Tokyo Guide : Adachi Market (足立市場)
Speaking of markets in Tokyo, the Tsukiji and Tsukiji Outside Markets, which have been relocated to Toyosu, are famous for the fresh fish you can buy and the Shokudo (cafeterias) where you can enjoy a breakfast or lunch. On par with the Tsukiji Market is the lesser-known Adachi Market, the Tokyo Metropolitan Wholesale Market, located in Senjuhashido-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo. Supplying mainly fresh marine products, it is the kitchen of Tokyo.
Adachi Market is small for a central wholesale market, with approximately 42,000 m2 of land, which is the only market in Tokyo specializing in marine products, and offers a wide range of products such as fresh and delicious fish as well as vegetables and Japanese omelettes (Tamagoyaki). In addition, just like Tsukiji, several cafeterias offer delicious gourmet food for breakfast and lunch. It is not well known, so it is a good place to visit without worrying about crowds.
History of Adachi Market
Adachi Market is a historical market that is said to have started in the Tensho era. At that time, it handled river fish, produce, and rice, and was one of the three largest produce markets in Edo, as well as a market for the shogunate. Later, the fruit and vegetable department was separated and moved to the present location. It handles about 30% fresh fish, 8% tuna, and 62% frozen and salted and dried processed products, and is characterized by a wide variety and quantity, with some stores wholesaling smaller units.
The Adachi Market Day
“The Adachi Market Day” is held once every two months, with a theme chosen each time, and the fresh fish wholesale area, which is normally only open to vendors, is opened to the public. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, such as a tuna dismantling show that is rarely seen, a raffle for shopping coupons, and a chance to buy delicious fish at a discount while listening to the advice of fish professionals.
In addition to tuna, many popular fish such as saury, horse mackerel, mackerel, bonito, and Japanese common squid are handled and can be purchased in small quantities.
At the four restaurants in the Shokudo (cafeteria) area in the Adachi Market and at restaurants in the surrounding area, you can enjoy for lunch a variety of foods made from seafood purchased at the Adachi Market, including set meals, seafood rice bowls, sushi, and of course soba and udon noodles.
My family and I went to Takezushi (武寿司), one of the four restaurants in the dining area of Adachi Market. You can enjoy sushi made with fresh, seasonal fish that only Adachi Market can deliver from all over Japan. The owner carefully selects seasonal items for today’s recommendation, some of which are rare, on a board in the restaurant, and it is said that no matter which one you try, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant also seems to have a wide selection of sake. Don’t forget that the restaurant is open from 8:30 to 14:00.
Access Information
A 5-minute walk from Senjuohashi Station (千住大橋駅) on the Keisei Main Line. Otherwise, take the Tobu Skytree, Tsukuba Express, Chiyoda, Hibiya or JR Joban Lines to Kita-Senju Station (北千住駅) for a 15-minute scenic route through the shotengai (商店街) shopping streets.
