Many tons of tuna come through the market. Fresh tuna eaten as sashimi (raw fish), “nama-maguro” that can be eaten on the spot, and frozen tuna for preserving are available.
There are many specialty stores for tuna that sell not only “oo-toro” (fatty-tuna), “chu-toro” (from the belly area of the tuna) and “akami” (leaner meat from the sides of the tuna), but also rare parts of the tuna, such as “medama” (the eyeballs of the tuna), which are cooked before eating.
Other Fresh Seafood and Shellfish鮮魚貝類
You can find a wide variety of delicious seasonal catch-of-the-day displayed in the showcases. Frozen crabs, shrimps, and scallops are very popular and available throughout the year.
Himono （Semi-dried fish）干物
“Himono” is a traditional salting and air-drying process used for long-term preservation of fish. The process helps concentrate the umami flavor or robust tastiness of the fish.
Meat, Poultry and Eggs肉類・卵
There is more to Tsukiji Market than fish. You also will be able to find beef, pork, chicken, and fresh eggs! Tender, juicy, marbled Japanese beef bearing the names of their origin are showcased along with meat imported from overseas.
Some countries have strict restrictions on bringing meat products into their countries, so please carefully check your local customs regulations before your purchase.
Fruits and Vegetables青果・妻物
Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetable are available year-round.
Some of them are unique to Japan and are used in traditional Japanese cuisine.
The fruit and vegetable stands are the first to signal the arrival of a new season.
Since every country has different customs regulations, please carefully check in advance as to what you are allowed to take back home.
Nerimono and Oden練製品・おでん
“Nerimono” refers to any food that is cooked using ground fish and seasoning. Some examples of nerimono are satsuma-agé (pronounced satsuma ah-gay), kamaboko, chikuwa, hampen and tsumire. A very popular dish in Japan called “Oden” is made by adding nerimono to a warm broth. Give nerimono and oden a try, they are sure to delight your palate.
Delicacies（Chinmi）珍味
Wholesale stores in the Market also cater to high-end, gourmet Japanese restaurants. Delicacies, known in Japanese as “chinmi,” are readily available here.
The three best known chinmi are salt pickled sea urchin roe (uni), salt pickled mullet roe (karasumi) and pickled sea cucumber innards (konowata).
Yes, they can be rather expensive but well worth the price for the epicurean in you!
Japanese-style Pickles漬物
Japanese pickles are called “tsukemono” and are the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of rice. Some examples of pickled vegetables are daikon radishes, turnips, cucumbers, eggplants, and burdock roots.
There are several different pickling processes including salt, miso (soybean paste), soy sauce, vinegar, rice bran, and sake kasu (sake lees). You may be pleasantly surprised by the sheer variety and the vivid colors of these delectable side dishes.
Tsukudani (Japanese Preserved Food)佃煮
“Tsukudani” is an excellent way to preserve small fish, shellfish, and seaweed, which are prepared by simmering the ingredients in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Due to its rich flavor, Tsukudani has been loved by the Japanese as a perfect side dish since the time of Edo period. Many kinds of Tsukudani are sold in Tsukiji Market.
Tamagoyaki玉子焼き
“Tamagoyaki” is a Japanese omelet made by cooking thin layers of scrambled eggs in a rectangular pan and folding many layers together into a block shape. Sweet tamagoyaki is used for sushi and as delightful morsels in bento boxes. There are several specialty stores in Tsukiji Market, so make sure to give them a try. Tamagoyaki will keep for several days when refrigerated, so please remember to keep it cold.
Seasonings and Processed Foods食料品・加工品
A variety of seasonings and processed foods line the shelves of the Japanese markets. Chinese, Western, and ethnic seasonings and processed foods are available in household size and bulk restaurant size. Spice up your life and bring colors to your table by trying out new seasonings today.
Snacks and Sweets菓子
“Osembei”（rice crackers） dried fruits, and nuts are also popular souvenirs, as they go well with alcoholic drinks. Traditional confectionaries called “wa-gashi” are quite popular among workers in Tsukiji Market.
Dried Seafoods乾物
Dried fish have been exported to China for a few hundred years, making their way into Chinese cuisine.
Even now, dried salmon, scallops and squids are popular overseas.
