Detailed explanation of the history and overview of Tsukiji

　table of contents

1. Overview of Tsukiji
2. History of Tsukiji
3. Must-visit shops in Tsukiji
4. Tsukiji events and festivals
5. Tsukiji access

Introduction

Tsukiji is an iconic district of Tokyo known for its long history and food culture. It was once the site of the world's largest fish market, and its remnants can still be seen today.

In this article, we will introduce the charms of Tsukiji in five sections. First, in ``Overview of Tsukiji'', we will explain the geographical location of Tsukiji and its historical background. Next, in ``History of Tsukiji'', we will follow the changes of the Tsukiji market from its establishment to the present day. In "Tsukiji's Must-Visit Shops," we will focus on the representative stores you should visit and their characteristics. In addition, ``Tsukiji Events and Festivals'' introduces major events and festivals held locally and explores the cultural aspects of Tsukiji. Finally, in "Access to Tsukiji", we will explain the means of transportation to Tsukiji and convenient ways to get there. We hope that this article helps you understand Tsukiji's deep history and rich food culture, and serves as a guide for your visit.

1. Overview of Tsukiji

Tsukiji is an area located in Tokyo's Chuo Ward that has attracted attention both domestically and internationally, especially for its market and food culture. It was once known as the ``Kitchen of Tokyo'' because it was home to the Tsukiji Market, and has played an important role as a source of fresh seafood and ingredients. Although Tsukiji Market moved to Toyosu Market in 2018, the Tsukiji outer market and surrounding restaurants still attract many people.

The name Tsukiji originates from the fact that this area was reclaimed during the Edo period. After the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657, Tsukiji was developed as a replacement site for Nishi Honganji Temple (currently Tsukiji Honganji Temple) south of Asakusa Gomon. After that, many merchants and craftsmen gathered there, and Tsukiji developed as one of the economic and cultural centers of Edo and Tokyo.

Today's Tsukiji is not only a gourmet spot, but also contains many cultural attractions. Many historical buildings remain, such as Tsukiji Honganji Temple and Tsukiji Honganji Garden, and are one of the attractions for visitors.

2. History of Tsukiji

As its name suggests, Tsukiji's history begins as a reclaimed land during the Edo period. After the Great Meireki Fire of 1657, this area was chosen as a replacement site for the destroyed Nishi Honganji Temple, and was reclaimed by the residents of Tsukudashima. Later, with the development of Edo and Tokyo, Tsukiji became a commercially important area, attracting many merchants and craftsmen.

Of particular note is Tsukiji Market, which opened in 1935. Tsukiji Market was established as part of the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market, and has become a place that attracts attention both domestically and internationally as a source of fresh seafood and agricultural products, and as a center of food culture. After 83 years of history, Tsukiji Market moved to Toyosu Market in 2018, but its historical value and cultural influence still remain.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple also plays a major role in the history of the area. Honganji Temple is also known as a beautiful example of Japanese architecture and attracts many visitors. Tsukiji is an attractive area that continues to be loved by many people not only for its market, but also for its historic architecture and cultural events.

3. Must-visit shops in Tsukiji

■ Tsukiji Saito Suisan

This is a long-established store that serves fresh seafood at Tsukiji Market. The main product here is the ``raw oysters'', and we are proud of the freshness of our selection of oysters. In addition to oysters, you can enjoy a variety of seasonal seafood.

■ Suga store

Suga Shoten is a popular dim sum specialty store located in Tsukiji Outer Market, especially known for its ``Kurobuta Shumai'' and ``Petit Nikuman.'' This store's Kurobuta shumai uses Kurobuta pork from Kagoshima, and the sweetness and flavor of the meat is outstanding. In addition, petit meat buns are ideal for eating on the go due to their affordable size, and are characterized by their fluffy skin and rich bean paste.

The store is located a 5-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Sundays and public holidays. The prices are also reasonable, and you can enjoy any menu item for less than 999 yen. 

■ Marutake

Marutake is a Tsukiji thick-fried egg specialty store that was founded at the end of the Taisho era, and opened a new store when it moved from Tsukiji Market to Toyosu Market. Mitsuo Ito runs the store as the third generation, and his younger brother is director Terry Ito. Marutake is particular about traditional manufacturing methods and serves tamagoyaki using raw domestic eggs.

Particularly noteworthy is the ``Ebi-tama (medium)'', which is made with kettle-fried sakura shrimp and mitsuba leaves, and is characterized by its fluffy texture and gentle sweetness. This product is a perfect match between the flavor of sakura shrimp and the scent of mitsuba leaves, and is loved by visitors. The standard plain tamagoyaki is also popular, but the shrimp tamagoyaki is also a must-try dish when you visit Tsukiji. 

■ Yoshizawa Shoten Tsukiji Processing Center

Yoshizawa Shoten is a store located in the Tsukiji Processing Center that mainly sells meat products, and is especially famous for its ``Japanese Black Beef Croquette.'' These croquettes are juicy and flavorful, making them a must-try dish when visiting Tsukiji. The store is located in Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and is a 4-minute walk from Tsukiji-shijo Station. There is a parking lot nearby, but please note that it is closed on Thursdays.

