Toyosu Fish Market is Japan’s largest wholesale seafood and produce market, located in Tokyo’s Koto Ward. Officially opened in October 2018 as the successor to the historic Tsukiji Market, Toyosu Market is a state-of-the-art facility managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It serves as the core distribution hub for seafood and agricultural products in the Greater Tokyo Area and plays a critical role in Japan’s food supply chain, blending advanced logistics infrastructure with time-honored auction traditions.
Core Business and Market Function
Toyosu Fish Market functions as a central wholesale trading complex for:
- Fresh Seafood
- Tuna, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and seasonal fish
- Frozen Seafood
- Processed and frozen fish products sourced domestically and internationally
- Agricultural Products
- Premium fruits and vegetables, often destined for high-end retailers and restaurants
The market serves licensed intermediaries, restaurants, hotels, retail chains, and international buyers. Auctions, private bidding, and direct sales occur daily, maintaining continuity of Tokyo’s seafood trade with a modern logistical backbone.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
Toyosu Market specializes in high-volume, high-value seafood distribution. Its unique attributes include:
- Japan’s largest tuna auction platform, where prized bluefin tuna can fetch prices upwards of USD 100,000 per specimen
- Temperature-controlled indoor facility, minimizing contamination and ensuring food safety
- Multi-tenant ecosystem, including wholesalers, logistics operators, restaurants, and retailers
- Public observation decks and guided tours, enhancing transparency and tourism
It upholds traditional practices such as the early morning tuna auction, while utilizing modern logistics and automation to streamline market operations.
Financial and Operational Insights
While individual tenant financials are confidential, the overall Toyosu Market infrastructure spans:
- 407,000 square meters of floor area
- Over 600 wholesale businesses and tenants
- 5,000+ daily workers including auctioneers, fishmongers, and logistics staff
- Handles an estimated 1,500 tons of seafood and produce daily
The total construction cost exceeded JPY 600 billion (USD 5.4 billion), underscoring its significance as a national infrastructure project.
Shipment and Export Activities
Although Toyosu Market itself does not export directly, it functions as a vital procurement and inspection point for seafood intended for overseas markets. Export-licensed wholesalers within the market regularly supply:
- High-grade tuna and shellfish for sushi markets in the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Europe
- Seasonal delicacies to Japanese food distributors across Asia
- Products compliant with US FDA, EU, and ASEAN import regulations
Cold chain logistics providers within the market enable same-day air freight to major cities globally.
Target Market
Toyosu Fish Market serves a layered customer base, including:
- Licensed seafood intermediaries and wholesalers
- Sushi restaurants and Kaiseki establishments
- Supermarket chains and department store food halls
- International seafood exporters and buyers
- Tourism operators and culinary institutions
Its influence extends beyond Japan, shaping global seafood trends through the export of high-end Japanese seafood.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Advanced cold storage and rapid freezing facilities
- Multiple auction halls and trading zones, segmented by product category
- Dedicated logistics centers with 24/7 handling capability
- Digital traceability systems and quality inspection protocols
- Visitor areas with restaurants and learning spaces for culinary professionals
The complex includes three primary buildings: the Fisheries Wholesale Market Building, the Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market Building, and the Fruit and Vegetable Market Building.
Certifications and Compliance
Toyosu Market operates under strict oversight by:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs
- Compliance with Japanese Food Sanitation Act
- HACCP-aligned operations by market tenants and cold storage operators
- Inspection protocols by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for seafood intended for export
The market enforces robust sanitation, food safety, and waste management policies across all facilities.
Customer and Industry Reputation
Toyosu Fish Market is renowned globally for:
- Unmatched product quality
- World-famous tuna auctions
- Precision in seafood handling and grading
- Innovation in food distribution infrastructure
Tourism reviews and food industry media regularly praise the market for its transparency, accessibility, and role in preserving Japanese culinary traditions.
In its first year of operations, Toyosu received over 2 million visitors, many participating in guided tours, auction viewings, and culinary experiences.
Major Achievements
- Successfully transitioned from the historic Tsukiji Market, preserving cultural and commercial functions
- Houses Japan’s premier seafood and produce auction ecosystem
- Serves as a global model for modern fish market infrastructure
- Central to Japan’s seafood export economy, contributing to over USD 3 billion in annual seafood exports
- Continues to attract chefs, buyers, and tourists from around the world
Toyosu Fish Market stands as a testament to Japan’s commitment to preserving food culture while advancing global standards in food safety, logistics, and sustainability. It remains a cornerstone of the Japanese food economy and an iconic hub in the global seafood industry.