Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, from Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple to Kabukiza Theatre and Ginza

Start with breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, then head to the adjacent Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. After visiting the rooftop garden atop Kabukiza Theatre, stroll through the streets of Ginza, and conclude your walking tour at the clock tower of SEIKO HOUSE GINZA, standing at the Ginza 4-chome intersection.

History and Regional Charm

Tsukiji and Ginza are neighboring districts. The place name "Tsukiji" originates from the fact that it was "built land" (tsuki-ji), created by reclaiming the Edo Minato (harbor) during the relocation and reconstruction of Hongwanji Temple. After Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple was destroyed in the Great Fire of Meireki, a new temple hall was completed at the current Tsukiji site in 1679. A section of the outer market was also originally part of the Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple grounds. Meanwhile, the place name "Ginza" comes from the "Ginza", a shogunate government office responsible for minting silver coins. This office was relocated to what is now Ginza 2-chome in 1612.

In the Meiji era, following a major fire in 1872, Ginza was reborn as a modern brick town. In 1889, the original Kabukiza Theatre opened, aiming to be Japan's premier grand theatre.

The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake left a profound mark on this entire area. The burnt main hall of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple was reconstructed in 1934, and the burnt fish market in Nihonbashi was relocated to Tsukiji, leading to the official opening of Tsukiji Market in 1935. The brick district of Ginza was almost entirely wiped out as well, and during the subsequent reconstruction, department stores opened one after another. The clock tower at the corner of Ginza 4-chome was completed in 1932 after construction had been interrupted by the earthquake. Although the Tsukiji wholesale market relocated to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji Outer Market continues to buzz with its traditional vibrant energy.

Key Highlights

• ​Tsukiji Outer Market​​: Around 400 shops line the alleys, including fresh food vendors, eateries such as sushi restaurants, and specialty shops for culinary goods. Although it is a wholesale district where professionals conduct business, the general public can also enjoy shopping freely. At the fresh food market Tsukiji Uogashi, seafood and produce are sold on the 1st floor, and the Uogashi Shokudo food court is located on the 3rd floor of the Odawarabashi Building.
• ​Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple​​: The regional hub temple in the Kanto area for the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha sect. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1934 to the design of architect Ito Chuta, incorporating Indian architectural styles into the exterior through his own unique interpretation. The main hall with its copper-sheet rounded roof, together with the surrounding stone walls and gateposts, is designated as a national Important Cultural Property.
• ​Kabukiza Theatre​​: Known as the principal home of Kabuki, where performances are staged throughout the year. The current structure is the fifth generation, opened in 2013, faithfully recreating as much of the exterior of the beloved fourth generation as possible. On the 5th floor of the Kabukiza Tower, there is a rooftop garden built directly over the theatre roof.
• ​Ginza​​: The grid-patterned streets laid out during the Meiji era's brick town period form the basis of today's Ginza street blocks. Centered around Chuo-dori Street, multi-generational heritage stores stand side by side with premier international brands. On street corners, there are many historical sites and monuments from the Edo period onward, such as the "Monument to the Brick Town of Ginza", complete with explanatory plaques.
• ​SEIKO HOUSE GINZA​​: Located in Ginza and standing on the corner of the 4-chome intersection, widely regarded as the face of Ginza, this building is celebrated for its clock tower. Completed in 1932 as the second-generation clock tower, its Neo-Renaissance architecture is cherished as a Ginza landmark. Its dials face almost precisely north, south, east, and west.

Recommended Route and Duration

The recommended duration is approximately 5 hours. Tsukiji Outer Market is located right next to Tsukijishijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line or Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. First, stop by the comprehensive information center "Plat Tsukiji" to pick up a map of the market. Until 9:00 AM is priority time for professional buyers. As the alleyways are narrow, walk in small groups, and eat and drink either inside stores or in designated dining areas.

After breakfast, head about 200 meters northeast to Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. Stand directly in front of the main hall to take in the full, symmetrical structure before ascending the steps into the hall. From there, walk about 500 meters northwest to Kabukiza Theatre. Even if you do not watch a full Kabuki performance, you can purchase souvenirs at the Kobikicho Square on the B2 floor and pay respects at the Kabuki Inari Shrine to the right of the front entrance. If you do not have enough time for a full show, affordable single-act tickets (hitomakumi-seki) are also available.

After leaving Kabukiza Theatre, walk west into the heart of Ginza. Along Chuo-dori Street, historic department stores such as Ginza Mitsukoshi and Matsuya Ginza stand alongside the luxury specialty store Wako and modern shopping complexes like GINZA SIX. On weekends and public holidays, the main avenue of Ginza becomes a pedestrian paradise. Finally, walk about 370 meters northwest from Kabukiza Theatre to the Ginza 4-chome intersection. The clock tower of SEIKO HOUSE GINZA begins chiming 45 seconds before every hour. Arriving slightly before the hour allows you to hear the chimes and bell tolls. The nearby Ginza Station is very convenient for your return journey.

Summary of the Experience

From a market breakfast to a temple influenced by Indian architecture, the home of Kabuki, and the iconic clock tower of Ginza. These two districts, which began with Edo land reclamation and a silver coin mint, overcame the devastation of the earthquake to achieve their current vibrancy. Listen to the chimes of the clock tower as you look back on the path you have walked since morning.