Throughout the Tokugawa period, earth from the shogunate's extensive moat and canal excavations was systematically used to fill in the marshes along the river, creating new commercial districts and waterfront housing. The land was then named Tsukiji (??), meaning "constructed land" or "reclaimed land".

The Great Fire of Meireki of 1657 destroyed over two-thirds of Edo's buildings, including Hongan-ji