or just soak in the lively atmosphere — a perfect way to wind down after the intensive market experience.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

The entire tour lasts around several hours, typically including market visits, demonstrations, sushi-making, and free sightseeing. Group sizes tend to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Cost and Value

At $303 per person, the price may seem steep at first glance, but it includes an expert guide, a tuna and sushi lunch, and a detailed lecture from a sushi chef. Considering the exclusivity of the market access and the hands-on experience, many find this to be excellent value for a deep dive into Japan’s seafood culture.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, primarily due to market restrictions and walking requirements. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be on your feet exploring busy market floors.

Booking and Flexibility

Booking in advance is recommended, with the added perk of being able to reserve now and pay later — giving you flexibility in planning your trip. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare, immersive glimpse into Tokyo’s seafood industry through the lens of a market that few travelers get to see. The combination of market observation, tuna cutting, and sushi making ensures a meaningful, memorable experience. It’s ideal for travelers who love food, want to understand Japan’s culinary traditions, and enjoy getting hands-on.

While the price is higher than a typical sushi dinner, the educational value and exclusivity justify it, especially if you’re seeking an authentic connection to Japan’s seafood culture. The guided aspect means you’ll get expert insights and personalized attention, making this a worthwhile splurge for a deep cultural experience.

If you’re simply looking for a casual meal, this might be too intensive, but for those eager to learn and do, it’s a fantastic way to get a true taste of Tokyo’s vibrant fish market scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 6 years old due to market restrictions and walking requirements.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should inform about?
Yes, let the organizers know in advance if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, especially since you’ll be handling raw fish.

Is photography allowed inside Toyosu Market?
No, photography inside the market is prohibited to respect market rules and privacy.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be exploring busy, sometimes slippery, market areas.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified here, expect a several-hour experience including market visits, demonstrations, and tasting.

Does the price include transportation?
No, transportation fees are not included, so plan accordingly to get to the meeting point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your plans.

Will I get to make my own sushi?
Yes, you’ll work with a sushi chef to prepare and enjoy your own sushi using the tuna you purchased.

What will I learn during the lecture?
The chef will explain the process of preparing and presenting sushi, emphasizing techniques and the importance of freshness.

Is this experience suitable if I want more sightseeing?
Yes, it ends with free time at Tsukiji outside market, allowing you to explore and shop at your leisure.

This tour is a rare chance to see Tokyo’s seafood world in action and to create a tangible memory through hands-on sushi making. It’s perfect for those eager to go beyond the usual sightseeing and truly connect with Japan’s culinary traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: