Market shopping in Japan
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Ameya-yokochō
This market has a flavour unlike any other in Tokyo, resembling noisy, pungent bazaars elsewhere in Asia. It was famous as a black-market district after WWII, and is still a lively outdoor shopping arcade where bargains abound. There are sneakers, dried squid and shirts emblazoned with Japanese motifs. Look for its big archway sign opposite Ueno Station's south side.
reviewed
-
Nijō Fish Market
Buy a bowl of rice and select your own sashimi toppings, gawk at the fresh delicacies (some more delicate than others!), or sit down at a shop in Nijō Fish Market, one of Hokkaidō's best. Get there early for the freshest selections and the most variety; things close up by 18:00 and individual restaurants have their own hours. Sea urchin and salmon roe are favourites; as is Hokkaidō's version of 'Mother and Child' (Oyakodon), a bowl of rice topped with salmon and roe.
reviewed
-
A
Ameyoko Arcade
Ameya-yokochō, or Ameyoko, is one of the only old-fashioned outdoor markets in Tokyo. It's famous as a post-WWII black market and even now retains that throwback feel. Merchants call out to attract customers and open-air stalls display dried seafood, herbs and mushrooms. The Ameyoko Center Building contains stalls selling imported spices, produce and herbs from mainland Asia, and there are a few bargains on clothing and shoes in the area.
reviewed
-
Asa-ichi
The morning market is the place for fresh fish. Seafood donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings) is a local favourite. If you prefer to eat your seafood in a restaurant, see if one will whip up a Hakodate version of oyakodon; meaning 'mother and child donburi', it's usually made with chicken and egg in the rest of Japan; in Hokkaidō it's made with salmon and its roe.
reviewed
-
B
Tenjin-san Market
This market is held once a month at Kitano Tenman-gū and marks the birthday (and coincidentally the death) of the Heian-era statesman Sugawara Michizane (845–903). Items on offer are similar to those at Kōbō-san. It’s pleasant to explore the shrine before or after you do your shopping.
reviewed
-
C
Miya-gawa Market
Miya-gawa Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located along the east bank of the river Miya-gawa, between Kaji-bashi and Yayoi-bashi.
reviewed
-
Jinya-mae Market
Jinya-mae Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located in front of Takayama-jinya (Historical Government House).
reviewed
-
D
Kōbō-san Market
This market is held at Tō-ji on the 21st of each month to commemorate the death of Kōbō Taishi, who in 823 was appointed abbot of the temple. If you’re after used kimono, pottery, bric-a-brac, plants, tools and general Japanalia, this is the place.
reviewed
-
Street Market
If you're in Kōchi on a Sunday, don't miss the colourful Street Market along the road leading to the castle. The market, which has been going for some 300 years, has everything from fruit, vegetables and goldfish to antiques, knives and large garden stones.
reviewed
-
Ōedo Antique Market
Some 250 licensed dealers populate Japan’s largest outdoor antique market, in the courtyard of the Tokyo International Forum, with goods from furniture to pottery, sword guards to figurines. Phone ahead in case of inclement weather.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
E
Hanazono-Jinja Flea Market
A good mix of old and new features at this market, ranging from antique ceramics to new junk jewellery and used yukata (light cotton summer kimono).
reviewed
-
F
YWCA’s Thrift Shop
On the first and third Saturday of each month there is a flea market and general get-together of foreigners here.
reviewed
-
G
Tōgō-Jinja Fine Arts Market
Rummage through this trove of authentic antique wares and kimono, and odds and ends of various vintages.
reviewed
-
TempŸzan Marketplace
Next to the Giant Ferris Wheel, you'll find TempŸzan Marketplace, a shopping and dining arcade.
reviewed
-
H
Asa ichi
Kagoshima's is just south of JR Kagoshima-Chūō station. It's a raucous, lively event.
reviewed
-
I
Nogi-Jinja Flea Market
The place to go for ukiyo-e(wood-block prints) and antiques from Asia and Europe.
reviewed
-
Azabu-Jūban Antique Market
This flea market is held in the public square a block west of Azabu-jūban Station.
reviewed
-
Ni-jō Ichiba
Buy a bowl of rice and select your own sashimi toppings, gawk at the fresh delicacies or sit down at a shop in Ni-jō, one of Hokkaidō's best fish markets. Sea urchin and crab are favourites; as is Hokkaidō's version of 'Mother and Child' (oyakodon), a bowl of rice topped with salmon and roe. Get there early for the freshest selections and the most variety; things close up by noon and individual restaurants have their own hours.
reviewed
-
Hakodate Asa-ichi
Located just to the right of JR Hakodate Station, this market is a great place for hungry seafood lovers. Like tightly packed ammo, freshly caught squid glisten in ice-stuffed Styrofoam. Most of the live commerce is over by 8am, but you can still pick up snacks and souvenirs during the closing hours.
reviewed
-
Asa-ichi
This market is highly entertaining, though undeniably touristy. Some 200 fishwives ply their wares – seafood, crafts etc – with sass and humour that cuts across the language barrier. To find the market, walk north along the river from the Wajima Shikki Shiryōkan and turn right just before Iroha-bashi.
reviewed
Advertisement
