Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji sushi district has issued a public appeal urging organized tour groups to refrain from visiting the area for the remainder of the month. The request, posted on the market’s official website and social‑media channels on December 2, targets both domestic and overseas operators that bring large numbers of visitors to the narrow streets surrounding the historic fish market. Officials say the appeal will stay in effect until the end of December, covering the peak holiday period. For foreign residents in Osaka who frequently travel to Tokyo for weekend outings, the advisory means that pre‑booked group itineraries may need to be altered at short notice. Without compliance, tour participants could encounter crowded walkways, long waiting times at popular sushi counters, and limited seating at the few remaining restaurants that can accommodate large parties. Adjusting plans now prevents disappointment and helps preserve the market’s delicate balance between commerce and tourism during the busiest time of the year. The appeal cites two main pressures: an unprecedented surge in inbound visitors following the relaxation of pandemic travel restrictions, and the traditional Japanese New Year (shōgatsu) celebrations that draw crowds to purchase fresh seafood for festive meals. In the first two weeks of December, Tsukiji recorded a 35 % increase in foot traffic compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Simultaneously, local vendors report that the influx of tourists has stretched seating capacity to 90 % at lunchtime, leaving only a handful of tables for walk‑in diners. The market’s management therefore asks tour operators to cancel or postpone group bookings until after December 31. The decision reflects a broader shift in how Japan’s iconic food districts manage tourism after years of steady growth. Since 2019, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has encouraged “responsible tourism” policies that aim to protect cultural heritage sites from overtourism. Tsukiji, once the world’s largest wholesale fish market, transformed into a tourist hotspot after the inner market relocated to Toyosu in 2018. While the outer market thrives on visitor spending, its narrow alleys and limited infrastructure were never designed for mass‑tour groups, prompting local merchants to seek a temporary reprieve.
ACTION Check the official Tsukiji website or the “Visit Tokyo” app for the latest guidance on group visits. 2. If you have a scheduled tour, contact the operator immediately to request a private or small‑group alternative that limits participants to ten people or fewer. 3. Consider exploring nearby neighborhoods such as Ginza or the newly opened Toyosu Market, both of which offer comparable sushi experiences without the current restrictions. 4. For solo travelers, reserve a seat at a counter‑style sushi bar in advance using online platforms like Pocket Concierge, which often have openings for individual diners. 5. Respect any signage posted at the market entrance and inform fellow travelers of the temporary policy to avoid accidental violations. By giving Tsukiji a brief breather, visitors help ensure that the market’s legendary tuna auctions and centuries‑old culinary traditions remain vibrant for the next generation—proof that a little patience can keep Japan’s most beloved flavors fresh on the plate.