Friends, trust me. If you ever find yourself in Japan, one of the best ways to experience the country is by joining a breakfast tour in Tokyo, particularly at Tsukiji Market. Last December, I did just that, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience! After searching for the ‘best food tour in Tokyo’ on TripAdvisor, I discovered Arigato Japan’s Classic Tsukiji Breakfast Tour, one of the top-rated food tour providers in the city. I decided to give it a try, and it did not disappoint.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal experience on the tour, highlight the key stops we visited, and share my overall verdict. There are plenty of similar tours available online, so be sure to check the stops, inclusions, and reviews on reliable platforms to find the one that suits you best. I hope this inspires you to book a breakfast tour in Tokyo and dive into the city’s vibrant food culture!
If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, check out my Japan itinerary for first-time visitors. In that post, I’ve shared the exact itinerary I used during my first trip, along with actual expenses, hotel recommendations, and more helpful tips!
Table of Contents
About Tsukiji Market
As the inner market, where tuna auctions are held every day, finally moved to Toyosu, visiting Tsukiji Market may not sound appealing anymore. However, fret not. The equally vibrant and historic outer market, with its specialty market spaces, stayed. Most of the local restaurants, sushi stalls, shops, among others continued as usual. The world-famous tuna auction may not be there anymore, but a visit to ‘Tokyo’s Kitchen’ is still one of the best ways to know the city.
Arigato Japan’s Classic Tsukiji Breakfast Tour is one of the best ways to get to know Tsukiji Market. I would suggest going on a breakfast tour in Tokyo at the beginning of your trip so you will be prepared to explore and find delicious food on your own. Below are some highlights from the tour to get you excited.
First Stop: Turret Coffee Stop
Before our group brave the maddening crowds at Tsukiji Fish Market, we first went to Turret Coffee, a nice little café located just a short walk from the market. The name of the café, Turret, came from the small motorcar used to transport tuna and other goods in the market. I did not notice it at first but my guide, Asami-san, pointed that we were actually sitting at one of the old turrets used in the market before! Locals and tourists who go here are not only after the freshly baked bread and great coffee, but also for that unique Tsukiji vibe that you won’t ever get in Starbucks!
Note: This café is located just around the corner from Starbucks, but real coffee lovers in Tokyo go to this café instead.
Second Stop: Delicious Fish Breakfast at a Local Restaurant
After our coffee fix at Turret Coffee Shop, Asami-san and Yoshi-san led me to one of those hole-in-the-wall local restaurants in Tsukiji Outer Market. With no English menu, the cook and his staff do not speak English as well; I would have never been able to figure out what to eat here. The guides ordered for me and when my breakfast tray was served, my taste buds had the time of their life. I had a bowl of delicious steamed rice (what? delicious rice? If you have tried Japanese steamed rice before, then you’ll know!), steaming hot miso soup, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), and the star of the breakfast plate, grilled fish!
If I were not on this tour, I definitely would have just walked right past this local restaurant without knowing what they offer! I will never forget the smell of grilled fish from this unassuming establishment.
Third Stop: Regional Specialty Stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market
After breakfast, we walked off the calories by exploring the outer market, specifically the area selling regional specialties. Here you will find the most expensive tuna called Oma Maguro, the bluefin tuna found in the town of Oma in Aomori, Japan. There are king crabs, hairy crabs and snow crabs from Hokkaido. Many stalls sell fresh oysters, big octopus, lobsters, shrimps, salmon roe, scallops, sea urchins, and many more. There are also fresh fruits and vegetables from different prefectures in Japan. Seriously, you don’t have to travel far from Tokyo to get a taste of these regional specialties.
Fourth Stop: Namiyoke Inari Shrine
Before we ate what Asami-Asahi-San and Yoshi-san bought at the outer market, we went to Namiyoke Inari Shrine. Located just a short walk from Tsukiji Market, Namiyoke (meaning protection from the waves) is a Shinto shrine built on the water’s edge when this part of Tokyo was created from landfill in 1659. Since the Edo era, travellers specifically fishermen go to to this shrine to pray for a safe journey and return.
Fifth Stop: Food Tastings at Tsukiji Outer Market
After our short break at Namiyoke Inari, we were back to food tasting at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Our next stop was the second floor of one of the wholesale markets where I had the pleasure of eating what Asami-Asahi-San and Yoshi-san bought from the market. I was able to eat the famous and expensive Oma Maguro. Yoshi-san also taught me the proper way to eat sushi and sashimi. Then, I ate octopus (tako), which I absolutely loved because of the texture and flavor. We stayed there for about 30 minutes; a much need rest for out feet.