Dried Bonito Flakes鰹節
“Katsuobushi” is dried bonito flakes used to make “dashi” (clear fish stock) which is the most essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Bonito go through a rigorous process of boiling, smoking, fermenting, and drying until it is as hard as a piece of wood. Thin flakes are cut from the dried Bonito using a plane. Smoked Bonito are called “Arabushi,” while fermented Bonito are called “Karebushi” (Bonito flakes) are rich in Vitamin-Bs and inosinic acid, which is a natural source of the umami flavor.
Grains, Cereals, and Beans雑穀・豆
Millet and wheat are popular cereals in Japan. One favorite and easy way to incorporate cereals into your diet is to mix them with rice, and let the rice cooker do the job! (Stovetop cooking will work just as well.)
You will also find various kinds of beans: azuki, soybeans, black beans, white kidney beans, and much more. Both cereals and beans are high in fiber and nutrition, and recognized for their health benefits.
Seaweed (Nori) and Green Tea (Ocha)海苔・茶
“Nori”(Japanese sea vegetables) are ‘best friends’ with rice as evidenced by sushi rolls and rice balls called “onigiri.” Nori is a sea vegetable that has been laid out in the sun in thin sheets to dry. It is a necessary staple to the Japanese diet along with “Ocha”(Japanese green tea). Unlike oolong tea and black tea, green tea is unfermented tea leaves. “Kambutsu”(dried products) refers to beans, seaweed, etc.
All of these products make excellent souvenir gifts.
Cooking Utensils and Kitchenware料理道具・厨房
For centuries the Japanese have been using natural materials such as wood and bamboo for making cooking utensils. The look is simple, yet they are really strong, long-lasting, and easy to hold and use. The market retails both traditional Japanese kitchenware and trendy, innovative utensils.
Knives刃物
The most essential tool of any cook is by far a knife. There are many kinds of knives available at Tsukiji Market: ones to fillet large fish such as tuna; ones to fillet smaller fish such as mackerels and flounders; ones for sashimi; and many other specialty and household knives.
The shine and gleam from the professional chefs’ knives reflect the pride in their work. When proper care is taken, these knives will last for decades.
Japanese Tableware食器類
Just as kimono accentuates the beauty of a woman, Japanese bowls and dishware play a major role in enhancing the presentation of a meal. There is an emphasis on “pleasing the eye before the palate,” and the Japanese have elevated this concept to an art form. A wide selection of beautiful bowls and dishware in every size, color and seasonal pattern awaits you.
Wrappings and Packaging Goods包装用品
The Japanese have long appreciated the beauty of paper and wood. Japan is a culture of “origami”–the art of paper folding. This art has percolated into everyday life leading to unique and beautiful ways of wrapping and packaging. Many paper and wood products such as wooden chopsticks, colorful place mats, and plates can be found at Tsukiji Market.
Clothing衣料品
You will find some special clothes: aprons, worker’s uniforms, T-shirts, “Tenugui,” (Japanese cotton towels), rubber boots, and sandals.
These are essential items for workers and professionals shopping at the market.
Sushi寿司
Tsukiji Market is home to many sushi shops and restaurants. There are several traditional sushi restaurants serving sashimi (raw fish) and sushi (raw fish over rice).
Sashimi Rice Bowl海鮮丼
One way to enjoy tasty raw fish at a very reasonable price is to give “Donburi,” or ‘Don` in short, a try. Sashimi Don consists of a bowl of hot cooked rice with raw fish of your choice. When in doubt as to what to do, just watch the person sitting near you and follow his every move!
Eateries食事処
You can enjoy a wide variety of popular and traditional Japanese food to choose from: ramen, soba and udon, tempura, and “unagi”(eels). Most eateries open for early birds, for both shoppers and workers in the market. That is why such eateries are relatively casual in style and reasonable.
Tea Rooms and Coffee Shops軽食・喫茶
Take a break from shopping and sightseeing by stepping into a tea room or a coffee shop. After you catch your breath, walk through the crowds and experience the hustle and bustle of Japan’s culinary center.
Services
In addition to shops and restaurants, there are hotel accommodations and package delivery services (takuhaibin) available in the Tsukiji district.
