Chuo City in 1 Day for Friends - Meet at Tsukiji Hongan-ji and learn a short Buddhist ritual
In Collaboration with スキマ興産株式会社. Updated on February 26, 2026.
Small-group walking tour through Tsukiji's Outer Market led by a local food-savvy guide. Taste fresh sushi, seafood bowls, Wagyu skewers and seasonal fruit while meeting long-time vendors. Learn brief Buddhist rituals at Tsukiji Hongan-ji and local customs at Namiyoke Shrine. Finish with a relaxed BYO-style lunch at 38 KIOSK with Japanese-crafted drinks and a short survival-Japanese lesson.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with スキマ興産株式会社, inspired by the tour Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food&Culture Walking Tour With a LOCAL!. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at Tsukiji Hongan-ji and learn a short Buddhist ritual
- Guided treasure hunt through Tsukiji Outer Market to sample seafood, wagyu and seasonal fruit
- Visit Namiyoke Shrine to learn local etiquette and history
- Shop like locals in Tsukiji Uogashi / Jogai Market area
- BYO lunch and drink pairing at 38 KIOSK with a short Japanese table-manners lesson
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Tsukiji Hongan-ji (main entrance)
Group meeting and brief introduction. Your guide will explain the day's flow and teach a short Buddhist ritual at Tsukiji Hongan-ji as a practical cultural primer.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early and meet at the main entrance steps of Tsukiji Hongan-ji (look for the large stone stairway).
- Small backpacks are fine; larger suitcases can be stored with the guide during the tour (small items only).
- Bring a light jacket in spring mornings—the temple area can be breezy.
Treasure hunt at Tsukiji Fish Market (Outer Market)
Guided market walk to discover fresh seafood, Wagyu skewers, seasonal fruit and traditional cooking tools. The guide will introduce vendors and help guests sample a selection of bites.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry small bills and coins—many market stalls prefer cash for small purchases.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; some market alleys can be wet or uneven.
- If you have dietary restrictions, tell the guide at the start so they can steer you to suitable bites.
Learn culture and history at the local shrine
Visit the local shrine to observe prayers and learn about Edo-period history, shrine symbols and etiquette from your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow simple shrine etiquette: bow slightly at the torii, wash hands if a temizuya (purification basin) is available, and avoid loud behavior.
- Keep cameras respectful—avoid photographing people who are praying.
- If you wish to make a small offering, coins under 500 yen are customary; do this only if comfortable.
Shop like locals (Tsukiji Uogashi / Jogai area)
Explore shops that remain open to visitors in the Tsukiji Uogashi wholesale area. The guide facilitates introductions so you can sample and learn about specialty ingredients and tools.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide to introduce you—many shops will share small samples after a brief chat.
- Pack a small insulated bag if you plan to buy perishable items to take away immediately.
- Keep purchases compact—most wholesale shops sell professional-sized quantities.
BYO lunch party at the local hot spot, 38 KIOSK
Relax at 38 KIOSK — a cozy alleyway stand run by the tour organiser. Enjoy the ingredients hunted during the tour, try Japanese-crafted drinks, and receive a short lesson on table manners and simple Japanese phrases.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring the small items you bought in the market to assemble or share at the BYO lunch.
- If you plan to try Japanese alcohol (sake/whisky), inform the guide of preferences or restrictions beforehand.
- Seats are informal; travel-light seating and a casual atmosphere suit this venue—avoid large luggage at the kiosk.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Culture, Experience, Shopping, Meal |