Final Stop: Intimate Tea Experience at a Local Teahouse
And of course, a breakfast tour in Tokyo will not be complete without an intimate tea experience at a local tea house. The tea house we went to has three floors where you can get different tea experience and ambience. Run by tea masters, the tea house made me feel like I was part of the Japanese Imperial Family. Each floors offered different kinds of tea. It would have been difficult for me to appreciate it because of language barrier but thankfully Asami-san and Yoshi-san translated what the tea masters shared. It was certainly the perfect way to end the tour!
Breakfast Tour in Tokyo: Overall Experience
Arigato Japan’s Classic Tsukiji Breakfast Tour was yet another incredible food tour experience. What stood out to me wasn’t just the variety of delicious seafood I got to try, but the opportunity to learn more about Tokyo and the Japanese way of life. This wasn’t just a walking food tour—it was a deeper dive into the heart of my favorite city. Special thanks to Asami-san, who spoke excellent English and made me feel more connected to Tokyo. And a big shoutout to Yoshi-san for sharing fascinating insights about Tsukiji Market. The tour wouldn’t have been as amazing without these two guides!
Arigato Japan
Official Website: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arigatojapanfoodtours
Tour cost: 131 USD per person
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM (tour is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon)
Meeting Place: Turret Coffee Shop
Where to stay in Tokyo
For first-time visitors, I highly recommend staying at hotels near the JR Yamanote Line, particularly around stations with direct airport access like Nippori, Ueno, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. These areas offer convenient transport connections and easy access to major attractions. However, be cautious with Shinjuku Station—it’s massive and can be quite overwhelming, making it easy to get lost. But don’t worry; the train station personnel are friendly and always willing to help with directions!
Almont Hotel Nippori
For solo and budget travelers, I highly recommend Almont Hotel Nippori. It is just a short walk from JR Nippori Station, the station with direct airport access (Skyliner). Having stayed here before, I can say that it offers superb value at less than 13,000 yen for two. Their breakfast buffet is great!
Shibuya Stream Hotel
For Couples, I recommend Shibuya Stream Hotel. It is located in the heart of Shibuya, the hub of business, fashion, and entertainment. This hotel provides direct access to JR Shibuya Station (3-minute walk), connecting you to Tokyo’s major attractions. If you’re taking the airport bus from Narita or Haneda Airport, you can get a free taxi transfer from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel to Shibuya Stream Hotel.
Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
For families and big groups, I suggest Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West. It is only 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and 2-minute walk from the Washington Hotel airport limousine bus stop. What sets it apart is the spaciousness of its rooms, a rarity in typical Japanese hotels, making it an excellent choice for families. My previous stay with friends (a group of four) was nothing short of fantastic so I highly recommend this hotel.
How to get to Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market is conveniently located in Central Tokyo and is easily accessible by public transportation.
- The closest station is Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (Exit 1), which is just a 1-minute walk away.
- You can also get off at Shintomicho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, which is about a 5-minute walk from the market.
- Another option is Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, which is a 5-7 minute walk.
- For those staying near the JR Yamanote Line, the nearest JR station is Shimbashi, and from there, it’s a quick taxi ride or a 15-minute walk.
What train tickets/passes to use?
The ideal train pass for visiting Tsukiji Market depends on your itinerary and the area you are staying in Tokyo. If you’re primarily staying in Central Tokyo, the Tokyo Subway Ticket or an IC card could be your best bet.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket – If you plan to use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines frequently, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is a great option. It offers unlimited travel on both lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
- Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) – The JR Pass is a better choice if you’re traveling throughout Japan and plan to use JR trains extensively, including the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo. However, the JR Pass does not cover Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines, so for places like Tsukiji Market, you might need to buy individual subway tickets.
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass – For travelers planning to explore Tokyo and nearby areas beyond central Tokyo, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass offers unlimited rides on JR lines in Tokyo and surrounding regions for three consecutive days.
- IC Cards (Icoca, Suica or Pasmo Card – If you prefer flexibility, a rechargeable IC card is an easy and convenient option. You can use it on almost all trains, buses, and even for purchases at convenience stores. It’s the simplest way to pay for transportation without worrying about specific passes.
What do you think of this Breakfast Tour in Tokyo? Have you done any similar food tours in the past? Would you consider this tour if you’re traveling to Tokyo? I would love to hear your thoughts! Let’s chat down below!
