We take the subway (Tokyo Metro) and get off at the Tsukiji Station. We read in our guide book that if you want to catch the excitement and feel the energy of Tsukiji, you have to be an early bird. Get a map and let’s explore the Tsukiji Outer Market!

Our first stop is Namiyoke Inari Jinja (Shrine). It happens to be at the back corner of the Tsukiji Outer Market, so it’s a good starting point. The name “Namiyoke” literally means “protection from waves,” and it has served as an unofficial guardian for the Tsukiji Market.

We were told that some of the buildings in Tsukiji are over 80 years old. The owners use the first floor for their shops and usually live on the upper floors. Intricate streets are like a maze, so don’t get lost! If you find the Tsukiji workers’ clothes and uniforms unique and fascinating, you can pick them up at the market, too.

The Tsukiji Outer Market is a collection of small specialty stores. They sell fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen seafood of all kind, meat, kitchen utensils, and much more! Some of the people working here can speak English.

There are so many restaurants and eateries to choose from: Sushi, Ramen, Don, Noddles and more. They all look so good! We also plan to stop by Oden and Omelet shops.

After touring Tsukiji, you may want to go shopping at Ginza. If you want to enjoy the nature in Tokyo, take a walk around the Hamarikyu Garden. Do you want to see traditional downtown? Then how about visiting Tsukishima and Tsukuda? All of these places are within a 15-minute walk from Tsukiji according to “Tsukiji” Walking Map.