Toyosu Fish Market & Ginza

We meet in the morning at Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line, the dedicated station for Toyosu Market, while the morning wholesale trade is in full swing. (If you wish to apply in advance for the 5:30 AM dawn tuna auction lottery, we adjust our start time accordingly.)

Welcome to the world's largest wholesale fish market! From the dedicated viewing galleries, we look out over the halls where massive bluefin tuna worth thousands of dollars are handled (and if we hold lottery tickets for 5:30 AM, witness the dawn auction itself). Explore the various sections and see the scale and precision of an operation that handles over 2,000 tons of seafood daily.

After exploring the market halls, we enjoy the freshest sushi breakfast possible at one of the market's renowned restaurants. The tuna we saw in the halls earlier may well be on your plate—it does not get fresher than this. Savor each piece knowing you're experiencing Tokyo's seafood culture at its absolute finest.

From Toyosu we head to Hamarikyu, a feudal lord's landscape garden on Tokyo Bay framed by the Shiodome skyscrapers. We stroll around the tidal pond and enjoy a bowl of matcha with a wagashi sweet in the Nakajima teahouse, a calm pause while Ginza's shops get ready to open.

We pass Tokyo's premier kabuki theater, a stunning building that blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern design. Even without attending a performance, the exterior and small gallery offer insight into this UNESCO-recognized art form.

Tokyo's most elegant shopping district, home to flagship stores from the world's top luxury brands. We stroll past Wako department store with its iconic clock tower, explore the unique architecture of brand boutiques, and perhaps stop at one of the refined cafés for a break.

Enjoy a refined lunch at one of Ginza's renowned establishments. Options range from exquisite tempura to premium tonkatsu, elegant sushi counters, or French-Japanese fusion cuisine that reflects Ginza's cosmopolitan character.

The newest and largest commercial complex in Ginza, featuring cutting-edge architecture, a rooftop garden, and a remarkable art installation by Yayoi Kusama in the central atrium. We explore the food basement (depachika) with its incredible array of Japanese sweets and gourmet items.

We conclude at Mitsukoshi, Japan's oldest department store founded in 1673. Explore its legendary basement food hall (depachika), admire the magnificent central atrium with the iconic Tennyo statue, and discover why this heritage institution remains a symbol of Japanese retail excellence.

Our culinary journey ends at Ginza Station, one of Tokyo's most central transit hubs. From here, all of Tokyo is within easy reach.