What are the differences between Tsukiji Outer Market and Toyosu Market? Which one should tourists visit?

Hello! That's a great question, and it's a common point of confusion for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Simply put, their relationship is a bit like the "old shop" and "the new shop after moving," but there are differences.

Let me break it down for you in an easy-to-understand way. You'll get it after reading this!

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Want to experience a lively market atmosphere and eat various street foods on the go? Go to Tsukiji Outer Market.
Want to see professional tuna auctions, eat at the top sushi restaurants, and experience a modern seafood market? Go to Toyosu Market.

Detailed Comparison – Understand the Difference

Think of them as two people with different personalities:

Comparison	Tsukiji Outer Market	Toyosu Market
Current Focus	"Food street" + Traditional market	"Tokyo's new kitchen hub" + Professional wholesale center
Vibe & Atmosphere	Feels like a bustling, down-to-earth neighborhood full of charm and nostalgia. Narrow streets, shops packed tightly together, very lively, with fantastic, authentic energy! 🔥	Feels like a huge, clean, modern logistics center. Everything is orderly, buildings are new, aisles are wide, but it's a bit like visiting a large supermarket, lacking the old-school charm. 🏢
Main Attractions	🚶‍♂️ Eat! Eat! Eat! Snack paradise – tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, seafood bowls, strawberry daifuku... Perfect for strolling while eating. You can also buy dried goods and kitchen utensils.	🐟 Watch the tuna auction! This is its biggest highlight (requires an early start and reservation). Also, visit the restaurant zones in the Wholesale Market Building and Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market Building to eat at the legendary sushi restaurants that moved from Tsukiji.
Dining Experience	Tons of small shops, super diverse choices. Many places have counter seats right outside, or you eat standing up – very casual. Prices are relatively reasonable, with options for every budget.	Restaurants are concentrated in specific large buildings, basically all sit-down restaurants requiring proper meals. Famous spots (e.g., Sushi Dai, Daiwa Sushi) have insanely long queues; be prepared!
Tuna Auction	Long gone! In 2018, the wholesale and auction functions of the "Inner Market" entirely relocated.	Tokyo’s ONLY tuna auction is here! However, visitors can only watch from designated glassed-in viewing galleries, lacking the in-person intensity of the old Tsukiji experience.
Transport Convenience	👍 Very convenient. Close to Ginza, served by the Hibiya Subway Line (Tsukiji Station) and Oedo Subway Line (Tsukijishijo Station), just steps from the station.	😅 A bit further out. Requires taking the Yurikamome automated transit line to "Shijō-mae Station". Getting there from central Tokyo involves transfers and takes more time.

So which market should YOU visit? My advice...

It completely depends on your interests and time!

1. Go here if you...

Are visiting Tokyo for the first time and are on a tight schedule
Love lively, authentic energy and want to experience Japanese market culture
Want to try many different snacks and enjoy eating while strolling

Then, Tsukiji Outer Market is your top choice! It's the most tourist-friendly, conveniently located, and lets you experience the essence of market fun in the shortest time.

2. Go here if you...

Are a serious seafood enthusiast obsessed with "the freshest"
Are willing to queue for over 2 hours for a legendary "sushi shrine"
Are very curious about how a modern wholesale market operates and want to see the tuna auction live

Then, Toyosu Market is more your style! Be sure to get up very early, steel yourself for queues – this will be a professional-level "taste-seeking" journey.

3. The "I want it all!" Ultimate Plan

If you have ample time (like a whole morning) and are a true foodie, do this:

Early Morning (5:00-6:00 AM): Head to Toyosu Market to see the tuna auction (if you secured a reservation).
Breakfast (7:00-9:00 AM): At Toyosu's restaurant zone, pick your dream sushi spot and queue up for a top-tier breakfast.
Late Morning (10:00 AM onwards): Take the train from Toyosu to Tsukiji Outer Market. Shops will mostly be open, and it'll be bustling. Perfect for browsing, trying more snacks, and soaking up the contrasting vibes of both markets. Perfection!

Final Tips

Whichever you choose, go early, especially on weekends – crowds get huge.
Many shops in Tsukiji only accept cash, so prepare some in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes because you'll do a lot of walking!

Hope this explanation helps. Have a fantastic time exploring and eating your way through Tokyo! 🍣"