Croquettes made with Kuroge Wagyu beef are available at an affordable price of 150 yen, and are a popular eating spot at Tsukiji Market. In addition, there are many other gourmet spots around Tsukiji Market where you can enjoy eating while walking, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors when you visit.

■ Marutama Suisan

Marutama Suisan is a shop that specializes in fish cakes and other processed seafood products, and the "squid octopus" and "shrimp and onion" fish cakes are especially popular. These fish cakes are freshly fried on the spot, allowing visitors to enjoy the fresh taste. In particular, the fish cake made with squid and octopus has a flavor of the sea, and the shrimp and onion fish cake has the sweetness of the shrimp and the crunch of the onion.

■ Maguroya Kurogin Tsukiji Main Store

Maguroya Kurogin Tsukiji Main Store is located in Tsukiji Market and serves fresh tuna at reasonable prices. It is especially known for its tuna sashimi, sushi, and rice bowls that are prepared on the spot in the restaurant. This shop sells tuna from a variety of sources, including bluefin tuna from Oma, and is known for its high freshness.

At the store, you can enjoy various parts of tuna, such as lean sushi and assorted sashimi. In addition, Kurogin's specialty ``tuna roll'' is a sushi roll made with plenty of tuna, and is loved by many people who visit. In addition to this, they offer a variety of other dishes, such as Sanshoku-don and Otoro-don, all of which are excellent dishes with a strong flavor of fish.

One of the attractions of Maguro Ya Kurogin Tsukiji Main Branch is that you can enjoy your meal while watching the tuna being prepared right in front of you in the elegant atmosphere of Tsukiji Market.

■ Tsukiji Eel Restaurant

Tsukiji Unagi Shokudo is a popular restaurant where you can casually enjoy eel at Tsukiji Market. It is particularly famous for its reasonably priced ``eel skewers,'' and the aroma of the kabayaki sauce whets the appetite of many visitors. This restaurant serves eel skewers at reasonable prices starting from 200 yen each, making them perfect for eating while walking. At the restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of eel dishes, including kabayaki and shirayaki, with traditional flavors.

■ Onigiriya Marutoyo

Onigiri-ya Marutoyo is a rice ball specialty store located in Tsukiji Market, and its rice balls are made with ingredients unique to Tsukiji, such as grilled mackerel and salmon harus. Each rice ball is large and has a reputation for being satisfying. More than 40 types of rice balls are lined up at the store, including unique ones such as grilled cheese. It is popular for its warmth when freshly made and for being delicious even when it is cold, making it suitable for take-out.

4. Tsukiji events and festivals

The main festivals and events held at Sensoji Temple include the following.

■ Tsukiji Outer Market Spring Festival

The Tsukiji Outer Market Spring Festival is an annual event held in the spring and is known for offering local ingredients and fresh seafood at special prices. This festival is particularly famous for its ``Half Price Market,'' an event in which around 300 stores from Tsukiji Outer Market participate and sell their specialty items at half price. You can get fresh seafood, vegetables, dried foods, processed foods, daily necessities, etc. at great prices.

This event attracts many visitors every year, and popular items can sell out quickly, so we recommend gathering information in advance and planning your visit accordingly.

■ Tsukiji Honganji Flower Festival

The Tsukiji Honganji Flower Festival is an event held every April to celebrate the birth of Buddha. This festival includes a procession of children and sweet tea ceremonies, and is a special opportunity for visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture. During the Chigo procession, children dress in costumes from the Heian period and parade around pulling Hanamido. In addition, sweet tea is made by brewing the leaves of a variety of Hydrangea hydrangea and is poured over the Buddha's birth Buddha. This sweet tea represents the sweet rain that symbolizes the birth of Buddha.

At Tsukiji Honganji, by celebrating Buddha's birthday through this flower festival, it also has the meaning of wishing the participants good health and growth. Food stalls are set up at the festival, offering a variety of food and drinks, and the festival is popular not only with tourists but also with locals.

5.  Access to Tsukiji

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tsukiji is easily accessible by many public transportation options.

■ Access by train
The most convenient way to get there is by train. The nearest station to Tsukiji is Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, which is about a 5-minute walk from there. It is also about a 5-minute walk from Tsukiji-shijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and can be accessed from multiple lines.

■ Access by car
Although it is possible to visit by car, the Tsukiji area is generally prone to traffic congestion, so public transportation is recommended. If you are driving, it is common to use a nearby coin parking lot, but it is recommended that you arrive with plenty of time to spare, as it is expected to be crowded, especially on weekends and festivals.

■ Other information
For bicycles and motorbikes, there is a parking lot nearby, but please be careful as it can get very crowded. Also, the area around Tsukiji is often a pedestrian paradise, so it's a good idea to take this into consideration when accessing the area.

Finally

Tsukiji is an iconic district of Tokyo with a long history and rich food culture. Once home to the world's largest fish market, it still attracts many tourists and food lovers.

Even after the Tsukiji Market relocated, the Tsukiji Outer Market and surrounding restaurants have not lost their vitality and continue to provide visitors with fresh ingredients and traditional food experiences. Visiting Tsukiji is a valuable experience where Tokyo's history and modernity intersect.