A long awaited expansion to Tokyo’s largest food market
The Toyosu Market opened in Tokyo back in October of 2018 as a replacement for the aging wholesale section of the popular Tsukiji Market.
Despite incorporating spacious observation platforms into the design - allowing tourists to observe various aspects of operations from the famous tuna auctions to the fruit and vegetable markets - the development was met with mixed reviews due to an atmosphere many found somewhat sterile, lacking the bustle and intimacy of its much-loved predecessor.
With this in mind, I was excited to revisit the market to check out the Senkyaku Banrai, a long awaited extension to the facility that finally opened in February 2024 after years of delay, adding a food market and shopping complex recreating the feel of the city from before 1868, when it was still known by the name of Edo.
Literally meaning "a thousand customers, one by one", the new development looks to provide a continuation of sorts to Tsukiji's bustling outer market where visitors are free to explore, unlike the wholesale market which can only be observed from behind windows.
Located in the center of the Toyosu Market, the new development is adjacent to the seafood wholesale building and connects directly with nearby Shijo-mae Station via a pedestrian bridge. Its period-style design is especially effective when seen from the bridge, with white timber framed walls, interconnecting roofs and even an old-fashioned fire watchtower.
On the ground floor, the market features a single row of restaurants and one convenience store. These are enhanced by some nice design features, including a line of young cherry trees along the front, traditional wooden sign boards and paper lanterns hanging overhead.
Perhaps the busiest part of the development is the second floor Menuki Odori, or main street area - an open air corridor made to replicate a busy food market, complete with several restaurants (typically open 10:00 to 22:00) and stores (typically open 10:00 to 18:00). In parallel to this is Mekiki Yokocho or connoisseur's street (open 10:00 to 18:00), an indoor arcade with small eateries and shops selling various food products.
The third story (open 10:00 to 20:00) consists of two more open spaces, connected via two bridges extending over the open air shopping street below. Here, I found several full-sized restaurants and a number of smaller food stalls arranged around a nicely decorated food court. Keen to try some tasty seafood, I braved one of ever lengthening queues and was eventually able to sit down to a delicious plate of sushi from Tsukiji Kaisen Itadori.
In addition to shopping and dining, visitors can also take some time to relax either at the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club - a 24-hour health club with hot spring baths, sauna rooms and even the option to stay overnight (entry costs 3,850 yen, plus 2,000 yen after 3:00 AM) - or at the eighth floor foot bath garden (free to use, open 10:00 to 20:00).
While I found the latter just a little too crowded to get a seat at the foot bath itself, I instead ended my visit with a series of panoramic views over the complex below, the Toyosu Market building across the street and the wider harbor area.
Toyosu Market can be reached by the Yurikamome elevated train or by bus from Tokyo Station or Shimbashi Station. See our Toyosu Market page for access details.
