Tsukiji Outer Market Accessibility Guide

Overview

Tsukiji Outer Market (Tsukiji Jogai Shijo) is a network of narrow streets and alleys lined with roughly 400 shops and restaurants selling fresh seafood, produce, kitchen tools, and prepared foods. The original inner fish market relocated to Toyosu in 2018, but the outer market remains in its original location and continues to draw large crowds of both locals and tourists. The main streets are flat and paved, but the side alleys are narrow and extremely crowded, creating the biggest challenge for wheelchair users.

Getting There

• Metro: Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line, Exit 1) is about a 3-minute roll to the market entrance on flat, paved sidewalks with dropped curbs.
• Metro: Tsukijishijo Station (Toei Oedo Line, Exit A1) is about a 5-minute roll to the market, also on flat ground.
• Bus: Toei Bus routes serve stops along Shin-Ohashi-dori and Harumi-dori near the market.
• Approach: Both station exits lead to flat, paved sidewalks. The market entrance areas are level with the street.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main streets running through the market are paved and flat with no steps or significant inclines.
• Most vendors display their goods on tables in front of their shops, at a height visible from a wheelchair. Food samples are typically offered at table height.
• Counter-style restaurants along the main streets are accessible to wheelchair users. You can eat at counter height without needing to transfer to a chair.
• The Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market building (the newer commercial building) has elevators to the 3rd floor cafeteria and wider aisles inside.
• Side alleys and smaller passages are narrow (some less than 1.5 meters wide) and packed with shoppers. Navigating these in a wheelchair is very difficult during peak hours.
• Some shop entrances have a small lip or step. Ask vendors for help if needed; most are willing to assist.

Accessible Toilets

• Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market building: Wheelchair-accessible toilet available inside the building.
• Tsukiji Honganji Temple: Located a 2-minute roll from the market, this temple has accessible restrooms. The temple grounds are flat and paved.
• Public toilets in the market area itself do not have accessible stalls.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visit between 5:00 and 7:00 on a weekday for the best wheelchair experience. The crowds build significantly after 8:00.
• Stick to the main streets (Naka-dori and the cross streets) rather than attempting the narrow side alleys.
• The ground can be wet and slippery near seafood vendors, especially in the early morning. Take care on smooth tiles when wet.
• Many vendors accept cash only. Have small bills (1,000 JPY) and coins ready for quick transactions.
• If you want a sit-down sushi meal, the restaurants on the outer edges of the market tend to have more space and wider entrances than those deep inside the alleys.
• The nearby Tsukiji Honganji Temple is worth a visit. This unusual stone temple (inspired by Indian architecture) has step-free access, accessible toilets, and a free-entry main hall.