Adachi Market, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Adachi Market has operated as one of Tokyo's major wholesale markets since February 11, 1945, making it one of the city's oldest continuously operating fish markets. Originally established as one of the commercial centers in the big three Edo markets, it has evolved into a specialized fish market with a large stock of marine products in variety. The market represents a direct connection to Tokyo's historic trading traditions while serving as a vital hub for the city's seafood distribution network.

As Tokyo's second-largest wholesale fish market after Toyosu, Adachi Market is actually the only wholesale center in Tokyo that deals exclusively in seafood and marine products. The market covers a lot area of 42,684 square meters and serves as a crucial distribution point for restaurants and retailers throughout the region. Unlike the tourist-heavy Toyosu Market, Adachi maintains its authentic working atmosphere with minimal commercial tourism influence.

The market experience centers around three distinct areas that showcase different aspects of Tokyo's seafood trade. The fish wholesale market allows visitors to observe fishermen, intermediaries, and restaurant employees bidding and trading on a great variety of fresh seafood, including tuna cutting demonstrations. The retail market features fruits, vegetables, meat, packaged foods, and tsukemono (Japanese pickles), where many locals conduct their regular grocery shopping. Uogashi Shokudo encompasses a variety of restaurants serving fresh fish from the market prepared in numerous ways.

Special public access occurs on Adachi Market Days, held on the 2nd Saturday of odd months from 9 AM to 11 AM. During these events, the normally professional-only wholesale area opens to the general public, allowing anyone to purchase fresh fish directly from wholesale stalls. For regular visits, the optimal time is between 8 AM and 10 AM when market activity peaks. The restaurant area remains accessible to all visitors throughout operating hours, offering fresh seafood meals at significantly lower prices than tourist markets.

The market is located at 50 Senjuhashido-machi, Adachi-ku and sits just a 5-minute walk from Senjuohashi Station on the Keisei Main Line. Alternative access includes a 15-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, which connects to JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and Hibiya Line. The market can be contacted at +81-3-3882-4301 for specific inquiries. Admission to the market is free, though individual restaurant charges and market purchases apply separately.