What it is
The wholesale functions once based at Tsukiji moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the surrounding area known as the outer market is said to still host around 460 shops — seafood stalls, produce sellers, dried-goods stores, and restaurants. It keeps something of its character as a supplier for professional cooks while also being known as a place for casual eating and sightseeing.
How to shop and eat
Many stalls sell food that can be bought by the piece or skewer, such as grilled egg omelette, seafood skewers, or tempura, making it easy to snack your way through. Some dried-goods and kitchenware shops keep a professional-grade selection that's also open to general shoppers. A general information center is said to offer maps and shop information, worth a stop on a first visit.
When to visit
Many shops open early, and mornings tend to be the liveliest time. Closing days vary by shop, with Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays said to be common, though it differs enough that it's worth checking ahead if you have a particular shop in mind.
The area is a maze of narrow alleys, so a map app alone can make it tricky to find a specific shop. Some professional kitchenware shops sell Japanese-made knives and pots, and are said to draw cooking enthusiasts looking for souvenirs. More shops are said to be adding multilingual menus for visitors from overseas. If you'd rather not carry heavy bags around, choosing a shop that offers shipping is said to be an option.