TOKYO / TSUKIJI TOUR GUIDES

AREA

Tsukiji

Edo – Tokyo – Tsukiji

The former name of Tokyo, Edo, dates back to 1603 when the SHOGUN Tokugawa Ieyasu built a castle there, establishing it as the political centre of Japan. By the mid-1700s, Edo had grown into one of the largest cities in the world, with a population exceeding one million. At the time of Edo’s establishment, Tsukiji was originally part of the sea, but as its name suggests (築地 meaning “reclaimed land”), it was gradually developed into part of the castle town through land reclamation. 

The History Of Tsukiji Markert

Tsukiji Market has its origins in the Nihonbashi fish market, which had operated since the Edo period. However, after being severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the market was relocated to Tsukiji, where it flourished as Japan’s most famous wholesale seafood market for many decades.
For years, Tsukiji Market was a bustling centre of food trade, where professional buyers from restaurants and retailers sourced fresh seafood and produce. However, in 2018, the wholesale market relocated to Toyosu, where a more modern facility was built. Despite this, numerous shops and restaurants remain in Tsukiji, preserving its status as an important destination for Japanese food culture.
The former market site, covering approximately 19 hectares, is now set for redevelopment. Plans include a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 50,000, which could establish a new landmark in Tokyo over the next decade.

Namiyoke Inari Shrine

Namiyoke Inari Shrine, known as Tsukiji’s guardian shrine, was founded about 350 years ago in the early Edo period. It is said that during the difficult land reclamation work in Tsukiji, a sacred object appeared from the sea, leading to the shrine’s establishment.

The name “Namiyoke” means “protection from waves”, symbolising its power to ward off disasters and bring business success and safety.

To the north of the shrine, several memorial mounds were built to express deep gratitude for the lives of animals and seafood that sustain business and daily life.

Tsukiji Highlights

Namiyoke Shrine
Honganji temple
Hojyuji temple

Other Area

Tsukiji
Asakusa
Ueno